TULIP(R) TRANSURETHRAL ULTRASOUND-GUIDED LASER-INDUCED PROSTATECTOMY - HUMAN STUDY - RESULTS AT ONE-YEAR

The TULIP(R) (transurethral ultrasound-guided laser-induced prostatect omy) system combines a real-time ultrasound tranducer and a Nd:YAG las er delivery system with a 1.064 mu m wavelength within a 22 F urethral probe. The goal is to produce a coagulation necrosis of the prostatic parenchyma, with a subsequent elimination of tissue in the urine. 29 patients have been included in this study, and 13 have a minimal one y ear follow-up. No complication occurred. 2 patients underwent a transu rethral resection of the prostate secondary to the TULIP(R) treatment. All patients complained of irritative urinary symptoms (frequency, bu rning on urination...) in the days or weeks following the treatment, a nd suprapubic catheterization tube had to be left in place for a mean duration of 13.8 days. Inclusion Inclusion/exclusion criteria and eval uation modalities have been the same as in the American national study published elsewhere. At one year, our success rate for at least one c riteria has been 84.6%, but only 2 (15%) out of 13 patients have been successful both in symptom score and flow rate.