Thulium: YAG laser vapoenucleation of the prostate - present and perspectives

Abstract

Introduction. Patients with large benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) (> 80 cm3) are of particular interest in selection of the surgical treatment method. Purpose. Comparative evaluation of the efficacy and safety of transurethral Thulium:YAG laser vapoenucleation of the prostate (ThuVEP) and transvesical adenomectomy (AE) in patients with large BPH. Material and methods. 59 patients (64 ± 7 years) with large BPH were randomly divided into 2 groups for surgical treatment: ThuVEP - 25 patients and AE - 24 patients which were assesed at 3 months postoperatively. Hemoglobin level drop was assessed at 24 hours postoperatively. Conclusions. ThuVEP is a safe and effective surgical technique in patients with large BPH. Reduced trauma during ThuVEP, lower incidence of postoperative complications and the efficiency of ThuVEP, highlights the need for wide implementation of laser surgery.