Holmium Laser Resection of the Prostate Technique and Results
Chilton C, Mackey M

The holmium laser has a wavelength of 2.1 mm, this is strongly absorbed in water and blood. Preliminary animal studies documented the excellent characteristics of the holmium laser. Holmium has a short absorption length (0.4 mm) in soft tissue and this enables precise cutting without charring in an almost bloodless field. These characteristics make it an ideal cutting tool for soft tissue applications. As the laser can be delivered by a bare fiber, endoscopic resection of the prostate is feasible. This technique has similar efficacy to electrosurgical TURP but less morbidity. The prostate can be precisely enucleated at capsular level. The operation is challenging but relatively quickly learned when taught correctly. The HoLRP procedure is competing with many other technologies in surgical management of BPH. We believe HoLRP has several advantages over these technologies. These include; firstly, immediate removal of obstructing tissue, excellent hemostasis and retrieval of tissue for histological examination; secondly the improved quality of surgical care for the patients with fewer complications, shorter length of stay and convalescence.

Urology News, Vol. 1, Number 6, Sep/Oct 1997

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