VISUAL LASER-ABLATION OF THE PROSTATE - CLINICAL-EXPERIENCE IN 108 PATIENTS

Visual laser ablation of the prostate was performed on 108 patients (a ges 44 to 84 years) as an outpatient procedure from May 1992 to Octobe r 1992. Preoperatively, the patients underwent digital rectal examinat ions, determination of prostate specific antigen levels and transrecta l ultrasound guided biopsies when necessary to rule out the presence o f prostate cancer. The Urolase laser fiber delivery system was used to transmit laser energy from a neodymium: YAG generator. For the 97 pat ients with preoperative and postoperative American Urological Associat ion symptom index testing, scores decreased by an average of 12.59 (p < 0.001). For the 75 patients with preoperative and postoperative urof low rates an average increase of 4.92 ml. per second (p < 0.001) was n oted following the procedure. Only 3 patients required hospitalization for an average of 1.33 days. No patient required a blood transfusion. There have been no fluid or electrolyte abnormalities following visua l laser ablation of the prostate. There have been no recognizable uret hral strictures, deaths or postoperative sepsis. Only 3 patients exper ienced retrograde ejaculation. We found visual laser ablation of the p rostate to be a cost-effective and less morbid alternative to traditio nal transurethral resection of the prostate.