St. Luke's Health - Sugar Land Hospital First to use New Laser in Prostate Surgery

Houston, TX (September 26, 2016) – St. Luke’s Health–Sugar Land Hospital (Sugar Land Hospital) announced today that it is the first hospital in the Greater Houston area to use the new 120-watt Holmium laser to perform vaporization of the prostate. Sugar Land Hospital is currently the only hospital in the area using this advanced laser technology for the removal of prostate tissue.

“We’re extremely excited to have the new 120-watt Holmium laser at Sugar Land Hospital,” said Dr. Maislos, Sugar Land Hospital. “This unique technology is a game-changer for unobstructing large prostates. Holmium laser vaporization yields many desirable results for patients and will soon likely become an outpatient procedure.”

Prostate laser surgery is used to relieve moderate to severe urinary symptoms caused by an enlarged prostate, a condition known as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Holmium laser vaporization is a newer technique that involves the use of concentrated, high-energy waves and intense heat to destroy prostate gland tissue that obstructs the flow of urine or causes other complications. With the 120-watt Holmium laser, doctors have access to a superior solution for vaporization and enucleation of the prostate, flexible laser ureteroscopy and percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL). Sugar Land Hospital is one of two hospitals in Houston with the 120-watt Holmium laser and the first to use the laser on the vaporization of the prostate.

Because laser surgery is minimally invasive and does not require surgical incisions, it causes fewer long-term and severe side effects. The advantages of this new procedure can include minimal to no bleeding, excellent efficacy in removing obstructing prostatic tissue, shorter hospital stay, and quicker recovery. Vaporization is effective immediately and may also pose lower risks for prolonged urinary retention and reoperation rates than traditional transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP). Clinical trials have reported benefits lasting more than four years.

“This is a significant milestone for us in the Sugar Land medical community,” said Rob Heifner, President, Sugar Land Hospital. “CHI St. Luke’s is committed to investing in the latest technologies to advance the field of minimally invasive surgery. As leaders in innovative approaches like Holmium laser vaporization of the prostate, we look forward to continued success in using this advanced technology.”

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About St. Luke’s Health
St. Luke’s Health, a member of Catholic Health Initiatives (CHI), is comprised of three markets?CHI St. Luke’s Health is home of the Texas Heart Institute (THI),  eight hospitals, eight emergency centers, Diagnostic & Treatment Center, Radiation & CyberKnife® Center, and several St. Luke’s Medical Group locations throughout Greater Houston; St. Luke’s Health Memorial (three hospitals and a long-term acute care facility in East Texas); and St. Joseph Health (five hospitals and several St. Joseph Medical Group locations across Brazos Valley). In addition, St. Luke’s is a part of a joint venture agreement with Baylor College of Medicine®, which encompasses Baylor St. Luke’s Medical Center in the Texas Medical Center.  Together, St. Luke’s Health, THI, and Baylor College of Medicine® are transforming health care delivery with a mission to usher in a new era of health care to create healthier communities. For more information, visit CHIStLukesHealth.org.

St. Luke’s Health is a part of Catholic Health Initiatives (CHI), one of the nation’s largest health systems. Headquartered in Englewood, Colorado, CHI operates in 19 states and comprises 105 hospitals, including four academic medical centers and teaching hospitals; 30 critical-access facilities; community health services organizations; accredited nursing colleges; home health agencies; and other services that span the inpatient and outpatient continuum of care. Learn more at catholichealthinitiatives.com.