Interstitial laser coagulation and transurethral needle ablation, two different techniques for heat-treatment of symptomatic benign prostatic hyperplasia, are outlined. Both treatments have been performed in sedoanalgesia. The results of this research and data from the literature show that both treatment modalities have a marked effect on symptoms. Objective parameters, such as uroflow, are moderately changed postoperatively. The side-effect profiles appear favourable, especially with respect to bleeding per- and post-operatively. However, further long-term data is required.