Nd:YAG laser ablation plus transurethral resection for large prostates in high-risk patients

To evaluate the outcome and morbidity rate of combined visual laser ablation of the prostate and transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) in high-risk symptomatic patients with large prostates.

A total of 28 patients evaluated according to the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) classification to have ASA grade 3 or greater and who had a prostate volume of 50 cm3 or greater, and peak urinary flow rate of less than 15 mL/s underwent visual laser ablation of the prostate plus TURP for severe lower urinary tract symptoms due to benign prostatic hyperplasia. The postoperative evaluation included the American Urological Association symptom score index, maximal urinary flow rate measurement, postvoid residual urine volume, and morbidity.

The mean baseline prostate volume and duration of surgery was 85 cm3 (range 50 to 120) and 70 minutes (range 55 to 105), respectively. Surgery was performed under local and spinal anesthesia in 18 and 10 patients, respectively. No perioperative bleeding requiring transfusion or TURP syndrome developed. Urethral catheter drainage was continued for an average of 1.7 days. Only 1 patient developed irritative voiding symptoms. The postoperative follow-up period ranged from 6 to 21 months (median 11). Improvement in the evaluation parameters was noted in all cases.

The results of our study show that visual laser ablation of the prostate plus TURP has the advantage of excellent homeostasis and lower morbidity in men with large prostates. When the patient's medical condition precludes TURP, this combination of techniques may be considered an option in such cases for symptomatic relief of obstructive urinary symptoms due to benign prostatic hyperplasia.