Thulium Fiber Laser (ThuFLEP) Technology

Thulium Fiber Laser (ThuFLEP) Technology Used in Prostate Enlargement and Stone Disease

With Thulium Fiber (ThuFLEP), the use of lasers in urological surgery is becoming more widespread every day. The conventional laser methods used in urology today shorten the treatment time of urological diseases and make recovery easier. The Thulium Fiber (ThuFLEP) laser device used in our hospital's urology clinic offers many more advantages and greater comfort than the laser techniques commonly used today.

The Thulium Fiber (ThuFLEP) device, which can be used safely for both prostate and stone diseases in the urology clinic of İzmir Özel Can Hastanesi, has many advantages over conventional methods. Benign prostate enlargement of any size can be removed easily with the Thulium Fiber (ThuFLEP) device, and it can also be used safely for kidney, bladder and ureteral stones.

How Is Thulium Fiber (ThuFLEP) Performed?

Thulium Fiber (ThuFLEP) is a laser device whose very thin fibers can pass through slim instruments. This allows the prostate to be removed easily. In stone diseases, it also breaks the stone into small, sand-like fragments so that the stone can pass on its own.

Who Can Undergo Thulium Fiber (ThuFLEP)?

The ThuFLEP method is used very effectively to treat prostate enlargement of all sizes. It can also be used for all stone diseases, including kidney, bladder and ureteral stones.

What Are the Advantages of Thulium Fiber (ThuFLEP)?

The Thulium Fiber (ThuFLEP) laser method has many advantages for both the patient and the physician.

The Thulium Fiber (ThuFLEP) laser method has many advantages for both the patient and the physician.

1. It is more efficient than other laser applications. It is easy to use and versatile. For example, in stone diseases, the device breaks stones into very fine fragments that are easier to remove, allowing the operation to be carried out more easily.
2. The procedure time is quite short. The laser procedure used in stone surgery is much shorter than conventional methods and, barring complications, can be completed in about half an hour on average.
3. It minimizes the risk of bleeding.
4. Treatment is completed in a single session.
5. The Thulium Fiber (ThuFLEP) laser also offers great comfort for the patient. The patient can go home on the evening of the day of surgery.
6. Since there is no incision on the body, there is less pain after surgery than with open surgical techniques.
7. It allows the patient to return to normal activities and work life as soon as possible.

Frequently Asked Questions About Thulium Fiber (ThuFLEP)

1. What Is the Difference Between HoLEP and ThuFLEP?

Holmium laser enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP) is likewise based on entering the plane between the prostate capsule and the enlarged prostate tissue, separating the prostate tissue from the capsule, pushing it into the bladder, and then breaking it up with an instrument called a morcellator and removing it. Although the results of procedures performed with both laser energies are generally similar, the thulium laser's better cutting power and shallower tissue penetration result in less bleeding and better preservation of the muscles that maintain urinary continence after surgery and of ejaculation.

1. What Is the Difference Between GreenLight Laser and ThuFLEP?

Because of their many drawbacks, endoscopic prostate enlargement surgeries performed with the GreenLight laser are now giving way to prostate enucleation methods. These drawbacks include the inability to obtain tissue samples for pathological examination, long-term burning during urination (dysuria) after surgery, and a higher rate of urethral stricture.

1. Is There an Age Limit for ThuFLEP?

Compared with other methods, ThuFLEP is a far more applicable and safe method for patients of any age with prostate enlargement. The procedure can be performed under either general or spinal anesthesia. Although the procedure performed with this method in the operating room is endoscopic, it is still surgery; therefore, an evaluation by an anesthesiologist beforehand is important.

1. I Had Prostate Surgery Before, but My Symptoms Have Returned. Can I Have ThuFLEP?

Having had prostate surgery before does not prevent you from having the ThuFLEP procedure. Before a ThuFLEP operation, the patient's entire medical history and medications are reviewed, the necessary tests are completed, a urological examination is performed and the patient is given detailed information.

1. Is a Catheter Placed After the Procedure?

As with endoscopic TUR surgeries performed with electrocautery, after ThuFLEP the patient leaves the operating room with a catheter and continuous bladder irrigation with normal saline. However, after TUR surgery with electrocautery, this irrigation has to continue longer because of bleeding, so the catheter stays in place for days, whereas after ThuFLEP both the irrigation is stopped and the catheter is removed within 1-2 days on average.

1. What Is the Return to Normal Life Like After the Procedure?

After ThuFLEP, eating and drinking are resumed after 4-6 hours on average. Since there is no open wound or incision on the body, no dressing is needed. After the catheter is removed, the patient urinates and is discharged.