Early Results of Photoselective Vaporization of the Prostate in Medical Control‐failed Patients

Objectives: We present here our early results and learning curve for photoselective vaporization of the prostate (PVP) performed by an experienced urologist and we provide an analysis of the morbidity and early functional outcomes. Methods: Forty‐four patients were selected, from May 2006 to January 2009, who had benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH) accompanied by lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS). After undergoing PVP for BPH at our hospital, the patients were followed up for approximately 2 years. PVP was performed by the same experienced urologist using potassium‐titanyl‐phosphate (KTP) laser. Baseline characteristics, preoperative and perioperative data, and postoperative complications were evaluated. Regular outpatient department follow‐up was conducted after patients were discharged from the hospital at 1, 4 and 12 weeks. Results: The mean age of the 44 patients was 71.6 years. The mean prostate volume was 47.52 mL. The mean PVP surgery time was 79.11 min. The mean urinary catheterization time was 23.41 h. Few complications arose after PVP, except that 47.7% of the patients developed pyuria after being discharged from hospital. The average hospital stay was 2.45 days. There were no significant differences in the efficiency of tissue vaporization among the patients. Conclusion: PVP for BPH has various advantages, including reducing postoperative complications. An experienced urologist can easily perform PVP. However, early results show no significant differences in the efficiency for the PVP technique.