[Benign prostatic hyperplasia: five year follow-up in patients who underwent contact laser vaporization].
OBJECTIVE
To determine the long-term efficacy and complications of contact laser prostatectomy in the treatment of the benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).


METHODS
32 patients in a prospective clinical trial of contact laser prostatectomy were followed for 5 years. Patients were assessed by physical examination, International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), uroflowmetry, post void residual urine, transrectal ultrasound and PSA.


RESULTS
From the initial cohort, three patients had died from concomitant diseases. Three patients (9%) had undergone reoperation (TURP). Seven Patients (22%) received alpha blockers for irritative symptoms. IPSS and maximum flow improved significantly and remained stable at five years. There were not statistically significant differences in prostate volume or PSA level.


CONCLUSIONS
Contact laser prostatectomy is a safe and effective treatment for BPH in the long-term. It has minimal morbidity and durable therapeutic effects. Nevertheless, in our experience postoperative irritative voiding symptoms (22%) are the major disadvantage.
Vela Navarrete
Remigio
R
Servicio de Urología, Fundación Jiménez Díaz, Madrid, España.
García Cardoso
Juan Vicente
JV
Calahorra Fernández
Francisco Javier
FJ
Rodríguez Miñón
José Luis
JL
Cabrera Pérez
Javier
J
González Enguita
Carmen
C
D000368:Aged; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D053685:Laser Therapy / Q000295:instrumentation; D008297:Male; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011470:Prostatic Hyperplasia / Q000601:surgery*; D013997:Time Factors