More efficient vaporization by the 200-W Thulium laser system than by the GreenLight high-performance system (HPS) 120-W system

Abstract

Aim: We retrospectively compared and evaluated the safety, efficacy, and 1-year outcomes of 200-W Thulium laser vaporization of the prostate (ThuVAP) and the GreenLight high-performance system (HPS) 120-W system for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Methods: Between February 2019 and December 2021, 137 patients with lower urinary tract symptoms secondary to BPH underwent ThuVAP. Between October 2014 and April 2019, 233 patients underwent GreenLight HPS 120-W vaporization of the prostate (HPS-PVP). Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels, International Prostate Symptom Scores (IPSS), quality of life (QOL) scores, overactive bladder symptom scores (OABSS), post-void residual (PVR), and maximum flow rates (Qmax) were evaluated before and 1, 3, 6, and 12 months after surgery. Results: Mean ages in the ThuVAP and HPS-PVP groups were 73.7 and 73.4 years, respectively. Prostate volumes (PV) were 77.0 and 61.4 mL (P < 0.001), respectively. Significant improvements were observed in IPSS, QOL scores, OABSS, Qmax, and PVR in both groups 1 to 12 months after surgery. Laser and hospitalization times were significantly shorter and approximate tissue removal (ΔPV) was significantly larger in the ThuVAP group than in the HPS-PVP group (means, 49.4 min vs. 62.5 min, P < 0.001, means, 4.9 days vs. 5.4 days, P = 0.007, means, 50.4 mLvs. 27.8 mL, P < 0.001, respectively). Vaporization efficiency (ΔPV/laser time) was > 2-fold higher in the ThuVAP group than in the HPS-PVP group (1.1 mL/min vs. 0.5 mL/min). There were significantly fewer postoperative complications in the ThuVAP group than in the HPS-PVP group (13.9% vs. 23.6%, P = 0.030). Conclusion: Both procedures are safe and useful for BPH obstruction. Based on shorter operating and hospitalization times, fewer complications, and more efficient tissue removal, ThuVAP is a more favorable and effective treatment than HPS-PVP.