Catheter-free 120W lithium triborate (LBO) laser photoselective vaporization prostatectomy (PVP) for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)

Introduction and Objective: We evaluate the safety and efficacy of catheter-free LBO laser PVP for the treatment of lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) secondary to benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Methods: We prospectively evaluated our initial LBO laser PVP experience and the need for urethral catheterization. Results: Seventy consecutive patients were identified. 49 (70%) were discharged without (C-) and 21 (30%) were discharged with (C+) a urethral catheter. There were no significant differences in pre-operative parameters, including age (C-: 65 ± 10 vs. C+: 69 ± 9 years), AUASS (C-: 22 ± 6 vs. C+: 21 ± 6), Qmax (C-: 10 ± 4 vs. C+: 8 ± 3 ml/second), PVR (C-: 62 ± 105 vs. C+: 57 ± 82 ml) and prostate volume (C-: 65 ± 35 vs. C+: 86 ± 53 ml). There were no significant differences in laser time and energy usage. AUASS, Qmax and PVR values showed significant improvement within each group (P < 0.05), but there were no significant differences between the two groups. All were outpatient procedures. 2/70 (2.9%) patients required catheter reinsertion in C+. The overall incidence of adverse events was low and did not differ between the two groups. Conclusions: Our experience suggests that catheter-free LBO laser PVP is safe and effective for the treatment of LUTS secondary to BPH.