Contact laser vaporization of the prostate in patients on chronic anticoagulant therapy

The patient with marked bladder outlet obstructive symptoms who is taking anticoagulant medication presents a challenge to the urologist. This report consists of six such patients requiring full anticoagulation with oral warfarin. All patients were treated with the Surgical Laser Technologies neodymium:YAG contact laser using the sapphire tip, while they were fully anticoagulated. All patients had their catheters removed the morning following surgery, and were discharged that same morning. On follow-up all are voiding with excellent streams and have marked reduction in their bladder outlet obstructive symptoms. Contact laser vaporization of the prostate provides an efficient and cost-effective therapeutic option in the management of these high-risk patients.