Photoselective Vaporization of the Prostate: Long-Term Outcomes and Safety During 10 Years of Follow-Up.

PURPOSE

To evaluate the long-term outcomes and safety photoselective vaporization of the prostate (PVP).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

From April 2005 to December 2015, a total of 1154 patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia underwent PVP. The type of Green Light laser was an 80 W potassium-titanyl-phosphate laser and later a 120 W lithium triborate laser. Before and after surgery, the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), maximum urinary flow rate (Qmax), post-voiding volume of residual urine (PVR), prostate-specific antigen (PSA) level, and prostate volume were assessed regularly. After surgery, events such as second PVP, transurethral incision, and permanent urethral catheterization were defined as retreatment.

RESULTS

The mean and median periods of follow-up after PVP were 35.4 and 24.0 months, respectively. The maximum duration of follow-up was 125 months. Compared with before surgery, the IPSS, quality of life score, and PSA concentration improved significantly, even at 10 years after PVP; however, Qmax and PVR were not improved at 10 years. The retreatment-free survival rate was 93.9% at 5 years and 79.0% at 10 years. Prostate cancer was found in 27 cases after PVP, and all patients who were found to have prostate cancer remained alive. Prostate cancer-free survival after PVP was 96.7% at 5 years and 89.4% at 10 years.

CONCLUSION

Our data suggest that the efficacy of PVP was maintained for 10 years; however, it may decrease after more than 10 years. PVP also did not promote the progression of or worsen the prognosis of prostate cancer.