Safety and efficacy of photoselective vaporization of the prostate using the 180-W GreenLight XPS laser system in patients taking oral anticoagulants

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of the 180-W GreenLight XPS laser system for the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia in patients taking oral anticoagulants. METHODS: All consecutive patients admitted for lower urinary tract symptoms associated with benign prostatic hyperplasia from November 2012 to October 2016 and who underwent photoselective vaporization of the prostate with the 180-W GreenLight XPS laser were included in the study. The perioperative outcomes examined were the operating time, laser time, energy usage, and duration of postoperative catheterization. Functional parameters (International Prostate Symptom Score, maximum urinary flow rate, and post-void residual urine volume), prostate volume, and serum prostate-specific antigen concentration were examined at baseline and 3 months. Perioperative complications, if any, were noted. RESULTS: All functional parameters (International Prostate Symptom Score, maximum urinary flow rate, and post-void residual urine volume) significantly improved from baseline to 3 months. A small number of patients experienced at least one minor adverse event. There was no difference in the rate of adverse events between patients who were and were not taking anticoagulants. CONCLUSIONS: Photoselective vaporization with a 180-W laser is an efficacious and safe treatment for benign prostatic hyperplasia, even in patients taking anticoagulant medications.