Thulium Fiber Laser (ThuFLEP) Treatment in Benign Prostate Enlargement
Benign Prostatic Enlargement (BPH) is a disease that can be seen in most men after middle age, as a result of the enlargement of the prostate gland, and is characterized by difficulty in urinating. BPH can be treated with lifestyle changes, medications, and surgery. In recent years, there have been technological developments that have led to serious changes in the surgical treatment plan. Prostate Enucleation (removal of the prostate similar to open surgery) technique has become accepted as the “gold standard”, replacing standard TUR-P and open prostate surgeries. Although many devices have been developed for this surgical technique, very good results are obtained with the recently developed Thulium Fiber Laser (ThuFLEP). ThuFLEP is a safe and effective treatment option for prostate enlargement.
With this unique technology method, it is possible to remove the inner part of the prostate called “adenoma”, which enlarges and narrows the urinary tract, similar to open prostate surgery. These adenomas, which are thrown into the urine bag, can be removed from the body again closed with a device called a “morcellator”. Studies show that with this method, patients do not need to undergo a lifetime surgery for prostate enlargement. In this method, the probability of complications is very low. ThuFLEP reduces important complications such as bleeding and urinary tract obstruction that patients compare during the recovery period. The hospital stay is shorter compared to other methods. However, sexual dysfunction is not seen after ThuFLEP. Urinary incontinence is rare and is a short-lived temporary condition.
For patients seeking an effective treatment for benign prostatic enlargement, ThuFLEP can be said to be an ideal option.
In Which Areas Is Thulium Fiber Laser (ThuFLEP) Used?
Among the usage areas of Thulium Fiber Laser Device; There are urological cases such as prostate treatment, and kidney stone breaking. In breaking kidney stones, this method allows the stones to be removed in smaller pieces more easily. This laser device is also used in the treatment of prostate disorders. The use of laser device in the treatment of prostate diseases is used to reduce prostate enlargement and to make the treatment more effective.
What are the Advantages of Thulium Fiber Laser (ThuFLEP) Treatment?
- The ThuFLEP method is more advantageous than other urological surgery methods in terms of bleeding risk, sexual dysfunction, hospitalization time, and pain level.
- In this method, tissue damage is minimized and after the procedure, urinary burning, bleeding, and sensitivity levels are very low in patients.
- In ThuFLEP method, the operation can be completed in a single session, thus shortening the hospital stay of the patient. As a result, a faster and more comfortable recovery is achieved.
To whom can it be applied?
ThuFLEP method is a surgery that can be applied in patients with Benign Prostate Enlargement (BPH) with a prostate size over 30 gr. that does not respond to drug treatment. ThuFLEP method is applied with a short operation time and minimal blood loss. In this way, it is very safe especially in patients using blood thinners. The operation time is less than 90 minutes under general or spinal anesthesia, except for very large prostates. ThuFLEP is a very suitable treatment option for patients who tolerate moderate to good anesthesia.
