VLAP VERSUS TURP FOR BPH

Laser treatment in particular for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) i s finding greater application as an alternative method. This paper pre sents the authors' experience with visual laser ablation of the prosta te (VLAP) and transurethral resection of the prostate (TURF) for BPH o ver the past Z years. From August 1992 to August 1994, VLAP and TURF w ere conducted on 52 and 54 patients, respectively. Forty-two of 45 (93 .3%), 31 of 36 (86.1%), and 26 of 29 (89.7%) VLAP cases were categoriz ed as being effectively treated at 3, 6, and 12 months, postoperativel y. Forty of 45 (90.9%), 21 of 24 (87.5%) and 12 of 12 (100.0%) TURP ca ses showed effectiveness of treatment at 3, 6, and 12 months; postoper atively. Although TURF remains the standard surgical treatment for BPH , VLAP is attended with less morbidity and expense as compared to TURF . VLAP in conjunction with TURF may result in less risk of postoperati ve urinary retention.