COMPARATIVE-STUDY OF LASER VERSUS ELECTROCAUTERY PROSTATIC RESECTION - 18-MONTH FOLLOW-UP WITH COMPLEX URODYNAMIC ASSESSMENT

A total of 25 patients with symptomatic bladder outlet obstruction due to benign prostatic hyperplasia was entered into a prospective, rando mized trial comparing prostatectomy done with the Urolase right angle firing neodymium:YAG laser fiber and standard transurethral electrore section of the prostate. Efficacy of treatment, as assessed by standar dized American Urological Association symptom scores, patient assessme nt of symptom improvement, peak urinary flow rates, post-void residual urine volumes and complex urodynamic evaluation, including assessment of opening pressure and maximum detrusor voiding pressure, was equiva lent for the 2 treatment groups through 1 year. Ultrasonic assessment of prostatic volumes at 1 year showed a mean decrease in total volume of 59% for standard electrocautery resection compared to 28% for laser prostatectomy. Symptom scores and peak urinary flow rates remained eq uivalent for both groups through 18 months.