Transperineal Laser Ablation vs Transurethral Resection for Benign Prostatic Obstruction: A Randomized Clinical Trial

Overview

The primary objective of the study is to compare Trans-Perineal Laser Ablation of Prostate versus Trans-Urethral Resection of Prostate in the immediate impact on post-operative pain; in terms of relief in benign prostatic obstruction and preservation of the ejaculatory function in the short term (at 1, 3 and 6 months). The secondary objective of the study is the evaluation of the long-term deobstructive effectiveness (12 months).

Consecutive patients coming to our institution affected by benign prostatic obstruction (BPO) with indication to surgery and strong need of ejaculatory preservation will be enrolled in the present randomised controlled trial study after counseling. After an informed consent is obtained, uroflowmetry with calculation of the post-voiding residual volume (PVR), a transrectal ultrasonography to estimate prostate volume (PVol), the international prostate symptoms score (IPSS) questionnaire with quality of life (QoL) assessment, and the evaluation of the ejaculatory sexual function will be performed in all patients. Trans-Perineal Laser Ablation of Prostate (TPLA) will be performed using the EchoLaser combined system (Elesta, Italy). During the procedure, two 21G spinal needles are inserted transperineally in the peri-urethral area under ultrasound-guidance. By optical fibers, a maximum energy of 1800 J at a power of 3 Watts is delivered. If necessary, the fibers are eventually pulled-back. Immediately after the procedure, the patients will be asked to fill in the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) for the assessment of the pain perceived. Perioperative data and postoperative data including assessment of ejaculatory function will be analyzed at different time points.