Urodynamic results of laser treatment in patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia. Can outlet obstruction be relieved?

PURPOSE A urodynamic study was done to judge the capability of laser treatment to relieve bladder outlet obstruction. MATERIALS AND METHODS Advanced urodynamic studies with pressure-flow analysis were performed before and 6 months after laser treatment using 3 different laser devices. RESULTS Forty patients showed significant improvement in all obstruction parameters (detrusor pressure at maximum flow rate, urethral resistance relation, theoretical cross-sectional urethral area, minimal detrusor pressure and linear passive urethral resistance relation) together with significant subjective improvement in international prostate symptom score. After treatment 82 to 92% of the patients could no longer be considered to have obstruction. No difference in outcome among the devices used was found. CONCLUSIONS Laser prostatectomy is indeed capable of relieving bladder outlet obstruction.