The diode laser: a novel side-firing approach for laser vaporisation of the human prostate--immediate efficacy and 1-year follow-up

OBJECTIVES: A prototype diode laser was used to evaluate the feasibility and postoperative outcome of diode laser vaporisation of the prostate in patients with bladder outlet obstruction (BOO) necessitating interventional desobstruction. METHODS: Ten patients were included in this pilot study. The prostate was vaporised via a side-fire laser fibre (diode laser at 1470 nm, 50 W; Biolitec-AG, Jena, Germany). IPSS, quality of life, Q(max), and PVR volume were measured pre- and postoperatively and 1 yr after the intervention. RESULTS: Prostate volumes were 35-78 ml. A mean 121 kJ (61-200 kJ) of energy was delivered. No patient had significant blood loss or fluid absorption. Three-way catheters were removed after a median of 33 h. Q(max) increased from 8.9 ml/s (3.6-13.2 ml/s) preoperatively to 15.7 ml/s (10.5-22 ml/s) (p<0.01) postoperatively. After the 12-mo follow-up, Q(max) increased to 22.35 ml/s (+/-4.32 ml/s; p<0.001). PVR volume changed from a baseline of 243 ml to 26.9 ml (p<0.001) after 12 mo. Volume reduction was estimated by transrectal ultrasound postoperatively (15 cc+/-6.39), and by PSA levels before surgery (3.8 ng/ml+/-2.3) and after 6 mo (2.64 ng/ml+/-1.51). No patient is incontinent. Two patients required recatheterisation postoperatively on days 1 and 2, respectively. Two patients required TURP within 2 mo. All patients without reintervention have presented for the 1-yr follow-up examination and are satisfied with the outcome. CONCLUSIONS: Our preliminary findings indicate that 50-W diode laser vaporisation prostatectomy at 1470 nm is feasible and appears to be effective for acutely relieving BOO.