Preliminary results on selective light vaporization with the side-firing 980 nm diode laser in benign prostatic...

This study examined efficacy and safety of the 980 nm side-firing diode laser operating at a power of 100 W in patients with lower urinary tract symptoms associated with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Patients were selected for surgery on the basis of maximum urinary flow rate (Qmax) 100 ml in conjunction with an International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) >7. Laser therapy was conducted under spinal anaesthesia. Qmax, IPSS, prostate volume, PVR, IPSS-Quality of Life (QoL) questionnaire and ejaculatory function were measured at baseline and at 1, 3, 6 and 12 months post-laser therapy. A total of 52 consecutive patients aged 52-65 years with mean (s.d.) prostate volume of 45.14 (9.15) g were treated. All patients were able to leave the hospital at a mean (s.d.) of 5 (2) h after the procedure. Mean (s.d.) follow-up was 100 (75.49) days. A significant reduction in IPPS was reported at 1 month (P<0.0001) and this was maintained through to 6 months. Significant durable improvements in Qmax, PVR and IPSS-QoL score were also reported for all patients (P<0.0001). No severe complications were reported, including any cases of urinary incontinence or significant irritative symptoms. None of the patients complained of a worsening of erectile function. This early experience in a pilot study with the 980 nm diode laser seems promising in the short-term and long-term outcome is being monitored.