A comparison of 120 W laser photoselective vaporization versus transurethral resection of the prostate for bladder outlet obstruction by prostate cancer

Objective: To compare the mid-term outcomes of photoselective vaporization of prostate (PVP) with GreenLight HPS 120 W laser and transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) for obstructive lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) in men with prostate cancer (CaP). Patients and Methods: Seventy four patients with locally advanced (T3/T4) CaP with severe LUTS or acute urinary retention (AUR) were allocated to TURP (n = 36) or PVP (n = 38). International Prostate Symptom Scores (IPSS), maximum flow rates (Qmax) and post-void residual volumes (V-res), PSA levels, prostate volumes, complications, catheter removal and hospitalization periods were recorded. Patients were reassessed at 3, 6, and 12 months. Results: The catheter removal time was significantly longer in the TURP group (3.8 +/- 1.1 vs. 1.2 +/- 0.7 days, p = 0.02), whereas failure of initial voiding trial was higher in PVP (2.7 vs. 13.1%, p = 0.01). No significant difference in IPSS, Qmax and V-res values was observed within the follow-up period between two groups. A significant difference in urethral stricture rate (8.3 vs. 0%), catheter removal time (3.8 +/- 11 vs. 1.2 +/- 0.7 days) and hospital stay ( 2.9 +/- 0.6 vs. 1.1 +/- 0.5 days) was observed in favor of PVP. Conclusions: Palliative PVP is very safe and effective by means of symptomatic relief in patients with locally advanced CaP.