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Laser Prostate Surgery vs Traditional TURP: Differences and Advantages

By Dr. Mandeep Kr. Dhanda in Urology , Kidney Transplant , Robotic Surgery

Apr 27 , 2026

Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH), commonly known as an enlarged prostate, affects a large number of men as they age. The prostate gland surrounds the urethra, and when it enlarges, it can block urine flow, causing symptoms such as a weak urine stream, frequent urination, and difficulty emptying the bladder. When medications are no longer effective, surgery is often recommended to relieve the blockage and improve urinary symptoms.

Two widely used surgical options are Traditional Transurethral Resection of the Prostate (TURP) and Laser Prostate Surgery. While both procedures aim to remove or reduce the enlarged prostate tissue, they differ in technology, recovery time, and certain outcomes. Understanding these differences can help patients make informed treatment decisions.

What is Traditional TURP?

Transurethral Resection of the Prostate (TURP) has long been considered the gold standard surgical treatment for BPH. In this procedure, a surgeon inserts a thin instrument called a resectoscope through the urethra to reach the prostate. The excess prostate tissue blocking urine flow is then removed using an electrical loop.

Since TURP is performed through the urethra, it does not require any external incisions. The procedure typically requires spinal or general anaesthesia and a short hospital stay.

TURP uses electrical energy to cut and remove prostate tissue. It is a proven and well-established surgical technique that is highly effective in improving urine flow and relieving symptoms. Patients usually require a hospital stay of one to three days. However, TURP may result in more bleeding than some newer surgical techniques.

What is Laser Prostate Surgery?

Laser prostate surgery is a newer, minimally invasive technique that uses high-energy laser beams to remove, vaporise, or enucleate the enlarged prostate tissue blocking the urethra.

There are several types of laser procedures, including HoLEP (Holmium Laser Enucleation of the Prostate), GreenLight Laser Therapy, and Thulium Laser Prostate Surgery. In these procedures, surgeons use laser energy delivered through an endoscope to remove obstructing tissue while simultaneously sealing blood vessels precisely.

Laser surgery uses laser energy rather than an electric current and often causes less bleeding. It is associated with a shorter hospital stay and quicker recovery in many cases, and is suitable for patients taking blood thinners or those with larger prostates. Studies have shown that laser procedures often result in shorter hospital stays compared to TURP, though both treatments effectively relieve symptoms.

Key Differences Between Laser Surgery and TURP

Laser prostate surgery uses a laser beam as its energy source, while TURP uses an electrical loop. In laser procedures, prostate tissue is vaporised or enucleated, whereas TURP involves cutting and removing tissue pieces. The risk of bleeding is usually lower with laser surgery, while it may be slightly higher with TURP. Hospital stays are often shorter with laser procedures, whereas TURP may require a longer stay. Recovery is generally faster with laser surgery, while TURP may involve a slightly longer recovery period.

Both procedures are effective in improving urinary flow and symptoms. However, TURP is known for highly durable long-term results, while laser surgery, although effective, may occasionally require repeat treatment.

Advantages of Laser Prostate Surgery

Laser techniques have gained popularity due to several benefits. These include reduced bleeding during surgery, shorter hospital stays, lower risk of infection, and faster return to normal activities. Laser surgery is also particularly suitable for patients on blood-thinning medications, making it a preferred option for certain patient groups.

Advantages of Traditional TURP

Despite newer technologies, TURP remains widely used because it is a time-tested, well-studied procedure. It provides consistent and reliable long-term symptom relief, is available in most hospitals, and surgeons have extensive experience performing it. For many patients with moderate prostate enlargement, TURP remains an excellent treatment option.

Which Procedure is Better?

There is no single “best” procedure for everyone. The choice depends on several factors, including the size of the prostate, the patient’s age and overall health, the use of blood-thinning medications, the surgeon’s expertise, and the availability of technology. A urologist evaluates these factors before recommending the most appropriate surgical approach.

Conclusion

Both Laser Prostate Surgery and Traditional TURP are effective treatments for an enlarged prostate that can significantly improve urinary symptoms and quality of life. Laser procedures offer advantages such as reduced bleeding and quicker recovery, while TURP remains a reliable and durable surgical option with decades of successful outcomes. Patients experiencing persistent urinary symptoms should consult a qualified urologist to determine the most suitable treatment.

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