Photoselective vaporization of prostate for treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia (a report of 50 cases)

[Objective] To evaluate the efficacy and safety of photoselective vaporization of the prostate (PVP) for the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). [Methods] A total of 50 patients with lower urinary tract symptoms secondary to benign prostatic hyperplasia received photoselective vaporization of the prostate with an 80W quasicontinuous KTP laser. The therapeutic results were assessed using the following variables: the operative time, catheterization time, complaints, mean Qmax, I-PSS, QOL and postvoid urine residual volume (PRV). [Results] Operative time was 40～120 min. After the catheter was pulled out in 1~3 d, the patients could generally urinate well. During 1~6 months′ follow-up, the mean I-PSS decreased from (23.4±4.7) to (6.3±2.6) (P 0.01); QOL decreased from (4.9±0.8) to (1.3±0.6) (P 0.01); Qmax increased from (6.2±2.4) mL/s to (21.3±2.7) mL/s (P 0.01); PVR decreased from (174.2±22.7) mL to (36.3±4.6) mL (P 0.01). Complications consisted of hematuria in 2 cases, dysuria in 1 case, urinary infection in 1 case and meatal stenosis in 1 case. [Conclusion] PVP is a safe, effective and simple procedure for the treatment of BPH with less pain and quick recovery.