LASER PROSTATECTOMY PERFORMED WITH A RIGHT-ANGLE FIRING NEODYMIUM-YAG LASER FIBER AT 40 WATTS POWER SETTING

A total of 25 patients with symptomatic bladder outlet obstruction due to benign prostatic hyperplasia was entered into a prospective, randomized trial comparing laser prostatectomy performed with the Urolase* right angle firing neodymium:YAG laser fiber to standard transurethral electroresection of the prostate. Overall acute perioperative morbidity, including blood loss and fluid absorption, was significantly less for patients undergoing laser prostatectomy. Efficacy of treatment was assessed by standardized American Urological Association symptom scores, patient assessment of symptom improvement, peak urinary flow rates and post-void residual urine volumes, and was equivalent for the 2 treatment groups at 3 and 6 months.