A prospective, randomized trial comparing the use of KTP (GreenLight) laser versus electroresection-supplemented laser in the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia

INTRODUCTION: Photoselective laser vaporization of the prostate (PVP) is one of the most popular techniques of treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). The aim of this study was to assess the risk of thermal damage to the external urethral sphincter during PVP at distal part of prostatic urethra. MATERIAL AND METHODS: 66 men submitted to PVP with 80-W Green Light Laser were randomly assigned to receive standard PVP only (group A) or PVP in proximal part followed by transurethral resection in distal part of prostatic urethra (group B). Primary end-points of the study assessed at baseline, 24 hours and 8 weeks after the surgery were: urinary continence, urinary flow (Qmax), post void urine retention (PVR), international prostate symptom score (IPSS), quality of life (QoL). RESULTS: 37.2 hrs, p = 0.04). CONCLUSIONS: Laser vaporization for treatment of BPH is safe and effective, with no significant effect on the risk of urinary incontinence in comparison to traditional methods.