[A single session of transurethral balloon laser thermotherapy for benign prostatic hyperplasia]

The objective of this study is to evaluate the efficiency of a new method of transurethral balloon laser thermotherapy (TUBAL-T) using prostalase in patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia.

From September 1993 to March 1994, 21 men were treated with a single session of TUBAL-T for the relief of bladder outlet obstruction secondary to benign prostatic hyperplasia. Thirteen of them had hormonal therapy before TUBAL-T and have no mediation after treatment (group A). Eight men had no hormonal therapy before and after TUBAL-T (group B). The clinical efficacy of this modality was evaluated by analysing the subjective and objective responses following the treatment. The laser balloon, equipped with a cooling system for preservation of urethral mucosa, delivers a Nd:YAG laser into the prostate. Treatment was performed by using a laser powder of 30 to 50 watts for 40 minutes. At 3 months after treatment, the clinical efficacy was evaluated by subjective symptom score, and residual urine volume, uroflowmetry and prostatic volume by transrectal ultrasound as objective data.

In group A, subjective symptom scores decreased by an average of 72.8%, the average uroflow rates and the peak uroflow rates increased by an average of 44% and 45.9%, the post-void residual urine volume rates decreased by an average of 58.4% and ultrasonography showed that the prostatic volume decreased in 8 men but increased in 5 men. In group B, symptom score decreased by an average of 85.1%, the average uroflow rates and the peak uroflow rates increased by an average of 46.2%, the post-void residual urine volume rates decreased by average of 83.4% and ultrasonography showed that the prostatic volume decreased by an average of 35.6%.

During the treatment and follow-up period, no adverse effect was detected. These results suggest that TUBAL-T for the relief of bladder outlet obstruction secondary to BPH is a useful therapy.