NEWSROOM

Advances in laser technology have brought along effective, fast and comfortable treatment options compared to the old methods in treating 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 treating benign prostate enlargement, one of the most critical 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 fearful dream. In the ThuFLEP method, more effective, fast and comfortable treatment is performed compared to techniques such as HoLEP and Plasma Kinetics, which we still use. At the same time, better protection of the muscles that allow urine retention and semen output after surgery with less bleeding is provided.”

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 technologies such as KTP laser, diode laser, holmium (HoLEP) laser, thulium fiber laser (ThuFLEP) technology provide significant advantages for patients and surgeons, especially in the treatment of benign prostate enlargement, Prof. Dr. Hasan Biri said, "Benign prostate enlargement is a significant health problem that affects the daily quality of life of approximately 30% of men aged 50-80 years. Methods such as HoLEP or TURP/Open Prostatectomy are still used to treat this disease. However, in 2022, the ThuFLEP technique will come to the fore. ThuFLEP laser technology has significant 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, and 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 two, three, or one-pieces, and placed in the bladder depending on its size or shape. It is then broken up and vacuumed out of the body with a morcellator device. 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 specific temperature with continuous energy, less tissue and cell damage occurs Dr. Hasan Biri concluded his evaluations with the following statements: “The ThuFLEP method takes 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 for prostate surgery. It can be performed safely because it has advantages over other surgical techniques. While there is no upper limit for the prostate size 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.”