In a nutshell
This study aimed to investigate the effectiveness and safety of prostate photovaporization (PVP) in benign prostatic enlargement. The main finding was that PVP improved prostate symptoms and quality of life.
Some background
PVP is a procedure that uses a laser to vaporize (burn away) part of the prostate gland. This can help reduce urinary problems caused by benign prostatic enlargement. It is thought to be safe for older patients that have additional diseases/symptoms. However, further research is necessary to confirm this.
Methods & findings
675 patients with benign prostatic enlargement were included in this study. All patients were treated with PVP between 2012-2018. Patients were evaluated using the American Society of Anesthesiologists Physical Status (ASAPS) which measures fitness before surgery. Patients were classified as low or high risk. The effects on symptoms and quality of life were also measured.
25% of patients were classified as high risk and 75% were classified as low risk. Those in the high-risk group were more likely to be older than those in the low-risk group. Patients in the high-risk group were hospitalized for 23.7 hours on average. Those in the low-risk group were hospitalized for 21.8 hours on average. Those in the high-risk group were also more likely to have urinary catheters for longer (19.55 hours) compared to those in the low-risk group (17.67 hours). There was no difference in bleeding between the groups.
PVP improved prostate symptoms and quality of life for all patients compared to before surgery. There were no differences in the effects of PVP on prostate symptoms or quality of life between the low- and high-risk groups.
The bottom line
This study concluded that PVP improved prostate symptoms and quality of life for all patients following surgery, regardless of risk group.
The fine print
This study included patients treated at one medical center only. Therefore, the results may not apply to patients treated elsewhere.
What’s next?
If you have questions about the treatment of benign prostatic enlargement, please consult your doctor.
Published By :
Neurourology and urodynamics
Date :
Nov 01, 2019
