Free-beam and contact laser ablation of benign prostatic hyperplasia with the KTP/Nd:YAG laser: efficacy and versatility.

This report details the use of the free-beam Nd:YAG laser alone and in combination with contact vaporization for treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia. Improvements in urinary flow rates and symptoms were noted along with a high degree of patient satisfaction. The portable KTP/Nd:YAG laser wavelengths and the variety of optical fiber configurations provide versatility to the surgeon. This study further supports the use of laser energy as a means to treat urinary outflow obstruction from prostatic enlargement in selected cases.