Influence of high-power potassium-titanyl-phosphate photoselective vaporization of the prostate on erectile function: a short-term follow-up study.
BACKGROUND
Erectile function after high-power potassium-titanyl-phosphate (KTP) photoselective laser vaporization of the prostate has not been investigated systemically.


OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of high-power KTP photoselective laser vaporization of the prostate on erectile function in men with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS)/benign prostatic hyperplasia.


METHODS
A total of 45 patients with mean age of 68.3 years (range 56-86) were included in the primary analysis. At baseline and at 6-month postoperative visit, the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF), International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), maximum flow rate (Qmax), and post-void residual urine (PVR) volume were evaluated.


METHODS
The primary efficacy outcome was changes in the "erectile function" domain and other sexual functions. The secondary outcome was changes in LUTS.


RESULTS
Six months after surgery, data of the IPSS, Qmax, and PVR volume improved (P < 0.05). All IIEF domains also improved 6 months after surgery (P < 0.05). "Erectile function" domain increased from a baseline of 11.3 +/- 1.8 to 14.7 +/- 1.7 (P = 0.015). Overall, the IIEF total sum increased from a baseline mean of 27.4 +/- 3.8 to 34.9 +/- 3.7 after KTP photoselective vaporization of the prostate (P = 0.010).


CONCLUSIONS
The present results suggest that 6 months after high-power KTP laser vaporization, sexual functions including erectile function improved. However, as with any new technique, a longer follow-up and a larger cohort are needed further to validate these findings.
Department of Urology, Seoul National University Hospital, Jongno Ku, Seoul, Korea.
Jae-Seung
JS
Paick
Jin Mo
JM
Um
Soo Woong
SW
Kim
Ja Hyeon
JH
Ku
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D053685:Laser Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D010710:Phosphates / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D011182:Postoperative Care / Q000379:methods; D017430:Prostate-Specific Antigen; D011470:Prostatic Hyperplasia / Q000150:complications / Q000601:surgery*; D011788:Quality of Life; D012107:Research Design; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D012735:Sexual Dysfunction, Physiological / Q000209:etiology* / Q000628:therapy*; D014025:Titanium / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D010710:Phosphates; C064806:potassium titanylphosphate; D014025:Titanium; D017430:Prostate-Specific Antigen