Transurethral holmium laser enucleation of the prostate for the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia

Abstract

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of transurethral holmium laser enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP) for the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). A retrospective review was conducted of transurethral (HoLEP) performed on 68 patients, aged 65.7 (50 - 91) with benign prostatic hyperplasia. The efficacy and complications were all assessed. The mean procedure time was 87 mins (45 - 158 mins). The mean specimen weight was 61 g (31 - 128 g). The procedure allows a precise, bloodless field with no need for transfusion. No TUR syndrome and other major complications were encountered during the operation. The mean catheter time and hospital stay were 2.8 d (1 - 4 d) and 3.6 d (2 - 5 d), respectively. Follow-up of 7.6 months (1 - 13 months) revealed that the urination symptoms were markedly improved in all patients, and that the IPSS decreased from 25.7 +/- 6.9 to 7.7 +/- 4.3 (P < 0.01) and the maximum urine flow rate increased from 8.1 +/- 4.2 ml/s to 18.8 +/- 4.6 ml/s (P < 0.01). Postoperative complications occurred in 3 patients. 2 with transient incontinence were recovered within 3 months postoperatively. The other one with mild posterior urethral stricture was treated effectively with urethral sounding. Was associated with high effectiveness, safety, short hospital stay and less complications, HoLEP is a new minimally invasive surgical procedure for BPH.