title: A prospective, randomized comparison of a 1940 nm and a 2013 nm thulium: yttrium-aluminum-garnet laser device for Thulium VapoEnucleation of the prostate (ThuVEP): First results.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  We report the early postoperative results of the first prospective, randomized comparison of two commercially available thulium lasers with different wavelengths for the treatment of benign prostatic obstruction (BPO).
  
  
  METHODS
  From January to June 2013, 80 consecutive patients were randomized for Thulium VapoEnucleation of the prostate (ThuVEP) with a 2013 nm (RevoLix(®)) (n = 39) or a 1940 nm (Vela(®)XL) (n = 41) thulium laser. Preoperative status, surgical details and the immediate outcome were recorded for each patient. The perioperative complications were assessed and classified according to the modified Clavien classification system.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Median operation time, resected tissue, percentage of resected tissue, catheter time, overall operation efficiency and Hb loss differed nonsignificantly between both devices (P > 0.05). At discharge, the median maximum urinary flow rate and postvoiding residual (PVR) urine improved significantly in both groups (P < 0.001). The PVR was lower in the 1940 nm ThuVEP group (P ≤ 0.034). Perioperative complications occurred in 18 (22.5%) patients (Clavien 1: 12.5%; Clavien 2: 5%, Clavien 3b: 2.5%, Clavien 4a: 2.5%), with no differences between the groups (P = 0.5).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The 1940 nm and the 2013 nm thulium lasers are both safe and effective for the treatment of BPO with ThuVEP. Both lasers give equivalent and satisfactory immediate micturition improvement with low perioperative morbidity.
authors.affiliation: Department of Urology, Asklepios Hospital Barmbek, Rübenkamp 220, 22291 Hamburg, Germany.
authors.forename: Christian
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Tiburtius
authors.affiliation: Department of Urology, Asklepios Hospital Barmbek, Rübenkamp 220, 22291 Hamburg, Germany.
authors.forename: Andreas J
authors.initials: AJ
authors.lastname: Gross
authors.affiliation: Department of Urology, Asklepios Hospital Barmbek, Rübenkamp 220, 22291 Hamburg, Germany.
authors.forename: Christopher
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Netsch
keywords: Benign prostatic obstruction; ThuVEP; Tm: YAG; VapoEnucleation