ABSTRACT
Transurethral Neodymium:YAG laser coagulation of the prostate gland was used to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia in 36 surgical risk patients, who had either significant lower urinary tract symptoms or urinary retention. The mean International Prostate Symptom Score [IPSS] decreased from 26.8 to 9.6, then increased to 14.2. The mean maximum flow rate [Qmax] increased from 8.3 to 15.1 ml/s and then decreased to 10.6 ml/s. The average residual urine volume [PVR] decreased from 139.3 to 65 ml, then increased to 87.5 ml at 12th and 60th months, respectively. Catheters were removed after seven days. Seven out of the 36 patients required re-catheterization within the first visit. Repeated interference was needed in 12 of the 36 patients. From the results obtained it was concluded that, aggressive Nd:YAG laser prostatectomy is safe and effective for high surgical risk patients with obstructive prostates and produces good results that are sustained for up to two years. On the contrary, the durability of this procedure is significantly decreased after three years with high incidence of re-treatment rate