Efficacy and Safety of Thulium Laser Vaporization of the Prostate: A Transurethral Procedure for Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia.

OBJECTIVES

To explore the efficacy and safety of thulium laser vaporization of the prostate (ThuVAP) for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) at Nara Medical University from 2022 to 2024.

METHODS

Patients with BPH who underwent ThuVAP at the Department of Urology, Nara Medical University, between January 01, 2022 and April 30, 2024, were enrolled. Patient background, presurgical pressure flow study results, treatment efficacy, and safety were retrospectively evaluated.

RESULTS

The study included 32 patients; the median age was 74.5 years at surgery. The total International Prostate Symptom Score and quality of life were significantly lower at 4 weeks after surgery than at baseline. They continued to decrease at 12 and 24 weeks. The maximum flow rate was significantly higher at 4 weeks after surgery than at baseline; it continued to increase for 12 and 24 weeks. The postvoid residual (PVR) was significantly lower at 4 weeks after surgery than at baseline and continued to decrease at 12 and 24 weeks. Intravesical prostatic protrusion and prostate volume were positively correlated with the surgery and laser usage times. Two patients experienced temporary urinary retention, and two underwent transurethral electrocoagulation for postoperative bleeding.

CONCLUSIONS

Our data confirm ThuVAP as an effective and safe treatment for BPH.