Diode laser in the treatment of benign prostatic enlargement: A preliminary study

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of a novel treatment diode laser, in treatment of benign prostatic enlargement. Materials and methods: We evaluated the surgical and functional outcomes of 85 patients who underwent diode laser treatment for benign prostatic enlargement between September 2007 and April 2009. Preoperative and postoperative the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF), maximum flow rate, postvoiding residual urine, and prostate volumes were analyzed. Results: All the patients were considered clinically as having benign prostatic enlargement. Mean age was 70.8±8.6 years and follow-up period was 12.6±6 months. In all patients, the power used was 120 W, the mean applied energy was 190±70 kJ and the total laser time was 21.9±7.2 min. Improvement in functional outcomes began in the third postoperative month and was sustained through 12 months postoperatively. Compared to preoperative data, at postoperative 12 months, we detected a significant decrease in prostate volumes (55.5±27.6 mL vs. 42.8±21.7 mL), IPSS (21.6±4.75 vs. 4.6±3.3) and residual urine volume (89.5±85.6 mL vs. 30.4±22.4 mL), and a significant increase in maximum flow rates (18.7±6.9 mL/sec vs. 9.6±5.6 mL/sec). No difference was detected in IIEF scores (36.8±21.2 vs. 37.8±23.7). Re-treatment was required in 5.8% of patients, and retrograde ejaculation was reported in 17% of patients. Conclusion: The early results of diode laser treatment for benign prostatic enlargement were equivalent to other endoscopic and minimally invasive treatments.