Initial Experiences with a 980 nm Diode Laser for Photoselective Vaporization of the Prostate for the Treatment of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia

PURPOSE This study was conducted to analyze the efficacy of photoselective vaporization of the prostate (PVP) with the use of a 980 nm diode laser for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) according to postoperative period. MATERIALS AND METHODS Data were collected from 96 patients who were diagnosed with BPH and who underwent PVP with the 980 nm K2 diode laser. Postoperative parameters, including International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), quality of life (QoL) score, maximum urinary flow rate (Qmax), and post-void residual volume (PVR), were assessed and compared with preoperative baseline values. RESULTS The mean prostate volume was 45.3±15.6 g, the mean operative time (lasing time) was 22.9±18.3 minutes, the total amount of energy was 126±84 kJ, and the Foley catheter maintenance period after PVP was 24.8±5.6 hours. At 1 month, significant improvements were noted in IPSS (11.7±6.6), QoL score (2.3±1.1), Qmax (12.7±6.1 ml/sec), and PVR (41.9±30.5 ml). After 3 months, all follow-up parameters showed significant improvements that were sustained throughout a period of 6 months after PVP. CONCLUSIONS PVP using a K2 diode laser is a minimally invasive and effective surgical method for improvement of BPH and is associated with minimal morbidity.