Laparoscopic prostatectomy for benign prostatic hyperplasia--a six-year experience.

PURPOSE The Authors present their results using laparoscopic prostatectomy in the treatment of large benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). MATERIALS AND METHODS Between March 1999 and March 2005, 60 patients were submitted to laparoscopic prostatectomy with vascular control for large BPH. The demographic, operative period and outcome data were recorded. RESULTS The average prostate weight was 144.50+/-41.74 gm. Mean operative time was 138.48+/-23.38 minutes and estimated blood loss of 330.98+/-149.52 ml. No patient required transfusions or conversion to open surgery. Post operative complications included one case of septicemia and three cases of prolonged ileum. The most frequent long-term complication was retrograde ejaculation, presented in all patients after 6 months of follow-up. The erectile function was preserved in all those patients who were potent before surgery. No urinary incontinence was reported by patients. CONCLUSIONS The results demonstrate that resection of large prostatic adenomas can be performed with a laparoscopic approach. The patients had a shorter hospital stay and early return to normal activity.