Serial endoscopy following visual laser ablation of prostate (VLAP)

Visual laser ablation of the prostate (VLAP) was evaluated by serial video-endoscopy and six months of clinical correlation in 7 men suffering from advanced prostatism and urinary retention. Images of the prostatic urethra were obtained before and at various intervals from two to nineteen weeks after the procedure. A substantial tissue defect evolved within three months; complete healing required an even longer period. Except in the 1 patient with middle lobe obstruction, spontaneous urination was restored in all patients (including 2 cancer patients additionally treated with androgen deprivation). No operative complications were encountered. Thus, a safe and visually successful prostatectomy was the usual result of VLAP in the present patients. As a minimally invasive method to remove an obstructing prostate, laser treatment warrants further study.