Abstract
Two hundred thirty-nine patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) were treated using interstitial laser coagulation (ILC or LITT; laser-induced interstitial thermotherapy), and the long-term results were determined. In this minimally invasive procedure, special laser light guides were inserted into the adenoma tissue in order to achieve primary large-volume coagulation necrosis and secondary shrinking, leaving the urethra intact. The AUA Symptom Scores improved markedly, from an average of 25 pretreatment to an average of 6 at 1 year. Peak urine flow rates improved commensurably, from 8 mL/sec pretreatment to 18 mL/sec at 1 year. Postoperative irritative symptoms occurred occasionally, affecting only 12% of patients. Significant complications were rare, with 4% of patients suffering strictures and 7% retrograde ejaculation. No patients suffered impotence or incontinence. Only 9.6% of patients required retreatment for BPH during 12 months of follow-up. Twelve patients were treated with subsequent transurethral laser incision of the bladder neck in order to shorten the time required for improvement of voiding function.
Get full access to this article
View all access options for this article.