title: Contact laser vaporization of the prostate in patients on chronic anticoagulant therapy.
abstract: The patient with marked bladder outlet obstructive symptoms who is taking anticoagulant medication presents a challenge to the urologist. This report consists of six such patients requiring full anticoagulation with oral warfarin. All patients were treated with the Surgical Laser Technologies neodymium: YAG contact laser using the sapphire tip, while they were fully anticoagulated. All patients had their catheters removed the morning following surgery, and were discharged that same morning. On follow-up all are voiding with excellent streams and have marked reduction in their bladder outlet obstructive symptoms. Contact laser vaporization of the prostate provides an efficient and cost-effective therapeutic option in the management of these high-risk patients.
authors.affiliation: Methodist Healthcare System, San Antonio, Texas 78229, USA.
authors.forename: E J
authors.initials: EJ
authors.lastname: Mueller
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000925:Anticoagulants / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D000075202:Contraindications; D003558:Cystoscopy; D006493:Heparin / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D053685:Laser Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D019990:Perioperative Care; D011468:Prostatectomy / Q000379:methods*; D011470:Prostatic Hyperplasia / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000601:surgery*; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D001748:Urinary Bladder Neck Obstruction / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery*; D014859:Warfarin / Q000627:therapeutic use
chemical_list: D000925:Anticoagulants; D014859:Warfarin; D006493:Heparin