Thulium: yttrium-aluminiumgarnet laser transurethral vapoenucleation – a new standard in the surgical treatment of large benign prostatic hyperplasia

Introduction. According to the current recommendations of the European Association of Urology and the International Society of Urology, open simple prostatectomy is the reference standard in the surgical treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia of large size (>80 ml). Extended trauma and a high complication rate reduce the chances to use this method. In this context, several minimally invasive laser surgical treatment techniques have been proposed in order to provide an optimal treatment to patients. Transurethral endoscopic vapoenucleation of the prostate using laser energy is a new concept in endourological surgery. Material and methods. Between September 2019 and December 2019, 93 patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia underwent surgical treatment. Two surgical methods were applied: transurethral Thulium:YAG laser prostate vapoenucleation (45 patients) and open simple prostatectomy (48 patients). All patients were evaluated preoperatively and postoperatively (3 and 6 months) using the International Prostate Symptom Score, Quality of Life Score and International Erectile Function Index, physical examination and digital rectal examination, prostate specific antigen assessment, transrectal prostate ultrasound examination and assessment of residual urine volume, uroflowmetry. Postoperative complications were recorded according to the Clavien-Dindo classification, 2004. The inclusion criteria were total prostate volume ≥80 cm3, age ≤80 years, residual urine volume ≥70 ml, Qmax ≤10 ml/s. Results. Transurethral Thulium:YAG laser vaponucleation of prostate has proven a high surgical efficiency level. The baseline urodynamic and ultrasonographic indicators after transurethral vapoenucleation at 6 months postoperatively were similar to those in the control group (open simple prostatectomy). The duration of recovery of patients after classical surgery was significantly longer. At the same time, the rate of postoperative complications after prostate vapoenucleation was lower. Patients in the ThuVEP group did not require blood transfusions. Conclusions. According to obtained results, we can assume that transurethral vapoenucleation of the prostate with laser energy will soon become a new „gold standard” in the surgical treatment of large benign prostate hyperplasia.