Extended transurethral resection and Nd:YAG laser ablation of the prostate (TURLAP) for carcinoma: a pilot study

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Abstract
Transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) has been combined with Nd:YAG application for the treatment of prostatic carcinoma for a decade. The inability to deliver the energy at right angles has made the procedure technically difficult, but results have been encouraging. A pilot study was begun in 1991 on ten patients who refused or were not candidates for radical prostatectomy. The protocol consisted of transrectal ultrasound imaging (TRUS) during extended TURP (EXTURP) followed immediately by Nd:YAG energy applied to the prostate bed and capsule. A second laser application under real time TRUS followed in eight weeks and a third (or fourth in one patient) was undertaken eight weeks later. Energy of 30,000- 85,000 Joules was applied during each procedure with the right angle urolase fiber (Bard) at 60 watts. Lesions were created for 30-60 seconds in each area of remaining tissue documented on TRUS. A thermocoupler was used to monitor rectal temperature. Complications include urinary retention, gross hematuria, bladder neck contracture, early incontinence, late incontinence, and probable permanent incontinence. Of the only four potent patients preoperatively, all (100%) are impotent now. TURLAP appears to be a safe and effective method of killing prostate malignant tissue and should be further studied perhaps in combination with interstitial laser irradiation to increase efficacy and lessen complications.

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