LASER Surgery

LASER Prostate Surgery

Holmium laser energy may be used as an alternative to electrical current for many urological endoscopic procedures. This technique was pioneered in New Zealand over 10 years ago and its role and safety are now well-established. For the most part, the use of the laser mimics the traditional operation, but offers several advantages:

• earlier removal of catheter and discharge from hospital;
• bleeding is reduced, both at the time of surgery and postoperatively;
• the potential biochemical disturbances associated with traditional telescopic prostate and bladder surgery are avoided;
• the flexible laser fibre permits treatment of kidney stones that may not otherwise be accessible with conventional instruments.

The disadvantages of using holmium laser relate to a longer operative time, the technology cost and the expense associated with disposable fibres, all of which contribute to a higher procedure cost. Currently, this translates to an average surcharge of approximately $1500 per case.

• In the event of equipment failure, either the fibre or the laser itself, the operation would be converted to a traditional procedure using standard electrical current energy and thereby completed.
• Identifying patient data are collected from procedures using holmium laser in New Zealand and the procedure outcomes are analyzed and confidentially stored centrally by Urotech Ltd in Tauranga. This information is used for research and quality control purposes.

The information relevant to your specific operation still applies and should be used in conjunction with this information sheet on holmium laser.

This fact sheet complements the discussion during your consultation, which will apply your individual circumstances to the above facts.

LASER Stone Surgery

Holmium LASER energy can be used to fragment stones anywhere within the urinary tract from the kidneys to the urethra. The LASER energy is transmitted along a glass fibre which is inserted down a long flexible instrument called a flexible ureteroscope. This instrument allows access right up into the kidney and the LASER is then used to treat stones within the kidney.