A step towards day case prostatectomy.
OBJECTIVE
To compare laser prostatectomy, using both side-fire and contact lasers, with transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) to identify the advantages and disadvantages of all three in the short-and long-term (1 year).


METHODS
Forty patients were randomized into one of four groups undergoing TURP, side-fire laser prostatectomy alone, side-fire with debridement and contact laser prostatectomy. Strict entry criteria ensured that no patients with malignancy were selected. The patients were reviewed after 3, 6 and 12 months.


RESULTS
The duration of operation and length of hospital stay were significantly shorter in those undergoing laser side-fire treatment than those undergoing TURP. However, the early (3-month) symptom score was significantly worse in those treated by side-fire laser than in those treated by side-fire laser with debridement. After 1 year there was no significant difference in mean symptom score and mean urinary flow rate among the four groups.


CONCLUSIONS
Laser prostatectomy offers the prospect of a shorter theatre and hospital stay and, by debriding the thermocoagulated tissue, the early irritative symptoms were reduced, with a significant improvement in symptom score after 3 months in patients with small prostates.
Suvakovic
N
N
Department of Urology, South Cleveland Hospital, Middlesbrough, UK.
Hindmarsh
J R
JR
D000368:Aged; D000556:Ambulatory Surgical Procedures / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D017075:Laser Coagulation; D007902:Length of Stay; D008297:Male; D011468:Prostatectomy / Q000379:methods*; D011470:Prostatic Hyperplasia / Q000601:surgery*