Comparison of 120 W 2-μm laser resection of the prostate outcomes in patients with or without preoperative urinary retention

INTRODUCTION The 2-μm (thulium) laser is a new surgical laser for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). AIM To report on the long-term outcome of 120 W TmLRP-TT in BPH patients with or without preoperative urinary retention. MATERIAL AND METHODS The study was conducted from May 2013 to April 2015 among patients who were diagnosed with BPH and underwent TmLRP-TT. Patients were divided into two groups: with and without preoperative urinary retention. Pre- and post-operative data were evaluated for prostate-specific antigens (PSA), International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), Quality Of Life Score (QOLS), maximum flow rate (Qmax), and post-void residual urine volume (PVR). RESULTS A total of 310 patients were enrolled for a follow-up period of more than 12 months. Overall 95 (30.6%) patients had urinary retention before TmLRP-TT, while 215 (69.4%) did not. We found that patients with urinary retention tended to have larger prostates and a higher PSA score. So a longer operation time and catheterization time were observed in them. Yet there was no difference in other perioperative and postoperative parameters. Postoperatively IPSS, QOLS, Qmax, and PVR showed a significant improvement in each group, but no significant difference was identified between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS This study represents the first direct comparison of TmLRP-TT outcomes in patients with or without urinary retention. With safe use, resultant excellent homeostasis, high cutting efficiency and rapid vaporization, 120 W 2-μm laser resection of the prostate has been proved to be safe and effective, and there was no increased risk for patients with urinary retention.