Influence of high-power potassium-titanyl-phosphate photoselective vaporization of the prostate on erectile function: a short-term follow-up study.

Background: Erectile function after high-power potassium-titanyl-phosphate (KTP) photoselective laser vaporization of the prostate has not been investigated systemically.

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of high-power KTP photoselective laser vaporization of the prostate on erectile function in men with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS)/benign prostatic hyperplasia.

Methods: A total of 45 patients with mean age of 68.3 years (range 56-86) were included in the primary analysis. At baseline and at 6-month postoperative visit, the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF), International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), maximum flow rate (Qmax), and post-void residual urine (PVR) volume were evaluated. Methods: The primary efficacy outcome was changes in the "erectile function" domain and other sexual functions. The secondary outcome was changes in LUTS.

Results: Six months after surgery, data of the IPSS, Qmax, and PVR volume improved (P < 0.05). All IIEF domains also improved 6 months after surgery (P < 0.05). "Erectile function" domain increased from a baseline of 11.3 +/- 1.8 to 14.7 +/- 1.7 (P = 0.015). Overall, the IIEF total sum increased from a baseline mean of 27.4 +/- 3.8 to 34.9 +/- 3.7 after KTP photoselective vaporization of the prostate (P = 0.010).

Conclusions: The present results suggest that 6 months after high-power KTP laser vaporization, sexual functions including erectile function improved. However, as with any new technique, a longer follow-up and a larger cohort are needed further to validate these findings.