Background and objective: Photoselective vaporization of the prostate (PVP) is an alternative to transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) in the surgical management of Benign Prostate Obtruction (BPO), with a better hemostatic effect due to a coagulation depth of several millimeters. The objective of this study was to prospectively assess the tissue effects of PVP by Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI).

Materials and methods: From December to February 2014, ten patients were included in a prospective study and underwent PVP performed by a single surgeon with the Greenlight™ laser 180-W XPS. A multiparametric MRI of the prostate (Siemens 3T Verio) was achieved the day before the procedure and post-operatively (2 days, 7 days, 3 and 6 months after the procedure). The prostate volume after tissue removal was determined. The depth of necrosis in the prostatic and peri-prostatic tissues were assessed at six different locations.

Results: The median age and pre-operative prostate volume were 70 years (64-76) and 48.1 ml (19-74.4), respectively. Median prostate volume significantly decreased post-operatively (P < 0.001): At 6 months, median prostate volume reduction was 44.2% (38.7-49.5) (P = 0.001) compared to pre-operative setting. Two and 7 days after the procedure, mean depths of necrosis were 2.5 mm (0-3) and 1.3 mm (0-2.4), respectively. No necrosis was reported 3 and 6 months after the procedure.

Conclusions: PVP with Greenlight™ XPS 180-W is associated with a significant reduction of prostate volume. The depth of necrosis is low and homogeneous, resulting in a limited risk of peri-operative complications. Lasers Surg. Med. 49:577-581, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.