VISUAL LASER-ABLATION OF THE PROSTATE - EFFICACY EVALUATED BY URODYNAMICS AND COMPARED TO TURF

Objective: To determine the efficacy of visual laser ablation of the p rostate (VLAP) in comparison to conventional transurethral resection o f the prostate (TURF). Material and Methods. 133 patients with benign hyperplasia of the prostate (BPH) were treated by VLAP (n = 90) or TUR F (n = 43). International prostate symptom score (IPSS), uroflow, resi dual urine and grade of obstruction determined by pressure flow studie s were evaluated before and after treatment. The VLAP was performed by means of a side firing laser fiber under visual control and using a N d:YAG laser as energy source. Results: VLAP could improve IPSS, uroflo w and residual urine in all patients. However, the obstruction grade w as lowered to normal only in patients with prostates smaller than 50 m l, whereas TURF was able to eliminate the obstruction in all patients. Conclusion: VLAP can be offered as an alternative to TURF in patients with BPH as long as the prostate volume is not bigger than 50 ml.