Transperineal Laser Ablation for BPO: Safety, Feasibility, and Functional Outcomes.

What is it about?

The study describes a minimally invasive treatment for benign prostatic obstruction (BPO) called transperineal laser ablation (TPLA). The study is a prospective, multicentre, interventional pilot study including 20 patients who were treated with TPLA using local anaesthetics and conscious sedation. The aim of the study is to assess the safety, feasibility, and functional outcomes of TPLA for the treatment of lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) in men fit also for standard surgery. The results showed that TPLA is a safe and feasible treatment option for men with LUTS due to BPO, and it can be performed in an outpatient setting under only local anaesthetics. The functional outcomes and quality of life improved significantly at 12 months of follow-up.

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Why is it important?

This research is important because it assesses the safety, feasibility, and functional outcomes of transperineal laser ablation (TPLA) for the treatment of lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) due to benign prostatic obstruction (BPO) in men who are fit for standard surgery. TPLA is a novel minimally invasive treatment that has been performed using local anesthetics and conscious sedation, which reduces the need for anaesthesia and hospitalization. This study is the first to show that TPLA treatment can be performed using local anaesthesia only in an outpatient setting, which may result in a significant reduction in patients' burden. Key Takeaways: 1. TPLA is a safe and feasible treatment for men with LUTS due to BPO. 2. TPLA can be performed in an outpatient setting under only local anaesthetics. 3. Functional outcomes and quality of life by means of the Qmax, IPSS, and QoL showed significant improvement at 12 months of follow-up. 4. Erectile function remained stable, and antegrade ejaculation was preserved in the majority of patients.