Contact Laser Vaporization of Prostate versus Transurethral Electroresection of Prostate for Symptomatic Benign Prostate Hypertrophy

Abstract

Objective : To compare the clinical effect of contact laser vaporization of the prostate (CVP) with that of transurethral electroresection of the prostate (TURP) for the treatment of patients with benign prostatic hypertrophy.

Subjects and Methods : The subjects were patients with a prostate volume ≧40 mL and follow-up period ≧12 months. They consisted of 93 patients who underwent CVP and 60 who received TURP. The patients’ background, peri- and postoperative data, and adverse events within 2 years after the operation were compared between the two groups.

Results : The CVP group included significantly more patients receiving antithrombotic therapy. Concerning perioperative data, the operative time was significantly shorter and changes in the hemoglobin level were significantly smaller in the CVP group. The urethral catheter indwelling and hospital stay times after the operation were also significantly shorter in the CVP group. Regarding adverse events based on postoperative data, no significant difference was observed between the groups. As improvement of urinary symptoms, there was also no significant difference between them. However, additional procedures for difficult voiding were needed only in the CVP group.

Conclusion : As the operation for prostatectomy, CVP can be performed more safely than TURP but with the same efficacy. This laser operation for BPH has the potential to replace TURP for a super-aging society. Further long-term research is necessary.