[Laser prostatectomy--image analysis by transurethral ultrasonography]

Area of Science:

• Urology
• Minimally Invasive Surgery
• Laser Therapeutics

Background:

• Conventional transurethral Nd:YAG laser ablation for prostate issues often fails to reduce prostate volume significantly.
• Post-operative urinary retention is a common complication following standard procedures.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of extensive prostatic tissue vaporization using laser fiber to create a cavity.
• To assess the impact on prostate volume, urinary flow, and patient comfort.

Main Methods:

• Laser prostatectomy was performed on 91 patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), including 38 with prior urinary retention history.
• Transurethral ultrasonography (TUUS) guided prostate size assessment and ablation, with post-operative re-evaluation.

Main Results:

• Prostate volume reduced by 31.5% (39.3 to 26.6 ml).
• Significant improvements observed in International Prostate Symptom Score (I-PSS) from 15.3 to 5.6.
• Maximum flow rate increased from 9.3 to 15.8 ml/s, with sustained urination relief for over a year.

Conclusions:

• This laser prostatectomy technique is less invasive compared to transurethral resection of the prostate (TUR-P).
• The outcomes suggest comparable efficacy to TUR-P with reduced invasiveness.