Purpose: To assess the clinical efficacy and safety of photoselective laser vaporization of the prostate (PVP) in the treatment of patients with acute urinary retention (AUR) secondary to benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).
Patients and Methods: Forty-two patients (mean age 72 ± 5 years, range 65–89) with AUR because of BPH were treated with a prospective trial of PVP with the potassium-titanyl-phosphate (KTP) laser. The treatment outcome was evaluated with subjective and objective tests at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months after PVP using the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), disease-specific quality of life (QoL) score, postvoid residual (PVR) urine volume, and maximum urinary flow rate (Qmax). The International Index of Erectile Function questionnaire and a self-designed ejaculatory questionnaire were completed at different follow-up times to determine patient satisfaction and changes in sexual function.
Results: After preliminary urine drainage and adequate preoperative preparation, PVP was performed and bladder outlet obstruction was effectively relieved. The mean prostate volume was 62.5 ± 11.7 cc, and the mean residual volume with retention was 650 mL (range 240–1200 mL). Mean operative time was 28.6 ± 5.7 minutes. Mean catheterization duration was 5.6 days (range 3–14 d). There was significant subjective improvement of symptoms and objective improvement in urinary flow rates at 12 months. The mean IPSS and QoL score decreased significantly (P < 0.05). Mean PVR volume also decreased. The mean Qmax was 16.2 ± 4.6 mL/sec after treatment. Only two patients had recurrent urinary retention during follow-up. There were no intraoperative or postoperative adverse events.
Conclusions: The early clinical results suggest that the PVP is a promising safe, effective, and less-invasive treatment with minimal morbidity for patients with urine retention secondary to BPH.
