A double-blind randomized controlled trial and economic evaluation of transurethral resection vs contact laser vaporization for benign prostatic enlargement: a 3-year follow-up

Objective To evaluate the effect of contact laser prostate surgery in the t reatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia. Patients and methods A prospective double-blind randomized controlled trial of transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) and contact laser prosta tectomy was conducted, with an economic evaluation of both procedures. The primary outcome measure was the change in the American Urologic-Association symp tom score, with secondary outcome measures being the peak urinary flo w rare, treatment-related complications, re-operation rate and health servi ce costs. Results The perioperative brood loss and transfusion requirements were stat istically significantly lower for laser prostatectomy than for TURF, There was no clinically significant difference between TURF and contact laser pro statectomy in the mean change in symptom scores and flow rates. There were distinct perioperative advantages in favour of the contact laser treatment, but some disadvantages in terms of recatheterization and reoperation rates . Conclusions Contact laser prostatectomy is a valid treatment for benign pro static hypertrophy. The performance of contact laser prostatectomy as day-c ase surgery would have cost advantages to the National Health Service.