Holmium laser ablation versus photoselective vaporization of prostate less than 60 cc: long-term results of a randomized trial.

PURPOSE: We evaluated the long-term results and durability of photoselective vaporization and holmium laser ablation as surgical treatment of small to medium prostates in a prospective, randomized study in men with obstructive benign prostatic hyperplasia.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: From March 2005 to April 2007 we randomly allocated 109 patients with a prostate gland of less than 60 cc to prostate photoselective vaporization (52) or holmium laser ablation (57) and evaluated them 1, 2 and 3 years postoperatively. Functional followup included measurement of maximum urinary flow rate, post-void residual urine, International Prostate Symptom Score, quality of life, International Index of Erectile Function and prostate specific antigen.

RESULTS: Mean ± SD preoperative prostate volume was 33.1 ± 14.5 and 37.3 ± 13.6 in the laser ablation and vaporization groups, respectively. All functional parameters improved significantly compared to baseline values in each group. There was no difference in International Prostate Symptom Score, quality of life, maximum urinary flow rate, post-void residual urine or percent of prostate specific antigen decrease between the 2 groups 1, 2 and 3 years postoperatively. At 3-year followup International Prostate Symptom Score had improved by 70.5%, quality of life had improved by 69.4%, maximum urinary flow rate had increased by 164% and post-void residual urine had decreased by 81% in the holmium laser ablation group. In the photoselective vaporization group International Prostate Symptom Score improved by 64.1%, quality of life improved by 65.5%, maximum urinary flow rate increased by 189% and post-void residual urine decreased by 79.5%. The overall re-treatment rate was 15.8% for holmium laser ablation vs 19.3% for photoselective vaporization.

CONCLUSIONS: Prostate photoselective vaporization and holmium laser ablation are effective surgical treatments for benign prostatic hyperplasia. Postoperative functional improvements were significant and durable, and equivalent in the 2 groups. The 2 techniques have a similar complication rate.