Thulium Laser Treatment

The procedure

Thulium Laser Enucleation of the Prostate (Thulep) is a minimally invasive surgical option for treating Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH), also known as benign prostate enlargement. This procedure uses laser energy to precisely remove excess prostate tissue, improving urinary flow and overall quality of life.

Thulep targets the overgrown prostate tissue directly and is performed through the urethra using a cystoscope. No incisions required. Compared to traditional open surgery, it offers faster recovery, fewer complications, and a shorter hospital stay. Most patients return to their daily activities within one to two weeks.

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a noncancerous condition that affects up to 50% of men by age 60. It often causes bothersome urinary symptoms such as:

• Frequent or urgent urination
• Weak urine stream
• Difficulty starting or stopping urination
• Interrupted sleep due to nighttime urination

Thulium laser therapy is designed to:

• Remove overgrown prostate tissue
• Improve urine flow
• Relieve pressure on the bladder
• Preserve surrounding healthy tissue

HOW DOES THULIUM LASER TREATMENT WORK?

Thulep is performed under general anesthesia and does not require any external incisions. A cystoscope (a thin tube with a camera) is inserted through the urethra to access the prostate. A thulium laser fiber is then introduced to vaporize and enucleate the overgrown tissue.

The thulium laser offers high precision and controlled energy delivery, allowing surgeons to remove tissue efficiently while minimizing damage to surrounding structures. The laser’s wavelength causes minimal thermal injury, which promotes quicker healing and reduces the risk of complications.

The procedure typically lasts 2–3 hours. A urinary catheter is inserted postoperatively and usually removed after 1–2 days.

Benefits

Thulium laser therapy offers significant advantages for men suffering from BPH. Beyond improving urinary function, it supports a faster recovery and helps preserve quality of life, including sexual function.

The possible benefits of Thulep include:

• Rapid improvement in urinary symptoms
• High precision with minimal impact on surrounding tissue
• Minimal blood loss during surgery
• Reduced risk of thermal injury
• Short hospital stay (typically overnight)
• Faster return to daily activities
• Low risk of sexual dysfunction
• Long-lasting symptom relief

Risks

As with any surgical procedure, there are risks to consider. Most side effects from Thulep are temporary and part of the natural healing process.

Temporary symptoms may include:

• Irritation during urination
• Blood in the urine
• Retrograde ejaculation (semen enters the bladder)
• Mild discomfort in the pelvic area

In rare cases, patients may experience urinary tract infection, incontinence, or a need for retreatment. Risks are reduced when the procedure is performed by experienced specialists at Steinberg Urology.

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