Objectives: To assess the safety and efficacy of endoscopic laser ablation of the prostate (ELAP), performed with the Urolase fiber and the neodymium:yttrium-aluminum-garnet laser, compared to transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) in patients with bladder outflow obstruction secondary to benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).
Methods: In this multicenter, prospective, randomized study, a total of 151 patients were treated (ELAP, 76; TURP, 75) of whom 137 completed 1 year follow-up (ELAP, 67; TURP, 70). Safety parameters included measurement of preoperative and 24-hour postoperative sodium, hematocrit, and hemoglobin values and careful monitoring of adverse events. Efficacy was assessed with the American Urological Association symptom score (6), urinary flow rates, and residual urinary volume measurements.
Results: There was 1 death in each group during the study period unrelated to the treatment procedure. There was a clinically significant improvement in all efficacy parameters in both groups. Between group comparisons favored TURP in maximum flow rate, residual urinary volume, and symptom score. ELAP had a better safety profile than TURP in the defined safety parameters of drop in hemoglobin and hematocrit values. In 16% of patients, a blood transfusion was required after TURP compared with no transfusions in the ELAP group. Urinary tract infections and dysuria were more frequent in the ELAP group.
Conclusions: ELAP performed with the Urolase fiber is a useful alternative therapy to TURP in patients presenting with bladder outflow obstruction secondary to BPH.