Urodynamic results of laser treatment in patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia. Can outlet obstruction be relieved?

Abstract

A urodynamic study was done to judge the capability of laser treatment to relieve bladder outlet obstruction. Advanced urodynamic studies with pressure-flow analysis were performed before and 6 months after laser treatment using 3 different laser devices. Forty patients showed significant improvement in all obstruction parameters (detrusor pressure at maximum flow rate, urethral resistance relation, theoretical cross-sectional urethral area, minimal detrusor pressure and linear passive urethral resistance relation) together with significant subjective improvement in international prostate symptom score. After treatment 82 to 92% of the patients could no longer be considered to have obstruction. No difference in outcome among the devices used was found. Laser prostatectomy is indeed capable of relieving bladder outlet obstruction.