Laboratory parameters following contact laser ablation of the prostate for benign prostatic hypertrophy

Contact laser ablation of the prostate is distinct from other Nd:YAG laser prostatectomy techniques. Most Nd:YAG lasers function in a noncontact manner and rely primarily upon coagulation necrosis and delayed sloughing of the prostate tissue. The contact laser removes the obstructing prostate at the time of the procedure through immediate vaporization of the tissue. Since there is removal of tissue with the contact technique, fluid absorption and blood loss is a theoretical concern. Thirty-four patients with symptomatic benign prostatic hypertrophy who were candidates for traditional TURP were treated with contact laser ablation of the prostate (CLAP). Prostate sizes were 20-80 g, with a mean total gland size of 34 g. Serum hemoglobin and sodium levels were determined preoperatively and in the immediate postoperative period. The mean preoperative serum sodium level (mmol/L) was 138.4 (+/-3.6), and postoperatively 135.6 (+/-5.0). The mean change was -2.8 mmol/L (+/-4.8). The mean hemoglobin (g/dl) preoperatively was 14.4 (+/-1.5) and postoperatively 12.9 (+/-1.6). The mean change in hemoglobin was -1.5 g/dl (+/-0.8). No patient manifested any TUR syndrome or required transfusion. This study suggests that clinically significant changes in serum sodium and hemoglobin levels are not seen with contact laser vaporization of the prostate.