Does prostate size impact upon perioperative outcomes associated with photoselective vaporization of the prostate using the 180W lithium triborate laser?

INTRODUCTION: Photoselective vaporization of the prostate (PVP) has been widely adopted as a surgical treatment for lower urinary tract symptoms due to benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Recently, a high-powered 180 W lithium triborate (LBO) laser has become commercially available and there is relatively little information on the impact of this very high-powered laser on perioperative outcomes. Even more so is the impact of the laser on outcomes according to prostate size. OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study was to evaluate perioperative outcomes after PVP with the 180W laser, relative to prostate size. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A prospectively maintained institutional ethics approved database was retrospectively reviewed. Subjects were analyzed according to transrectal ultrasound and categorized into groups namely 0-39 mL, 40-79 mL, 80-120 mL and >120 mL. Perioperative measures included energy utilized, length of operation, duration catheterization, post operative length of stay (POLOS), Clavien-Dindo adverse events and number discharged home within 24 hours catheter free. RESULTS: With increasing prostate size, there was a statistically significant increase in energy utilization and operation time (P < 0.01 between groups). Duration of catheterization, POLOS, incidence of Grade 3 and above Clavien-Dindo adverse events and discharge home catheter free within 24 hours was not statistically significant across groups. CONCLUSIONS: Prostate volume impacts upon energy utilized with PVP surgery. Prostate volume does not influence duration of catheterization or POLOS. Clavien-Dindo Grade 3 or greater adverse events were low and do not appear to be influenced by prostate size. The ability to be discharged home catheter free within 24 hours likewise does not appear to be influenced by prostate size.