Laser urological procedures, such as Retrograde Intrarenal Surgery (RIRS) and Holmium Laser Enucleation of the Prostate (HoLEP), are advanced techniques used to treat various urological conditions.
Lasers, which emit concentrated beams of light, are used to cut, vaporize, or fragment tissue, making these procedures minimally invasive with faster recovery times.
Commonly used to treat kidney stones, enlarged prostates, and bladder tumours, these procedures are often performed on an outpatient basis or with short hospital stays.
Benefits of Laser Urological Procedures:
Minimally Invasive: Reduced tissue damage compared to traditional surgery.
Reduced Bleeding: Lasers seal blood vessels, leading to less bleeding.
Quicker Recovery: Faster recovery times for most patients.
Precision: High accuracy in targeting specific areas.
1. Retrograde Intrarenal Surgery (RIRS)
RIRS is a minimally invasive procedure used to treat kidney stones, tumours, or strictures within the kidney. The term "retrograde" refers to accessing the kidney by inserting a flexible ureteroscope through the urethra, bladder, and ureter without external incisions.
- Procedure
A flexible ureteroscope is threaded through the urinary tract to reach the kidney.
The surgeon uses the scope to visualize and treat the kidney stone or abnormality.
A holmium laser fragments the stone into small pieces that are either removed or passed naturally through urine.
- Why Choose RIRS?
It is ideal for patients with hard-to-reach stones or those who have failed other treatments.
It is minimally invasive and suitable for patients with health conditions requiring gentler approaches.
2. Holmium Laser Enucleation of the Prostate (HoLEP)
HoLEP is a gold-standard procedure for treating benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). It involves using a holmium laser to remove excess prostate tissue that obstructs urine flow.
- Procedure
A scope is passed through the urethra to reach the prostate.
The holmium laser cuts and removes the excess tissue, which is pushed into the bladder.
A specialized device known as the morcellator breaks up and removes the tissue from the bladder.
- Why choose HoLEP
Effective for all prostate sizes, providing long-lasting relief.
Low risk of repeat treatments and quick symptom improvement, allowing patients to resume normal activities within a week.
