TULIP(R) - TRANSURETHRAL ULTRASOUND-GUIDED LASER-INDUCED-PROSTATECTOMY - HUMAN STUDY - RESULTS AT ONE-YEAR

The TULIP(R) (Transurethral Ultrasound-guided Laser-Induced Prostatect omy) system combines a real-time ultrasound tranducer and a Nd:YAG las er delivery system with a 1.064 mum wavelength within a 22 F urethral probe. The goal is to produce a coagulation necrosis of the prostatic parenchyma, with a subsequent elimination of tissue in the urine. 29 p atients have been included in this study, and 13 have a minimal one ye ar follow-up. No complication occurred, 2 patients underwent a transur ethral resection of the prostate secondary to the TULIP(R) treatment. All patients complained of irritative urinary symptoms (frequency, bur ning on urination ... ) in the days or weeks following the treatment, and suprapubic catheterization tube had to be left in place for a mean duration of 13.8 days. Inclusion/exclusion criteria and evaluation mo dalities have been the same as in the American national study publishe d elsewhere. At one year, our success rate for at least one criteria h as been 84,6 %, but only 2 (15 %) out of 13 patients have been success ful both in symptom score and flow rate.