Changes in Serum Prostate-Specific Antigen Levels after Potassium-Titanyl-Phosphate (KTP) Laser Vaporization of the Prostate

PURPOSE The prostate-specific antigen (PSA) level decreases after transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP). However, changes in the PSA level after potassium-titanyl-phosphate (KTP) laser vaporization of the prostate are not well known. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of KTP laser vaporization of the prostate on PSA levels in patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). MATERIALS AND METHODS Serum PSA levels were checked before and 1, 3, 6, and 12 months after the procedure in patients who underwent KTP laser vaporization between October 2004 and August 2008. Patients with prostate cancer, a history of urinary retention, or prostatitis during the follow-up period were excluded. The results for 278 patients were studied. RESULTS The mean age of the patients was 69.0+/-6.7 years (range, 50-91 years) and the mean preoperative PSA level was 2.72+/-2.93 ng/ml. The PSA level tended to be increased at 1 month after the operation (3.18+/-3.23 ng/ml, p=0.032) but decreased within 3 months and became stabilized after 6 months at 1.79+/-1.82 ng/ml (p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS PSA levels may increase after KTP laser vaporization for a certain period of time, but eventually decrease and become stabilized after 6 months. Therefore, it may be appropriate to wait up to 3 months if the PSA level rises after the procedure, and further investigation should be considered if the PSA level still remains high after 6 months.