Potassium-titanyl-phosphate (KTP) laser vaporisation of the prostate for benign prostatic obstruction

The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) has issued full guidance to the NHS in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland on Potassium-titanyl-phosphate (KTP) laser vaporisation of the prostate for benign prostatic obstruction.

Benign prostatic hyperplasia is a non-malignant disease of the prostate which may lead to gland englargement that can cause prostatic obstruction.

This obstruction can be managed medically or surgically. The gold standard surgical treatment is transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP). However, the relatively high morbidity for this procedure has led to the development of a range of minimally invasive techniques.

KTP laser (60- 80 W) vaporisation (which may also be referred to as photoselective vaporisation of the prostate) invovles the insertion of a small flexible fibre-optic tube into the urethra. Light pulses are then sent through this fibre 'vaporising' and removing the prostatic obstruction. A urethral catheter may then be left in place for 18-28 hours after the procedure.

The procedure can be conducted in an outpatient setting, with the average procedure taking approximately 30 minutes to perform.

Other (see guidance)

Surgical procedures
Urogenital

Interventional Procedures Programme
National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence
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