Thulium laser vaporesection versus transurethral electrovaporization of the prostate in high-risk patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia.

Abstract

OBJECTIVE:

The purpose of this study was to compare the safety and efficacy of the thulium laser vaporesection and transurethral electrovaporization of the prostate for the treatment of high-risk patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia.

BACKGROUND DATA:

From September 2009 to March 2011, 98 consecutive patients with symptomatic bladder outlet obstruction caused by benign prostatic hyperplasia received either thulium laser vaporesection of the prostate (n=42) or transurethral electrovaporization of the prostate (n=56) at our institution.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

Functional follow-up included measurement of International Prostate Symptom Score, quality of life score, maximal urinary flow rate, and post-voiding residual urine volume. All complications were recorded.

RESULTS:

Thulium laser vaporesection of the prostate was slightly superior to transurethral electrovaporization of the prostate in catheterization time (2.1±0.9 vs. 4.5±1.3 days, p<0.0001) and postoperative hospital stay (4.4±1.8 vs. 6.6±2.0 days, p<0.0001). Within the observation period, both groups had a significant improvement from baseline in subjective or objective success rates; however, no significant difference was found between the two groups. Peri- and postoperative complications were fewer in the thulium laser group.

CONCLUSIONS:

Thulium laser vaporesection of the prostate is as effective as transurethral electrovaporization of the prostate in managing high-risk patients, with sufficient tissue ablation and acceptable hemostasis, and has the advantage of less morbidity and shorter catheter time and postoperative hospital stay.

• Authors: Zhaowei Zhu, Zhoujun Shen, Fanzhuo Tu, Yu Zhu, Fukang Sun, Yuan Shao, Haofei Wang, Shan Zhong, Chen Xu
• Journal: Photomedicine and laser surgery (Photomed Laser Surg) Vol. 30 Issue 12 Pg. 714-8 (Dec 2012) ISSN: 1557-8550 [Electronic] United States
• PMID: 23113512 (Publication Type: Comparative Study, Journal Article, Randomized Controlled Trial, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)

Chemical References

• Thulium

Topics

• Aged
• Follow-Up Studies
• Humans
• Laser Therapy (methods)
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Operative Time
• Pain, Postoperative (physiopathology)
• Patient Satisfaction
• Prostatic Hyperplasia (complications, diagnosis, surgery)
• Risk Assessment
• Thulium
• Transurethral Resection of Prostate (methods)
• Treatment Outcome
• Urinary Bladder Neck Obstruction (etiology, physiopathology)