KTP (green light) laser for the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia. Preliminary evaluation

Introduction : Photoselective vaporization of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a minimally invasive technique, consisting of vaporization of prostatic tissue by KTP green light laser with a power of 80 W. The purpose of this study was to describe our experience with this technique. Material and method : KTP laser photoselective vaporization was per,formed in 18 patients, with lower obstructive uropathy secondary to benign prostatic hyperplasia at Santiago Military hospital from December 2005. Preoperative characteristics, postoperative results and complications were recorded. Results : Mean prostatic volume was 55 cc (range: 24 to 78). Mean operating time was 83 minutes (range: 40 to 120). In sixteen patients, the Foley catherer was removed before 24 hours. The mean preoperative AUA score was 22 and decreased to 11.4 after 30 days. The mean maximum preoperative urine flow rate was 9 ml/s and increased to 18.2; 22. 1; 22.5; 25.3 and 2 7.2 ml/s on days 1, 7, 14, 21 and 30, respectively. Only minor complications were observed: delayed removal of the Foley catheter (11.1%), dysuria (16.6%) and late haematuria (11.1%). Conclusion : KTP laser photoselective vaporization of BPH is a safe technique, that is easy to learn, with good short-term functional results, associated with a low complication rate.