Transurethral GreenLight laser enucleation of the prostate--a feasibility study

GreenLight laser vaporization is established as a minimally invasive procedure to treat patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia. Despite good functional results, it may be difficult to achieve adequate tissue removal for large prostates. In this study, we evaluated whether a transurethral enucleation technique is feasible with the GreenLight laser as a possible way to improve the amount of tissue removed.

Following the technique described by Gilling for the holmium laser, we carried out transurethral enucleation of prostate adenoma with the 120W HPS GreenLight laser in 21 consecutive patients. Preoperative data were collected prospectively; prostate volume, International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), postvoid residual (PVR), prostate-specific antigen level, peak urinary flow rate, operative time, catherization period, length of hospitalization, and perioperative complications were recorded as well as the weight of the enucleated tissue and the applied laser energy. For follow-up, IPSS and PVR were recorded. Data are presented as mean±standard deviation.

Fifty-two percent of the patients had preoperative urinary retention. Preoperative prostate volume was 74.6±21.7 cc; 34.7±21.7 g of tissue were enucleated. IPSS was reduced from 25±6 to 5±9 (P=0.0001), PVR from 126±80 to 11±18 (P=0.002) by GreenLight laser enucleation. Serious complications were not observed. Operative time was 112±27 minutes. Catheter time was 1.2±0.4 days. The length of hospitalization was 3.6±0.9 days.

GreenLight laser enucleation is feasible and safe. Tissue reduction is complete, and good functional results are achieved. All patients were able to void properly. Major complications were not observed. The procedure is technically demanding, resulting in long operative times at the first interventions.