Laparoscopic prostatectomy for benign prostatic hyperplasia - A six-year experience

Abstract

Purpose: The Authors present their results using laparoscopic prostatectomy in the treatment of large benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Materials and methods: Between March 1999 and March 2005, 60 patients were submitted to laparoscopic prostatectomy with vascular control for large BPH. The demographic, operative period and outcome data were recorded. Results: The average prostate weight was 144.50 ± 41.74 gm. Mean operative time was 138.48 ± 23.38 minutes and estimated blood loss of 330.98 ± 149.52 ml. No patient required transfusions or conversion to open surgery. Post operative complications included one case of septicemia and three cases of prolonged ileum. The most frequent long-term complication was retrograde ejaculation, presented in all patients after 6 months of follow-up. The erectile function was preserved in all those patients who were potent before surgery. No urinary incontinence was reported by patients. Conclusions: The results demonstrate that resection of large prostatic adenomas can be performed with a laparoscopic approach. The patients had a shorter hospital stay and early return to normal activity. © 2005 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.