Photoselective vaporization of the prostate using high power (80 W) KTP laser: One year follow up of the first 101 patients in Japan

OBJECTIVES: We present one year observations on Photoselective Vaporization of the Prostate (PVP) of 101 men with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) to investigate its safety and efficacy. METHODS: 101 patients underwent Photoselective Vaporization of the Prostate (PVP) using 80 W Potassium-titanyl-phosphate (KTP) laser 17 patients were being treated with oral anticoagulant therapy, and anticoagulants were stopped before operation. Baseline characteristics, perioperative data, adverse events and postoperative outcome were evaluated immediate postoperatively, and at 2 weeks and 1, 3, 6 and 12 months postoperatively were recorded. RESULTS: With all 101 patients KTP laser vaporization was performed successfully. There was minimal blood loss and none of patients need blood transfusion. No major complication occurred intraoperatively or postoperatively. At 1, 3, 6, and 12 months mean International Prostate Symptom Score index (IPSS) decreased from 20.3 preoperatively to 8.9, 6.9, 6.2 and 7.2. Mean QQL score decreased from 5.1 to 2.3, 1.7, 1.5 and 1.6. Mean urinary peak flow increased from 7.5 ml per second to 15.6, 16.7 16.7 and 16.7 respectively. Complication was mild, included transient dysuria (8.9%). CONCLUSIONS: Photoselective vaporization of the prostate (PVP) using 80W Potassium-titanyl-phosphate (KTP) laser for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) proved to be an effective and safe procedure for our patients including those treated with oral anticoagulants.