The evolution of laser therapy in the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia.

The 2 basic principles of laser therapy for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), based on the final tissue effect, are laser vaporization and laser coagulation. In laser vaporization techniques, higher-density laser thermal energy is used; effects range from complete tissue vaporization to incision, resection, or enucleation of the obstructing prostatic tissue. Interstitial laser coagulation (ILC) requires lower therapeutic temperatures. The urethral preservation and lack of tissue evaporation/resection with ILC make this treatment different from conventional transurethral free-beam laser prostatectomy. The Indigo(R) Optima Laser treatment system is the most widely used ILC system. Unlike other BPH laser therapies, Indigo ILC can be satisfactorily performed using pure local anesthesia in an office or outpatient setting. Favorable treatment outcomes are seen in a large percentage of patients, with minimal adverse events. Such favorable results depend on proper surgical technique and operator experience.