The RevoLix ™ 2 μm Continuous Wave Laser Vaporesection for the Treatment of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia: Five-Year Follow-Up

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the long-term efficacy and safety of laser vaporesection using the RevoLix(™) 70 W 2 μm continuous wave (CW) laser in the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). BACKGROUND DATA: From January 2008 to December 2008, 162 patients with BPH underwent vaporesection using 2 μm CW laser. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), quality of life (QoL), urinary flow rate (Qmax), post-voiding residual urine volume (PVR), and postoperative complications were observed at baseline and were followed at 3-, 6-, and 12-month intervals (range: 3-60 months). RESULTS: A total of 146 patients completed the 5-year follow-up. At 60 months postoperatively, the mean Qmax increased from 7.5 to 21.2 mL/sec, the mean PVR decreased from 94.3 to 9.4 mL, the mean IPSS score decreased from 20.4 to 6.6, and the mean QoL score decreased from 4.7 to 1.9. Complications included urinary tract infection (3.4%), urethral stricture rate (2.7%), and recurrent bladder outlet obstruction rate (2.1%). Overall, the reoperation rate was 3.4%, and no transurethral resection (TUR) syndrome or blood transfusion was reported. CONCLUSIONS: The 2 μm CW laser is a safe and effective option for the treatment of BPH. At the 5-year follow-up, the long-term clinical efficacy and safety are excellent, with low incidence of complications.