Photoselective vaporization with KTP 180-W green laser for the treatment of lower urinary symptoms secondary to benign prostatic enlargement: Effectiveness and safety at midterm follow-up

Objectives: To determine safety, efficacy, and improvement in patient's quality of life (QoL) with 180-W green light laser prostate photovaporization in medium-term follow-up. Methods: Observational descriptive analysis. All the patients who were treated with photoselective vaporization with potassium titanyl phosphate crystal 180-W green laser between January 2012 and February 2014 were included. The primary outcome was the change of the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS). A descriptive analysis was conducted. Statistic inference was made using nonparametric measurements according to the findings. The Wilcoxon signed-rank test was applied to paired data. Finally, survival curves were used to determine the effectiveness. Results: Two hundred one subjects were included. The mean follow-up was 13.1 months (2-28). Prostate volume was 75.46 ml (30-240). Mean surgical time was 73.29±29.74 minutes, laser time was 44.27±21.03 minutes, and the mean energy used was 271.5±140.1 kJ. Postoperative indwelling catheter time was 15.81±8.87 hours. IPSS decreased 12.79 points, from 19.13±7.79 to 6.34±5.91 (p=0.0001). QoL question of the IPSS shows improvement from 4.16 to 1.27 (p=0.00001). In a maximum follow-up period of 28 months, 85.2% of patients showed an improvement of four points in IPSS. Visual scale of improvement perception showed an increase from 36.49 to 89.84 (p=0.0001). No major complications were reported. Conclusion: Prostate photoselective vaporization with a 180-W green light laser is a safe and effective treatment option for patients with lower urinary symptoms secondary to benign prostate enlargement.