Abstract
Purpose
To summarize the current evidence and the reasons to go for thulium-based anatomical endoscopic enucleation of the prostate (AEEP).
Methods
This review discusses the available literature on thulium-based AEEP.
Results
Thulium lasers operate at a wavelength between 1940 and 2013 nm. This wavelength, which has a low penetration depth in water, allows to perform smooth cuts in the prostatic tissue and allows urologists to perform various procedures: resection, vaporization, enucleation, or vapoenucleation of the prostate. Depending on the type of thulium laser, it can be used either in a continuous, or pulsed mode.
Conclusion
In recent years, an increasing amount of evidence has described the thulium laser as a minimally invasive and size-independent treatment option for benign prostatic enlargement with excellent long-term results.
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Becker, B., Netsch, C., Bozzini, G. et al. Reasons to go for thulium-based anatomical endoscopic enucleation of the prostate. World J Urol 39, 2363–2374 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00345-021-03704-7
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00345-021-03704-7