THE OXFORD LASER PROSTATE TRIAL - SEXUAL FUNCTION DATA FROM A RANDOMIZED CONTROLLED CLINICAL-TRIAL OF CONTACT LASER PROSTATECTOMY

Objective: To examine the effects of contact laser vaporization prosta tectomy and transurethral resection of the prostate (TURF) on sexual f unction and to examine their association with treatment satisfaction. Methods: Data on sexual function were collected pre-operatively and 3 months after contact laser vaporization prostatectomy or TURF. The sex ual outcome was examined in relation to satisfaction with treatment an d quality of life. Results: A wide variation in sexual function was se en at baseline with overall 45% of the patients being impotent during the previous year and 49% claiming to not always have erections when s timulated I month prior to surgery. At 3 months postoperatively, 4% of the laser and 3% of the TURF patients who were previously potent were now impotent. There were no statistically significant associations be tween preoperative or postoperative (3 months) sexual function and eit her age, preoperative catheterization, or prostate volume. Conclusion: The impotence rate 1 month prior to surgery is higher than in previou s reports, and the impotence rate after contact laser prostatectomy in this sample size is similar to that seen following TURP.