Thulium Laser Surgery
Thulium lasers have revolutionized the field of surgery. Learn about their benefits and how they work!
The thulium laser has been used in many different types of surgeries, including prostatectomy (removal of the prostate gland), cystoscopy (examination of the bladder using an endoscope), and lithotripsy (breaking kidney stones).
What Is Thulium Lasers?
Thulium lasers use a wavelength of holmium, yttrium, aluminum, garnet (YAG) laser light to cut tissue. They are more powerful than other lasers because they emit a higher energy beam. This allows them to perform surgical procedures with less pain and faster recovery times.
Why Are They So Effective?
Thulium lasers are used for a variety of different surgeries, including cosmetic procedures such as skin resurfacing, hair removal, and tattoo removal. They are also commonly used during eye surgery. These lasers are able to penetrate deeper into the body than other lasers, making them ideal for cutting through bone and soft tissue.
Benefits of Thulium Lasers
Thulium lasers offer several advantages over traditional laser technology. First, they emit light at a wavelength that is not absorbed by water, allowing surgeons to perform more precise cuts without damaging surrounding tissues. Second, thulium lasers are less expensive than other lasers because they require fewer energy pulses to achieve the same level of precision. Third, these lasers are safer than other lasers because they do not produce heat, so there is no danger of burning nearby tissue. Finally, thulium lasers allow surgeons to cut with greater accuracy and speed than other lasers.
How Do They Work?
Thulium lasers use an excimer gas as a medium to generate ultraviolet (UV) light. This UV light is then used to activate a chemical compound called yttrium aluminum garnet (YAG). YAG is a crystal that absorbs the UV light and emits visible red light. The red light is then focused onto the surface of the patient’s skin where it is absorbed by the blood vessels. As the blood vessels absorb the light, they become heated and eventually burst, causing bleeding under the skin. Once the bleeding stops, the surgeon uses a scalpel to remove the damaged tissue.
Thulium Laser Surgery for Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia
Thulium laser prostatectomy is a minimally invasive surgical technique used to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Find out what it involves and why it’s so effective!
The thulium laser is an FDA approved treatment for BPH that uses a low energy beam to remove tissue in the prostate gland. It’s less invasive than other procedures and has fewer side effects.
What Is BPH?
BPH is a condition where the prostate becomes enlarged due to increased fluid retention in the prostate. This results in lower urinary tract symptoms such as difficulty urinating, frequent urination, urgency, incomplete emptying, and pain during urination.
The Benefits of Thulium Laser Surgery
Thulium laser surgery is an alternative treatment option for men with moderate to severe symptoms of BPH who are not candidates for other treatments. It uses a thulium laser to remove tissue from the prostate gland, resulting in less bleeding than traditional methods.
Preoperative Preparation
Before undergoing any type of surgery, patients should undergo preoperative preparation. This includes taking medications as prescribed by their physician, stopping smoking, and avoiding alcohol and caffeine. Patients also need to make sure they have adequate sleep before the procedure.
Postoperative Care
Once the patient has been discharged from the hospital, he or she will receive instructions on how to care for themselves at home. These instructions will vary based on the type of surgery performed. In general, patients will be given pain medication and antibiotics to take after the procedure. They will also be instructed to avoid lifting heavy objects, bending down, and sitting for extended periods of time.
Side Effects
Patients who undergo thulium laser prostatectomies often report minimal side effects. Most men feel better within a few days of the procedure. However, some men may experience temporary incontinence, blood loss, and swelling.