Transurethral incision of the prostate using the holmium:YAG laser: a catheterless procedure.

PURPOSE

Transurethral incision of the prostate is a well established technique for relieving bladder outflow obstruction caused by prostate glands less than 30 gm. We present data showing that the holmium:YAG laser can prevent postoperative catheterization without compromising the outcome of surgery.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We prospectively followed 100 men an average of 62 years old with symptomatic bladder outflow obstruction and a benign prostate gland less than 30 gm. clinically in whom serum prostate specific antigen was less than 4 microg./l. They were assessed using International Prostate Symptom Score, urinary flow rate, post-void residual estimation and sexual function questionnaires preoperatively, and 6 weeks, and 1 and 2 years postoperatively. With the patient under general anesthesia a single incision was made from the ureteral orifice to the verumontanum and out to fat using holmium:YAG laser energy transmitted through a 400 nm. fiber sheathed in a ureteral catheter.

RESULTS

A total of 97 patients voided without postoperative catheterization. Average International Prostate Symptom Score decreased from 19.2 to 3.7 at 6 weeks and it remained improved at 2 years (average 3.5). Reciprocal results were achieved with improvement in average urinary flow rate from 9.79 to 19.23 and 18.27 ml. per second at 6 weeks and 2 years, respectively. Residual urine measurement decreased from 133.6 ml. preoperatively to 27 and 10 ml. at 6 weeks and 2 years, respectively. All 77 patients potent preoperatively remained so, although retrograde ejaculation developed in 8.

CONCLUSIONS

The holmium:YAG laser allows transurethral prostatic incision to be performed without the need for postoperative catheterization while maintaining efficacy.