Clinical studies on advantages and safety of visual laser ablation for patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia

Since 1992, we have been performing VLAP using a right-angle laser delivery system (Urolase) for BPH patients with significant underlying nonurological diseases such as diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular, pulmonary, and malignant diseases. Sufficient clinical results have been obtained without major complications during short-term and long-term observation. In this study, we discuss the clinical advantages and safety of VLAP, compared with TURP, through analysis of the clinical procedure for VLAP for patients treated with anticoagulant agents such as warfarin. In our study of 40 patients, 8 patients were treated with anticoagulants for cardiovascular disease. During the procedure and after the operation, no significant complications were encountered except for transient postoperative bleeding. The 8 patients who received simultaneous anticoagulant therapy also underwent TURP to draw a comparison. The time taken for the procedure and the volume of the blood loss were significantly reduced by VLAP. The hemostatic nature of YAG laser energy seems to result in a technical improvement over conventional I URP for patients undergoing anticoagulant therapy.