State-of-the-art ‘Thulium Fiber Laser’ now at MedantaSuperspecialty Hospital, Indore

Indore, July 20, 2022: Urology has always been at the forefront of innovation and research. As patients are increasingly aware of their treatments and healthcare options, newer technologies are being embraced and, in many cases, improved upon to achieve better outcomes for the patient. If we look at urological procedures, 70-80 percent part of the treatment is formed on kidney stones and prostate diseases. Common diseases that usually fall under urological, OPD, or surgical procedures are kidney stones, ureteric stones, bladder stones, and BPH- enlargement of the prostate due to age.

The Thulium Fiber Laser (TFL) machine is one of these cutting-edge technologies in the field of Urology, which is proven to be superior in cases of difficult surgeries. Intending to provide relief to the patients suffering from above mentioned urological problems, the renowned hospital in central India- MedantaSuperspecialty Hospital, Indore is going to inaugurate the technology of Thulium Fiber Laser Surgery on July 20, 2022.

While this laser technology is used for ureteric and kidney stone management, it can also be used to diagnose advanced prostate gland problems i.e, BPH (Benign Prostate Hyperplasia). Thulium Fiber Laser enucleation (ThuFLEP) is a very effective surgical procedure among laser treatment options for BPH. Apart from this, vaporization, endoscopic enucleation (EEP), resection, and ablation are also possible with this laser. The technology includes procedures like RIRS, PCNL, Mini Perc, and Ureteroscopic stone removal (URS); procedures that are highly efficient for stone treatment. The specialty of these fast-recovery procedures, also called ‘One Day Admission’ surgery is that the patient can be discharged in just 24 hours without feeling any pain or after-effects of the surgery.

Elaborating on the Thulium Fiber Laser surgery, Dr. Ravi Nagar, Associate Director, and Head, Urology and Kidney Transplant, MedantaSuperspecialty Hospital, Indore say, “With the initiation of the RIRS process at Medanta, we have got one of its kind advanced technology for the breaking of stones in Central India. Thulium Fiber Laser has very high energy and dusting potential for stones. Using this, stones can be reduced into small particles, which are then passed out through urine. In addition to RIRS, there are other urological or endoscopic surgical methods of stone removal such as PCNL, Mini Perc, or Ureteroscopy, where a laser can be used to break the stone into smaller pieces and remove it quickly. It also reduces the operative time of PCNL and other stone methods and allows the stone removal with minor keyhole surgery.”

Talking about the Prostate disease, Dr. Nagar further says, “Prostate usually occurs in people of 50 years of age or older. This problem can be seen in about 1 in 2 men, and its percentage increases with age. They hesitate in getting the treatment. Apart from this, prostate patients suffering from other diseases also get anxious and afraid regarding the treatment. In such cases, prostate blockage surgery can be done with Thulium Fiber Laser. Also, because of the low blood loss and fast recovery time, this surgery can be performed on patients with diabetes, bypass, angioplasty, and heart.”

In addition to stone and prostate surgery, this Thulium Fiber Laser makes it possible to perform various soft tissue cutting surgeries, such as removal of tumors inside the urinary bladder, Urethral stricture surgery, and burning of small tumors inside the kidney. Not only in stone and prostate, but its usefulness also lies in many other surgeries.

The Thulium Fiber Laser, which is being installed at MedantaSuperspecialty Hospital, is unique because it is a modern 60W power laser, which is more advanced than the 30W machine that is commonly used and is suitable for both stone and prostate surgery. Medanta is installing this technology that will benefit the patients. With this surgery, the patients will be discharged usually in one day, without any pain, and they can resume their work with 1 or 2 days of rest.