Visual laser ablation of the prostate (VLAP): an effective alternative treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia.

A total of 75 patients suffering from benign prostatic hyperplasia (BHP) were treated with visual laser ablation of the prostate (VLAP) using the Nd-Yag laser. Preoperative evaluation consisted in determination of urinary flow and residual urine, assessment of voiding symptoms and urodynamic evaluation. Postoperatively, the same evaluation was performed at 3 and at 6 months. VLAP is a relatively simple technique with a low perioperative morbidity and short time results are comparable to classical transurethral resection of the prostate. Therefore VLAP seems to be an effective alternative treatment method for BPH which may replace classical transureteral resection of the prostate in a selected number of cases.