Objective: To evaluate the effect of laser ablation of the prostate on symptomatic and urodynamic parameters and to compare laser delivery systems.
Patients and methods: The study comprised 81 patients of whom 79 were waiting for transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) and two who presented in acute urinary retention. The 79 patients (median age 65 years, range 45-82) underwent pre-operative urodynamics and all patients completed American Urological Association (AUA) symptom score questionnaires before surgery. Visually-guided laser ablation of the prostate (VLAP) was performed and the urodynamics and symptom scores were repeated 3 months later.
Results: The improvements in symptom scores and flow rates were statistically significant and comparable with other published data. There were also significant improvements in voiding pressure. There were no significant differences between the various laser fibres used. There were few complications.
Conclusion: The effectiveness of VLAP in improving symptoms and flow rates in patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is confirmed. The procedure also reduced voiding pressure, confirming the relief of bladder outflow tract obstruction. VLAP is confirmed as a safe and effective treatment for BPH. Continued follow-up is needed to determine the long-term effects.