OBJECTIVE: Our aim was to evaluate the impact of 160 W Greenlight laser vaporization of the prostate on erectile function by the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-5) in 1-year follow-up in patients with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) caused by benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).
BACKGROUND DATA: Although high-power Greenlight laser has greatly improved the efficiency of vaporization of the prostate, the impact of it on erectile function remains uncertain.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 80 BPH patients with normal erectile function or mild erectile dysfunction (IIEF-5 ≥12) were included in this study. They were randomly assigned to two equal groups: 80 or 160 W. Both groups were compared regarding all relevant preoperative, operative, and postoperative parameters. Urinary function in terms of International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), quality of life (QOL) score, maximum flow rate (Qmax), and residual urinary volume (RUV) were evaluated at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months postoperatively. Erectile function was evaluated by IIEF-5 at 3, 6, and 12 months postoperatively.
RESULTS: Baseline characteristics of the two groups were comparable. Mean operative time was significantly shorter for the 160 W group. Urinary function in terms of IPSS, QOL, Qmax, and RUV were all significantly improved over baseline in both groups. There were no significant differences in these urinary functional parameters between the two groups at any point of follow-up. IIEF-5 scores of both groups significantly decreased at 3 months postoperatively compared with baseline, but at 6 and 12 months postoperatively, IIEF-5 score of either group increased to baseline, and was not different from baseline. At any point of follow-up, IIEF-5 scores of the two groups were comparable.
CONCLUSIONS: Greenlight laser (160 W) vaporization of the prostate will not increase the risk of impairing erectile function.
Written by:
Ouyang Y, Liu C, Guan W, Zhao Y, Xu Y, Wu Y. Are you the author?
Department of Urology, Navy General Hospital of the Chinese People's Liberation Army, Haidian District, Beijing, China.
Reference: Photomed Laser Surg. 2014 Aug;32(8):463-7.
doi: 10.1089/pho.2014.3727
PubMed Abstract
PMID: 25101536
