LASER PROSTATECTOMY PERFORMED WITH A RIGHT-ANGLE-FIRING NEODYMIUM-YAG LASER FIBER AT 60 WATTS POWER SETTING

A total of 50 patients with symptomatic bladder outlet obstruction due to benign prostatic hyperplasia was entered into a prospective trial of laser prostatectomy performed with the right-angle firing neodymium:YAG laser fiber at 60 watts power setting. Mean estimated resectable prostatic weight was 30 gm. with a mean prostatic urethral length of 3.3 cm. Nine patients (18%) were in urinary retention requiring catheterization before treatment. Mean energy delivery was 30,834 joules (range 14,400 to 127,800) with a mean operative time of 31 minutes. Efficacy of treatment was assessed at 3, 6 and 12 months postoperatively by standardized American Urological Association symptom scores, peak urinary flow rates and post-void residual urine volumes. At preoperative baseline the mean symptom score was 20.8, mean peak urinary now rate 7.6 cc per second, and mean post-void residual urine volume 353 cc. At 1 year postoperatively mean symptom score was 8.4, mean peak urinary flow rate was 18.7 cc per second and mean post-void residual urine volume was 175 cc. Two patients required retreatment for residual tissue. There were 6 complications including 5 bladder neck contractures requiring incision (10%) and 1 case of postoperative prostatitis requiring antibiotic therapy (2%). Of 37 evaluable sexually active patients 31 (84%) reported preservation of antegrade ejaculation postoperatively.