KTP LASER FOR PHOTOSELECTIVE VAPORIZATION OF THE PROSTATE IN TREATMENT OF BPH

Introduction: Benign prostatic hyperplasia becomes increasingly more prevalent consistent with the

changes in the demographic features of the society. Transurethral resection of the prostate is still the gold

standard treatment choice for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). With the advent of the laser technology,

laser energy has been applied for treating benign prostatic obstruction and preliminary data suggest that this

energy modality is effective and safe.

In the last decade, the use of a high-power Potassium-Titanyl-Phosphate (KTP) laser for photoselective

vaporization of the prostate (PVP) to treat BPH has increased. High power KTP lasers with wavelength of 532

nm, is highly absorbed by oxyhemoglobin and penetrates the prostatic tissue only 1 to 2 mm deep. The high

power KTP laser instantly removes tissue by vaporization of cellular water. The KTP allows for larger

amounts of adenomatous tissue to be quickly vaporized and removed with minimal blood loss and coagulation.

We conducted a systematic review to evaluate the efficacy and safety of KTP laser prostatectomy

techniques for symptomatic benign prostatic obstruction.