In a nutshell
This article investigated the safety and effectiveness of multipulse laser vaporesection of the prostate (MPVP) vs plasmakinetic resection of the prostate (PKRP) for patients with benign prostate obstruction (BPO).
The authors concluded that MPVP might be a better treatment option for patients with BPO.
Some background
BPO is a prostate gland enlargement that blocks urine flow. An enlarged prostate gland can cause uncomfortable urinary symptoms, such as blocking the flow of urine out of the bladder. Current treatment options include different laser therapies such as PKRP (resects the enlarged prostate tissue to relieve the obstruction). Unfortunately, the re-operation rate (need to repeat resection) for this laser therapy can be high.
An additional treatment option is with MPVP (a combination of two high powered lasers instead of one). However, the overall effectiveness and safety of this therapy are still under investigation.
Methods & findings
The study involved 144 patients. They were divided into two groups. Group 1 (73) received MPVP. Group 2 (71) received PKRP. They were followed up at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months.
Surgery time (30.9 vs 36.4 minutes), length of time spent in hospital (2.6 vs 3.6 days) and how long a catheter was left in place (21.3 vs 37.4 hours) were much shorter in group 1 vs group 2. Quality of life and ability to urinate were improved in both groups. After 1 year, the quality of life in group 1 was better than that in group 2. Group 1 had a reduced rate of complications compared with group 2 (21.9% vs 45%).
78.1% of patients in group 1 and 55% of patients in group 2 were free of any side effects. These included involuntary leakage of urine, pain, bleeding, urinary tract infections or a need for another surgery.
The bottom line
The authors concluded that MPVP is a safe and effective treatment option for BPO.
The fine print
This study included a small number of participants. Also, the follow-up period was short.
Published By :
Scientific reports
Date :
Apr 23, 2019
