INTERSTITIAL LASER THERAPY OUTCOMES IN BENIGN PROSTATIC HYPERPLASIA

Two hundred thirty-nine patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BP H) were treated using interstitial laser coagulation (ILC or LITT; las er-induced interstitial thermotherapy), and the long-term results were determined. In this minimally invasive procedure, special laser light guides were inserted into the adenoma tissue in order to achieve prim ary large-volume coagulation necrosis and secondary shrinking, leaving the urethra intact. The AUA Symptom Scores improved markedly, from an average of 25 pretreatment to an average of 6 at 1 year. Peak urine f low rates improved commensurably, from 8 mL/sec pretreatment to 18 mL/ sec at 1 year. Postoperative irritative symptoms occurred occasionally , affecting only 12% of patients. Significant complications were rare, with 4% of patients suffering strictures and 7% retrograde ejaculatio n. No patients suffered impotence or incontinence. Only 9.6% of patien ts required retreatment for BPH during 12 months of follow-up. Twelve patients were treated with subsequent transurethral laser incision of the bladder neck in order to shorten the time required for improvement of voiding function.