Transurethral Thulium: YAG laser vapoenucleation of the prostate

Abstract

Laser prostate surgery is currently considered as being an alternative to other surgical approaches like mono or bipolar transurethral resection and classical open surgery. The implementation of transurethral Thulium: YAG laser vapoenucleation of the prostate opens up new avenues in the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia. Therefore, the use of Th uVEP and the subsequent fragmentation of vapoenucleated adenomatous nodules may completely change the surgical approach in the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia. The study included 23 patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia, who underwent minim invasive surgical treatment via transurethral Thulium: YAG laser vapoenucleation within the Urology Clinic of „Nicolae Testemitanu” SUMPh. The patients tolerated the surgical procedure well. Patients, with mean age of 62.4±3 years, were assessed at 3, 6, and 12 months aft er the surgery. A constant improvement of the IPSS and QoL scores was determined. A 15-point IPSS and 2-point Qol decrease was registered. No signifi cant decrease in IIFE-5 score was reported. The highest Qmax and Qmean increase was registered at 12 months: 150% and 139.4% respectively. The mean urine output increased to 59ml or 47.9%. The mean prostate volume decreased to 41±5cm3 (-4.1%), whereas the volume of residual urine showed a decrease of about 66±18ml (-77%). Given the excellent effi cacy of minimally invasive ThuVEP, it might be recommended as a surgical method of choice in the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia.