ABSTRACT
PURPOSE: This study was conducted with the use of 12 months of follow-up data to evaluate the efficacy of photoselective vaporization of the prostate (PVP) with the 980-nm diode laser for the treatment of symptomatic benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). MATERIALS AND METHODS: The clinical data of 84 men with symptomatic BPH who underwent PVP with the 980-nm K2 diode laser between March 2010 and October 2011 were retrospectively analyzed. Postoperative parameters, including International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), quality of life (QoL) score, maximum urinary flow rate (Qmax), and postvoid residual volume (PVR), were assessed and compared with preoperative baseline values. RESULTS: Mean patient age was 72.4+/-6.5 years, and mean preoperative prostate volume was 47.2+/-16.3 g. Mean operative time was 23.3+/-19.1 minutes, and total amount of energy was 128+/-85 kJ. Mean catheterization time was 23.7+/-5.9 hours. At 1 month, significant improvements were noted in IPSS (11.5+/-6.8), QoL score (2.2+/-1.3), Qmax (12.9+/-6.5 mL/s), and PVR (41.2+/-31.3 mL). Three months after surgery, all postoperative follow-up parameters showed significant improvements, and the 6- and 12-month data showed sustained improvement of postoperative follow-up parameters. Bladder neck strictures were observed in 10.7% of the patients and urge incontinence in 16.6%. CONCLUSIONS: PVP using a K2 diode laser is an effective procedure for the treatment of lower urinary tract symptoms secondary to BPH. PVP leads to an immediate and sustained improvement of subjective and objective voiding parameters. Surgeons should be vigilant for postoperative bladder neck stricture and urge incontinence.