Not until 1991 did laser therapy for benign prostatic hyperplasia become a feasible option for the practicing urologist. Prior to the development of side firing free beam laser delivery devices contact Neodymium:YAG, laser therapy for BPH was of limited applicability. Since 1991, refinements in laser device technology have allowed the urologist to expand the potential for Neodymium:YAG coagulative prostatectomy. Multiple studies over the past five years have demonstrated equivalence in efficacy and safety to conventional electrocautery TURP. Holmium:YAG laser technology may be a significant advance again on free beam side firing Neodymium:YAG laser prostatectomy.