Update on photoselective vaporization of the prostate

Abstract

Photoselective vaporization of the prostate (PVP) with a potassium titanyl phosphate (KTP) laser may be the most promising new technology applied to the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). The specific laser light characteristics and the ideal interactions between KTP lasers and prostatic tissue result in an even and efficient vaporization of the prostate and the formation of a clearly deobstructed prostate cavity. PVP can be a day-care procedure, with few hours of catheterization and minimal postoperative discomfort, offering outcomes at least equivalent to the reference standard transurethral resection of the prostate. Although larger studies are necessary to further define where PVP stands in the management of BPH, this review focuses on contemporary treatment techniques and their limitations, and comments on the outcomes of its current use.

Photoselective Vaporization of the Prostate with GreenLight HPS 120-W Laser for Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia: 36 Months’ Follow-Up

“…During the past decade, PVP has shown clinical outcomes consistent with the standard treatment of TURP, but with improved morbidity [7]. However, the vaporization procedure for very large glands remains a tedious and time-consuming task due to the limited rate of power delivered per unit of time.…”

“…To overcome these limitations and in view of the favorable results thus far, the new and improved GreenLight High Performance System (HPS) was recently introduced. The important modifications of HPS are beam quality and increased power [7]. Although many studies have reported short-term follow-up outcomes using this laser for BPH, a few reports have been published with intermediate follow-up.…”