Photoselective vaporization of the prostate:: The Basel experience after 108 procedures

Objectives: This study aims to investigate safety and efficacy of 80 watt high-power potassium titanyl phosphate (KTP) laser vaporization of the prostate in men with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) secondary to benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Methods: 108 patients underwent 80W KTP laser vaporization. Functional follow-up included measurement of maximum urinary flow rate (Qmax), postvoid residual volume (Vres) and International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) within a 12 months period. Results: The average prostate volume was 52.2 +/- 24.3 ml and the preoperative PSA value was 3.6 +/- 3.6 ng/dl. Mean operation time was 54.5 +/- 25.0 min. Qmax increased highly significantly (p < 0.001) by 111% (+7.9 ml/s) at discharge, 212% (+15.1 ml/s) after three months, 201% (+14.3 ml/s) after six months and 252% (+17.9 ml/s) after 12 months. Correspondingly, Vres, IPSS and Bother Score improved to an extent that was statistically highly significant (p < 0.001) immediately after surgery. The observed complication rate within one year was low. Conclusions: 80 W KTP laser vaporization is a virtually bloodless, safe and effective procedure for surgical treatment of LUTS secondary to BPH. A significant improvement of objective and subjective voiding parameters was observed just after surgery. KTP laser vaporization is associated with a low rate of complications. (c) 2005 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.