RevoLix™ vaporesection of the prostate: initial results of 54 patients with a 1-year follow-up

Multiple laser systems for the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) have been introduced. Current laser systems have limitations due to their laser physics. The RevoLix™ laser combines the advantages of the Holmium:YAG laser with the comfort of a continuous wave (cw) laser beam. This study reports the preliminary results of vaporesection (simultaneous vaporization and resection) of the prostate, using the 2 μm cw laser. A total of 54 consecutive patients were treated with the 70 W RevoLix™ laser for BPH. The mean age was 61 years. Mean prostate volume was 30.3 cc. A 550 μm RigiFib™ bare-ended fiber was used in combination with a 26 French laser resectoscope. Measured outcomes were resection time, decrease in hemoglobin and transfusion rate. Furthermore, the catheter time, improvement in the urinary flow rate (Q _max), post-voiding residual urine (PVR), International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) and Quality of Life Index (QoL) were recorded. Average resection time was 52 min. After crossing the learning curve, a tissue ablation of 1.5 g/min was possible. Transfusions were not necessary in any patient. Catheter time was 1.7 days. Q _max significantly improved from 4.2 to 20.1 ml on average. PVR decreased from 86 to 12 ml. IPSS and QoL-Score improved from 19.8 to 6.9 and 4 to 1, respectively. No patient required re-hospitalization. These preliminary results indicate that RevoLix™ vaporesection of the prostate is safe and efficient. One-year follow-up data showed a significant improvement in voiding symptoms and patients’ quality of life. A longer follow-up is needed to prove the durability of these promising results.