Patients who have urologic conditions may be treated with innovative new lasers that offer greater safety and effectiveness than past treatments.

The new laser technology features small scopes and thin laser fibers that fit into tight spaces, as well as imaging technology that guides the lasers -- a combination that leads to greater surgical precision.

"Advanced lasers often give us more control and better outcomes than traditional open surgery and older lasers," says Alan K. Miller, MD, a urologist at Manatee Urology with medical staff privileges at Lakewood Ranch Medical Center (LWRMC).

Who Benefits?
Advanced laser surgery is good news for patients with enlarged prostates, kidney stones and other urologic conditions.

Each year, an estimated 50 percent of adult males over age 50 are diagnosed with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), also known as an enlarged prostate. An estimated 80 percent of men over age 70 have some symptoms of BPH.

Both men and women -- an estimated 2 million Americans -- suffer from kidney stones, a common disorder that affects a growing number of patients.

The newer, less invasive laser treatments may benefit many of these patients.

Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia
The prostate tends to grow as a man ages. Eventually, the prostate presses on the urethra and causes uncomfortable urinary and bladder symptoms.

Traditional treatment for BPH -- transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) -- is an invasive surgical procedure that may cause incontinence, impotence and other long-term complications. Now, doctors may perform photoselective vaporization of the prostate (PVP), using the GreenLight^TM laser system to destroy enlarged areas of the prostate.

GreenLightTM laser system PHOTO COURTESY OF LASERSCOPE.

"Patients' symptoms typically improve dramatically and quickly, and patients are less likely to develop problems following treatment," says Gerard A. Curtis, MD, a urologist at University Park Urology with medical staff privileges at LWRMC. "We may also use the GreenLight laser to treat some patients who have narrowing of the urethra or small bladder tumors."

"There's little risk of bleeding, so patients who are on blood thinners may not have to stop taking their medications before their procedures," Dr. Miller adds.

Kidney Stones
Kidney stones develop when crystals in the urine combine to form hard masses.

The Holmium laser may help many patients who have painful stones. (It also is used to treat enlarged prostates.) The laser uses infrared output (electromagnetic waves) to disintegrate stones.

"The Holmium laser allows us to focus laser energy precisely and target stones without damaging surrounding tissue," Dr. Miller says. "We then use a tiny basket to collect pieces that are too large to pass naturally from the body."

Doctors cannot use lasers for all patients, but the newer lasers are an attractive option, especially for those who are too sick to undergo more invasive procedures.

"Lasers are making traditional open surgery nearly obsolete for some urologic problems," Dr. Curtis says. "Minimally invasive outpatient procedures are much easier on patients. They generally experience less pain, fewer complications and may resume normal daily activities more quickly."

For more information, please visit www.lakewoodranchmedicalcenter.com. Please click on Hospital Services on the left side of the page and scroll down to The Surgery Center.

Gerard A. Curtis, MD
University Park Urology
2401 University Pkwy., Suite 104
Sarasota, FL 34243
941-358-6777

Alan K. Miller, MD
Manatee Urology
4705 26th St. West, Suite B
Bradenton, FL 34207
941-752-1553