Advances in laser technology have brought along effective, fast and comfortable treatment options compared to the old methods in the treatment of benign prostate enlargement, which has turned into a problem for men from the age of 40. prof. Dr. Hasan Biri shared details about a new technology called ThuFLEP.
Advances in laser technologies bring along new solutions in the treatment of benign prostate enlargement, which is one of the most important health problems of men from the age of 40.
Sharing his evaluations on the subject, Koru Hospital Urology Clinic Head of Department Prof. Dr. Hasan Biri said, “The latest developed thulium fiber laser (ThuFLEP) technology offers many advantages for the surgeon and the patient. In this way, the prostate ceases to be men's nightmare. In the ThuFLEP method, more effective, fast and comfortable treatment is performed compared to the techniques we currently use such as HoLEP and Plasma Kinetics, while better protection of the muscles that allow urine retention and semen output after surgery is provided with less bleeding.” said.
Precise and fast control in laser surgery
Stating that lasers are devices that emit different wavelengths used to cut tissue, vaporize it or achieve coagulation, Prof. Dr. Hasan Biri said that the procedures are carried out sensitively, quickly and in a controlled manner with computer-based imaging and guidance systems. Noting that after technologies such as KTP laser, diode laser, holmium (HoLEP) laser, thulium fiber laser (ThuFLEP) technology provides significant advantages for patients and surgeons, especially in the treatment of benign prostate enlargement, Prof. Dr. Hasan Biri said, “Benign prostate enlargement is an important health problem that affects the daily quality of life of approximately 50% of men between the ages of 80-30. In the treatment of this disease, methods such as HoLEP or TURP/Open Prostatectomy are still used. However, in 2022, the ThuFLEP technique comes to the fore. ThuFLEP laser technology has important advantages such as milder side effects and less deterioration in tissue compared to other methods.
Better cutting power, less tissue depth, less bleeding
Stating that both procedures performed with laser energy are technically similar, but the ThuFLEP method can achieve better cutting power and less tissue depth, Koru Hospital Urology Clinic Department Head Prof. Dr. Hasan Biri said, “Therefore, there is less bleeding and a better result is obtained in preserving the post-operative urine retention muscles and semen output. ThuFLEP technique is used in the endoscopic resection and staging of bladder tumors, resection and staging of upper urinary tract tumors, as well as the treatment of benign prostate enlargement (BPH). ThuFLEP method, like other endoscopic techniques, is performed by entering the urinary canal through the external urethra. Prostate tissue is peeled from its shell in 2-3 or one piece, depending on its size or shape, and placed in the bladder. It is then broken up and vacuumed out of the body with a device called a morcellator. After the prostate tissue is removed, it is sent to pathology and is under investigation.
It takes 1 to 3 hours on average
Drawing attention to the fact that the depth of tissue penetration is less in the ThuFLEP method and the wavelength is stable at a certain temperature with continuous energy, less tissue and cell damage occurs. Dr. Hasan Biri concluded his evaluations with the following statements: “The ThuFLEP method takes an average of 1 to 3 hours, depending on the prostate size. With Thulium Laser energy reaching less depth on the tissues, the neural structures that pass around the prostate and play a role in erection are exposed to less heat energy. In this way, the erection structure of the patient is preserved. Thulium Laser, which has a higher cutting power, also eliminates the risk of anatomical deterioration while removing prostate tissue. The ThuFLEP method is a technique that can be applied to anyone who is recommended prostate surgery. It can be performed safely because it has advantages over other surgical techniques. While there is no upper limit for the size of the prostate in the ThuFLEP laser method, the hospitalization period of the patients is 12-24 hours, and the length of stay with the probe after the surgery varies between 12-48 hours depending on the prostate size.”
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