What is Thulium Fiber Laser Prostate Enucleation (ThuFLEP) Treatment?

Developments in laser technologies have led to major changes in urological surgery. Especially in recent years, advances in this field have brought significant convenience for both patients and physicians. In this sense, one of the developments discussed is Thulium Fiber Laser.
Thulium fiber laser, a powerful laser technology, uses an element called thulium to produce laser light. Thulium fiber lasers are fiber lasers in which the element thulium is used as the active medium.
"Thulium Fiber Laser Prostate Enucleation (ThuFLEP)" is a surgical procedure used in the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). In this procedure, which is performed by the endoscopic method, the enlarged benign prostate tissue (adenoma) is completely removed endoscopically using thulium fiber laser. This method is also important because it can be used in the treatment of prostate enlargement of all sizes, including large-volume prostates.
ThuFLEP treatment is a less harmful option to the patient than other traditional surgical methods; Advantages such as very low risk of bleeding, short hospitalization and catheterization time (1 day) are also important for the patient.
In Which Urological Diseases is Thulium Fiber Laser Used?
Thulium Fiber Laser is a method that is used in the treatment of many urological problems, especially benign prostate hyperplasia. However, patient suitability must be evaluated by the physician.
It is possible to summarize the usage areas of Thulium Fiber Laser under the following headings:

Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia-Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) Treatment:

In this method used for benign prostate enlargement (ThuFLEP), the enlarged benign prostate tissue (adenoma) is removed with an endoscopic (closed) operation without bleeding. This method aims to reduce BPH complaints by improving urine flow.

Treatment of Urinary System Stones:

Thulium Fiber Laser can also be used to endoscopically break and remove stones in the urinary system. The high-energy laser beam provides effective treatment by breaking down the stones or turning them into sand. With Thulium Fiber Laser technology, urinary tract stones (kidney, ureter and bladder stones) are broken down much faster than other methods. This shortens the operation time.
Another advantage of this method is that the stones are much smaller and turn into powder compared to other stone crushing methods. After the operation, the broken stones are excreted in the form of sand with urine. In this way, the stone-free rate after the operation is higher.

Treatment of Urethral Strictures (Urinary Tract Stenosis):

Thulium Fiber Laser can also be used in the treatment of urethral strictures that cause narrowing or obstruction in the urethra. It is possible to restore normal urine flow by opening the narrowed area with a laser beam.

Treatment of Urological Tumors:

Thulium Fiber Laser can be used in the endoscopic removal of superficial bladder tumors. At this point, appropriate patient selection is important.