An Innovative Technique for Ejaculation-Sparing Prostatic Enucleation with Thulium:YAG Laser

We report our experience with 100 patients who underwent an innovative prostate enucleation technique that spares the complete urethral-plate from the veru montanum to the bladder neck using a low-energy thulium laser emission. The aim of our study was to evaluate the short-term effects of this procedure on ejaculation preservation and urinary obstruction. The International Prostate Symptom Index (IPSS), quality of life (QoL), and Male Sexual Health Questionnaire Ejaculatory Dysfunction (MSHQ-EJD) Short Form were used as validated instruments to quantify ejaculatory dysfunction before and 6 months after the surgery. The median IPSS score pre- and postoperatively was 20 and 5, respectively (p < 0.0001); QoL dropped from a median of 4-1 (p < 0.0001); and the mean preoperative maximal flow rate improved significantly (8.5 vs 21.2 mL/min) (p < 0.0001). Furthermore, there was significant reduction in postvoid residual postoperatively (p < 0.0001). Postoperative ejaculatory function was preserved in 92/100 patients (92%). According to the MSHQ-EJD score, patients reported a slight nonsignificant decrease in frequency of ejaculation (item 1), force of expulsion (item 2) and reduction in semen volume during ejaculation (item 3), with the exception of ejaculation discomfort (item 4). According to our results, complete removal of the apical tissue, which has been advocated as an integral part of the so called ejaculatory hood, does not interfere with ejaculation if the ventral lissosphincter remains intact.