Technique and short-term outcome of green light laser (KTP, 80W) vaporisation of the prostate.

OBJECTIVE Photoselective laser vaporisation prostatectomy with an 80-W potassium-titanyl-phosphate (KTP) laser is an effective procedure for men with symptomatic benign prostatic hyperplasia. The main advantages of the laser treatment are less blood loss and the short hospital stay. METHODS The DVD and photos show the main steps and difficulties of the procedure. All patients were evaluated preoperatively and postoperatively by using the International Prostate Symptom Score, volume of prostate, maximum flow rate, haemoglobin values, and postmicturition volume of residual urine. Days of bladder catheterisation, duration of the procedure, and prostate-specific antigen values were determined as well. RESULTS The results in 140 patients, who underwent KTP laser treatment, were evaluated. The mean age of the patients was 69+/-7.8 yr. Mean volume of prostates, mean operative time, and mean energy delivery were 43+/-22 ml, 53+/-16 min, and 181+/-58 kJ, respectively. The bladder catheter was removed usually on the first postoperative day. Preoperative haemoglobin values were just slightly higher at 14.4+/-1.3g/dl compared to the postoperative values of 13.9+/-1.4 g/dl. The most common complication, dysuria, was seen in 35 patients (25%), followed by mild haematuria in 21 patients (15%). CONCLUSIONS Photoselective laser vaporisation of the prostate is a treatment option in men who are at high risk for clinically significant bleeding. The procedure provides a high level of intraoperative and postoperative safety and seems to be comparable to transurethral resection of the prostate in the relief of obstructive symptoms.