High-intensity diode laser in combination with bipolar transurethral resection of the prostate: a new strategy for the treatment of large prostates (>80 ml)

Lasers Surg Med. 2012 Nov;44(9):699-704. doi: 10.1002/lsm.22081. Epub 2012 Sep 27.

Abstract

Background and objective: The ideal treatment of large prostates with symptomatic benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) remains controversial. We compare the efficacy and safety of monopolar transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) with high-intensity diode laser in combination with bipolar TURP (DL + b-TURP) in the treatment of large prostates.

Materials and methods: We retrospectively analyzed all patients with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) secondary to BPH with prostates larger than 80 ml, undergoing monopolar TURP (n = 36) or DL + b-TURP (n = 37) between January 2008 and March 2010. The preoperative and follow-up functional parameters including International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), post-void residual urine (PVR), maximum flow rate (Q(max) ), quality of life score (QoLs), prostate size, and prostate-specific antigen (PSA) were assessed. The operative data, peri- and post-operative complications were also recorded.

Results: The demographic data were comparable between the two groups. Preoperative prostate volume was 110.8 ± 28.9 ml in the DL + b-TURP group and 103.7 ± 31.2 ml in the TURP group. TURP group had significantly shorter operative time; however, the catheterization time and hospital stay were in favor of the DL + b-TURP group (P < 0.001). The decrease in hemoglobin was statistically significantly greater in the TURP group. Late complications were also comparable. Both groups could achieve significant improvements in functional outcomes during the follow-up of 24 months.

Conclusions: With regard to the operative safety and functional results, high-intensity diode laser combined with bipolar TURP is feasible for BPH treatment with large prostates.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Evaluation Study

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Combined Modality Therapy
  • Feasibility Studies
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Humans
  • Intraoperative Complications / epidemiology
  • Lasers, Semiconductor / therapeutic use*
  • Length of Stay / statistics & numerical data
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Operative Time
  • Postoperative Complications / epidemiology
  • Prostatic Hyperplasia / surgery*
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Transurethral Resection of Prostate / methods*
  • Treatment Outcome