Assessment of the learning curves for photoselective vaporization of the prostate using GreenLight™ 180-Watt-XPS laser therapy: defining the intra-operative parameters within a prospective cohort

Purpose To assess the learning curves for the intra-operative parameters of the GreenLight™ 180-W XPS for photoselective vaporization of the prostate (PVP). Methods A prospective study was conducted on 200 men who underwent PVP using the GreenLight™ 180-W XPS over 20 months. The population was divided into four consecutive equal groups. Evolution of lasing parameters was the main endpoint to reach an average energy of 5 kJ per prostate volume and to reach a lasing time/operative time (LT/OT) ratio of 66–80 %. Changes in the IPSS and prostate volume were also evaluated 12 weeks later. Results Total energy delivered (energy/ml of prostate) and the LT/OT ratio significantly increased over time ( p