UROLASE LASER PROSTATECTOMY IN PATIENTS ON WARFARIN ANTICOAGULATION - A SAFE TREATMENT ALTERNATIVE FOR BLADDER OUTLET OBSTRUCTION

Three patients with symptomatic bladder outlet obstruction due to benign prostatic hyperplasia underwent laser prostatectomy using a Neodymium:YAG source delivered with the Urolase right-angle laser fiber. All patients had significant underlying medical problems, and all were fully anticoagulated with oral warfarin (mean prothrombin time 17 seconds). Two were in urinary retention with indwelling catheters preoperatively. Laser prostatectomy was performed in each case without change in the medical regimen, including continuous warfarin dosing. No complications occurred, and in particular, no early or late bleeding episodes were encountered. All are symptomatically improved and catheter-free on follow-up. Laser prostatectomy provides a new and safe therapeutic option in the management of these high-risk patients.