Holmium Laser Treatment

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Fred T. Allen - 31 Jul 2006 12:59 GMT

Looking to have this procedure done. Would like to have feedback from
anyone who has undergone the procedure.

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Rich256 - 31 Jul 2006 16:40 GMT

> Looking to have this procedure done. Would like to have feedback from
> anyone who has undergone the procedure.

Just be certain he has ample experience. It has been said here before.
I would rather have TURP from an experienced doctor than PVP from a
beginner. What I have found is that the doctors recommend using the
equipment they have available.

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Temujin - 31 Jul 2006 18:10 GMT

What I have found is that the doctors recommend using the

> equipment they have available.

Agree completely. Do your research, decide what procedure you want,
and then pick a uro based on which ones are experienced in your chosen
procedure. If you just go to the nearest uro, he will recommend the
equipment he has, whichever that is. In this group, the preferred
treatment is the PVP, which I believe is a little different than the
holmium. That has been discussed on this group before - check the
historical posts on holmium.

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Lee - 01 Aug 2006 00:49 GMT

> Looking to have this procedure done. Would like to have feedback from
> anyone who has undergone the procedure.

What Holmium procedure are you going to have done? The Holmium laser has
several different uses in urology, including bladder stones.

If you have BPH, are you going to have a HOLAP or HOLEP? HOLEP is more
involved, has a steeper learning curve for the surgeon, and is potentially
more dangerous due to the use of a morcellator in the bladder to remove the
prostatic tissue. HOLAP is essentially a PVP (green light) procedure done
with a different laser.

According to the research I've read, the Holmium laser vaporizes tissue
slower and leaves less necrotic tissue behind than the PVP laser. For the
same amount of tissue removal, a Holmium laser procedure will probably take
longer for the surgeon to complete than a PVP procedure.

If your surgeon has access to both types of lasers and is recommending the
Holmium, I would say that he believes that it would do a better job for you
than the PVP laser -- given the size & geometry of your prostate. If he has
access only to a Holmium laser, then he is merely using the tool he has at
his disposal.

I had a HOLAP procedure done in February '06 from a surgeon who was
proficient with both lasers. He recommended the Holmium due to the
prominent size of my median lobe, but left the final decision up to me.
After reading about Holmium, I agreed with his suggestion. I wore a
catheter for a day and a half after the procedure and had some stinging
during urination for about two weeks afterwards. I did not require any pain
medication through the whole experience -- not even aspirin. I am 100%
satisfied and only wish I had done it sooner rather than taking medications
for 5 years with resulting side effects.

The Holmium laser is manufactured by Lumenis: www.lumenis.com. Look for a
product called "VersaPulse PowerSuite". It is marketed in the US by Boston
Scientific: www.bostonscientific.com.

I wish you good luck.

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