What is prostate laser surgery?

Prostate laser surgery is a procedure where a scope is inserted into the urethra, and a laser is passed through the scope to remove excess tissue that is blocking the urethra, according to Mayo Clinic. It is used to relieve urinary symptoms caused by an enlarged prostate.

The condition treated by prostate laser surgery is known as benign prostatic hyperplasia, states Mayo Clinic. The laser itself uses concentrated light and intense heat to shrink the excess tissue that prevents healthy urine flow. The different types of prostate laser surgery include photoselective vaporization, holmium laser ablation and holmium laser enucleation of the prostate.