ABSTRAC T Laser treatment of the prostate as an alternative for transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) has evolved from a complicated troublesome procedure to a simple office procedure. In this study, we compared the efficacy of different electrosurgical and laser techniques. The data of seven prospective studies in 280 patients were evaluated. The patients were treated for bladder outlet obstruction due to benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) during the period from 1992 until 1998. Five procedures were offered using Nd:YAG laser light, including ultrasound-guided free beam (TULIP), a free beam technique applying either a predetermined energy dose (VLAP I) or a visually-guided energy dose (VLAP II), contact laser prostatectomy and a hybrid method where free beam coagulation was followed by contact laser. Two procedures were offered using electrosurgery comprising transurethral resection (TURP) and transurethral electrovaporization (EVAP). The clinical outcome was assessed pre-operatively and 6 months post-operatively by free flowmetry, post-void residual (PVR), and Schafer obstruction grade. Results after 6 months are shown in the table below. Tab. The contact laser techniques (`contact and hybrid') and electrovaporization are comparable to TURP, which is considered the golden standard for treatment of obstructive BPH, regarding improvement of obstruction grade, free flow rate, and residual volume.