Blue Laser Vaporization for Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia: A Prospective Cohort Study on Efficacy and Preservation of Ejaculation
Abstract
Surgical treatments for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) often impair sexual function. The 450 nm blue laser, with its high hemoglobin absorption and shallow penetration, offers rapid tissue vaporization while preserving sexual function. This study aims to evaluate the efficacy and safety of our blue laser vaporization technique, with a focus on preserving erection and antegrade ejaculation. This prospective cohort study enrolled 105 consecutive sexually active men (≥2 episodes/mo) with BPH who underwent transurethral blue laser vaporization between January 2023 and December 2023. The primary outcomes were the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) and International Index of Erectile Function-5 (IIEF-5) at 12 mo. The median age, prostate volume, and operation time were 63 yr, 44 ml, and 25 min, respectively. The IPSS decreased from 24 to 8 (p < 0.001), and the maximum urinary flow rate (Qmax) increased from 9 ml/s to 25 ml/s (p < 0.001). Erectile function was preserved (IIEF-5: 18 vs 18, p = 0.479). Although ejaculate volume decreased (2.0 ml to 1.0 ml, p < 0.001), anejaculation occurred in only 2.8% of the patients. Transient hematuria occurred in 31.4% of the patients; 1 patient (1.0%) required reoperation for hemostasis. There were no new cases of erectile dysfunction or incontinence. The blue laser vaporization technique effectively and efficiently improves voiding outcomes through rapid prostate vaporization while preserving erectile function and antegrade…
How strong is the evidence?
Evidence Hub reads this as a cohort study, done in people. Its evidence level is 3 of 5 (Moderate · trial / cohort / secondary analysis). Trials without a large randomized design, cohorts and secondary analyses give moderate evidence.
Read the paper
Related studies
- Treatment of non-metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer: facing age-related comorbidities and drug–drug interactions
- The Efficacy of Flogofilm® in the Treatment of Chronic Bacterial Prostatitis as an Adjuvant to Antibiotic Therapy: A Randomized Prospective Trial
- Inhibition of growth and contraction in human prostate stromal cells by silencing of NUAK1 and -2, and by the presumed NUAK inhibitors HTH01-015 and WZ4003
- Effectiveness and Safety of a New Nutrient Fixed Combination Containing Pollen Extract Plus Teupolioside, in the Management of LUTS in Patients with Benign Prostatic Hypertrophy: A Pilot Study
- Extract from Cucurbita pepo improves BPH symptoms without affecting sexual function: a 24-month noninterventional study
- Aquablation vs. holmium laser enucleation of the prostate for benign prostatic hyperplasia: a 150-patients prospective comparative multicenter study
Go deeper in Evidence Hub
Evidence Hub adds a study data sheet (design, sample size, evidence level, key numbers), an AI summary and a chat grounded in the paper's text.