160-Watt Lithium Triboride Laser Vaporization Versus Transurethral Resection of Prostate: A Prospective Nonrandomized Two-center Trial

Objective To evaluate the safety and efficacy of 160-W lithium triboride laser photoselective vaporization of the prostate (PVP) for the surgical treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia compared with transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP). Methods From July 2010 to January 2011, a prospective nonrandomized study was performed. A total of 108 patients (57 underwent PVP and 51 TURP) were included in the present study. All patients were preoperatively assessed by International Prostate Symptom Score, transrectal ultrasonography, uroflowmetry, and postvoid residual urine volume measurement. The perioperative parameters and complications were recorded. The patients were reassessed at 1, 3, and 6 months postoperatively. Results The mean operative time was 57.4 ± 17.3 minutes for TURP and 64.3 ± 20.5 minutes for PVP ( P = .044). A significant difference in favor of PVP was achieved for the catheter indwelling time and hospital stay time. Bleeding requiring blood transfusion in 8 patients, and transurethral resection syndrome was observed in 3 patients in the TURP group. Capsule perforation was observed in 5 patients in the TURP group. No severe perioperative complications were recorded in the PVP group. Finally, 4 patients in the TURP group and 1 patient in the PVP group experienced urethral stricture ( P = .047). Conclusion The results of the present study have shown that 160-W lithium triboride laser vaporization is more favorable in terms of perioperative safety and results in a shorter postoperative catheter time and shorter length of hospital stay than with TURP.