Results after 18 months comparing visual laser ablation of the prostate to transurethral resection of the prostate

摘要

A long term prospective randomized trial comparing Visual Laser Ablation of the Prostate (VLAP) to Transurethral Resection of the Prostate (TURP) was begun in August, 1991. The short term follow-up results have been presented with the findings that there was no statistically significant difference in the objective and subjective improvements in patients following either operative procedure. These studies also have revealed the complication rate to be significantly less than the reported complications following TURP. The patients who met routine pre-operative surgical criteria for the relief of bladder outlet obstruction secondary to benign prostatic hyperplasia were randomized prospectively into two groups. These groups were subsequently followed post-operatively with AUA symptom scoring, post-void residual urine and peak voiding flow rates. These results were compared to their pre-operative evaluation and followed for 18 months. The long term data indicates that the patients continued to enjoy significant objective and subjective improvement comparable to that following TURP. The complication rates are significantly reduced compared to TURP. This indicates that the improvements noted following VLAP are durable and continue to be maintained after an eighteen month follow-up.