A STEP TOWARDS DAY-CASE PROSTATECTOMY

Objective To compare laser prostatectomy, using both side-fire and con tact lasers, with transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) to id entify the advantages and disadvantages of all three in the short-and longterm (1 year). Patients and methods Forty patients were randomized into one of four groups undergoing TURP, side-fire laser prostatectom y alone, side-fire with debridement and contact laser prostatectomy. S trict entry criteria ensured that no patients with malignancy were sel ected. The patients were reviewed after 3, 6 and 12 months. Results Th e duration of operation and length of hospital stay were significantly shorter in those undergoing laser side-fire treatment than those unde rgoing TURP.