Transperineal interstitial laser ablation improves treatment outcomes of patients with benign prostatic obstruction

This study investigated the effectiveness and safety of transperineal interstitial laser ablation (TILA) in the treatment of benign prostatic obstruction (BPO). Researchers suggested that TILA shows good effectiveness and safety outcomes.

BPO is present in about half the men between the ages of 51 and 60. It happens due to the enlargement of the prostate. This results in the obstruction of the urine flow through the urethra (urinary tube), causing urinary symptoms. Oftentimes, these symptoms decrease the quality of life of the patients, and treatment is recommended. Surgery is the main treatment in BPO. However, it often causes side effects such as impaired sexual function.

In the last 10 years, several studies investigated possible less invasive therapies such as TILA. TILA removes prostate tissue through thermal heating produced by the laser. There is only one prior study with a medium-term follow-up that showed promising results. Therefore, the effectiveness of TILA in men with urinary symptoms from BPO is still not clear.

This study included information about 21 men with BPO. All participants had an average prostate volume of 40 mL, and all underwent TILA. Patients were followed-up at 1, 3, 6, and then at 12 months by phone call. All were discharged after 24h, keeping the catheter (a tube inserted through a body cavity into the bladder, for removing urine) for an average of 8.7 days.

At one month, 20 patients showed an improved volume of voided urine and prostatic symptoms. These outcomes were still positively progressing at 6 months. These patients also showed an unchanged ejaculation function. At 12 months, none of the patients reported a loss of effectiveness. 

The only side effect reported was one prostatic abscess (infection), which was treated with antibiotics.

This study concluded that TILA is associated with high effectiveness and manageable side effects in patients with benign prostatic obstruction.

This study did not include a different treatment group for comparison. Therefore, this study did not allow for a proper evaluation of the worth of TILA. Additionally, this study included a small number of participants. Further studies with a bigger population and proper control groups are needed.