LASER TREATMENT OF THE PROSTATE USING THE UROLASE FIBER - THE DUTCH EXPERIENCE

Purpose: Subjective and objective results were assessed after laser pr ostatectomy with the Urolase fiber at 5 different centers in The Neth erlands. Materials and Methods: Patients were evaluated with the inter national prostatic symptom score questionnaire, uroflowmetry and post- void residual volume measurements. Urodynamic investigations with pres sure-flow analysis were performed at 2 centers. Results: Data for 233 patients were evaluated. Overall significant improvement in mean inter national prostatic symptom score, maximum flow, post-void residual and urodynamic parameters was noted. Differences in outcome among the cen ters may be due to variation of technique or different selection crite ria. Postoperative morbidity was significant, with irritative voiding complaints for 4 to 6 weeks in up to 50% of all patients and urinary t ract infections in 21.1%. Conclusions: Laser prostatectomy results in subjective and objective improvement, which is operator independent. D espite the observation that perioperative (intraoperative and immediat e postoperative) morbidity seems less severe compared to transurethral resection of the prostate, there is a shift toward greater postoperat ive morbidity.