Abstract：Objective:To evaluate the effect of thulium laser resection of the prostate-tangerine technique (TmLRP-TT) on sexual function of patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia.Methods:We treated 36 patients diagnosed of BPH with 2-micron TmLRP-TT. A 120 watts thulium laser generating continuous wave was used. The outcome was evaluated by the international prostate symptom score, quality of life score,urinary flow rates and post-void residual assessment. The sexual functions were evaluated before 2-micron TmLRP-TT and 3 months afterwards with the international erectile dysfunctions questionnaires (IIEF-5). The results of the sexual function before and after operation were compared.Results:A total of 33 patients completed the follow-up and 29 cases were included the study. No patients had newly developed impotence. No significant compared with the preoperative score(P>0.05).A slight decrease in the mean IIEF score was reported in postoperative assessments. Improvement in early morning erections after TmLRP-TT was significant (P<0.05). The ejaculatory volumes were evidently reduced postoperatively. According to general assessment question analysis, the prevalence of subjectively reported postoperative retrograde ejaculation was significantly higher than the baseline assessment (P<0.05).Conclusions:2-micron TmLRP-TT does not affect the sexual function of patients with BPH, with the exception of ejaeulum reduce and retrograde ejaculation. It did improve the ability of morning erection.
[1]Xia SJ. Two-micron (thulium) laser resection of the prostate-tangerine technique: a new method for BPH treatment. Asian J Androl, 2009, 11(3):277-281. [2]Fried NM, Murray KE. High-power thulium fiber laser ablation of urinary tissues at 1.94 microm. J Endourol, 2005, 19(1):25-31. [3]Fried NM, Murray KE. High-power thulium fiber laser ablation of urinary tissues at 1.94 mm. J Endourol, 2005, 19(1):25-31. [4]De Giorgi G, Luciani LG, Valotto C, et al. Role of risk factors for erectile dysfunction in patients undergoing transurethral resection of the prostate: early impact on sexual function. Arch Ital Urol Androl, 2005, 77(3):143-145. [5]Gold FM, Hotchkiss FS. Sexual potency following simple prostatectomy. N Y State J Med, 1969, 69(23):2987-2989. [6]Lue TF. Impotence after prostatectomy. Urol Clin North Am, 1990, 17(3):613-620. [7]Malek RS, Kuntzman RS, Barrett DM. Photoselective potassium-titanyl-phosphate laser vaporization of the benign obstructive prostate: observations on long-term outcomes. J Urol, 2005,174(4 Pt 1):1344-1348. [8]Ronzoni G, De Vecchis M. Preservation of anterograde ejaculation after transurethral resection of both the prostate and bladder neck. Br J Urol, 1998, 81(6):830-833.
