Objective: The aim of this study was to assess changes in sexual function after 980-nm diode laser vaporization of the prostate.
Methods: A total of 82 benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) patients underwent 980-nm diode laser vaporization from May 2013 to December 2016, and were followed up for 12 months. The following outcomes were assessed at baseline, 6, and 12 months postoperatively: international prostate symptom score (IPSS), quality of life (QoL) score, maximum urinary flow rate (Qmax), five-item version of international index of erectile dysfunction questionnaire (IIEF-5), male sexual health questionnaire ejaculatory function domain Short Form (MSHQ-EjD Short Form), and retrograde ejaculation.
Results: Significant improvements at 6 and 12 months were noted postoperatively using IPSS, QoL, and Qmax compared with the preoperative values. Considering both patients and subgroups, the mean postoperative IIEF-5 scores at 6 and 12 months were unchanged compared with baseline. Regarding the MSHQ-EjD Short Form, at 6 and 12 months follow-up, postoperative total score of ejaculation function was decreased because the volume of ejaculation was decreased significantly. The frequency of ejaculation and force of ejaculation were also decreased, but the difference was not statistically significant. No significant difference in ejaculation bother item was observed after the operation. Patients with retrograde ejaculation at 6 and 12 months follow-up increased from 6/82 (7.3%) to 38/82 (46.3%), 42/82 (51.2%).
Conclusion: The sexual function of patients could be maintained after 980-nm diode laser vaporization of prostate with the exception of reduction of ejaculatory volume and retrograde ejaculation.
Keywords: 980 nm; benign prostatic hyperplasia; diode laser; laser prostatectomy; sexual function.