Comparison of Vela and holmium laser enucleation of the prostate: a retrospective clinical trial with a 12-month follow-up

Purpose

This study aimed to estimate the validity and applicability of Vela laser enucleation of the prostate (VoLEP) in the management of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).

Methods

A retrospective chart review of 112 patients with BPH who underwent VoLEP (n?=?60) or holmium laser enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP) (n?=?56) was conducted at our institution from January 2015 to June 2015. The general and perioperative characteristics of the patients were collected. The 12-month follow-up data, including the lower urinary tract symptom (LUTS) indexes (International Prostate Symptom Score I-PSS], quality-of-life QoL] score and maximum flow rate Qmax]), as well as rates of perioperative and late complications, were analyzed.

Results

No significant differences were observed in pre- and perioperative parameters, including operation time (58.05?±?10.14 vs. 60.14?±?12.30 min, P?=?0.44), serum sodium decrease (3.49?±?0.83 vs. 3.48?±?0.84 mmol/L, P?=?0.97), hemoglobin decrease (1.28?±?0.38 vs. 1.24?±?0.77 g/dL, P?=?0.71), catheterization time (3.63?±?1.10 vs. 3.89?±?1.11 days, P?=?0.21) and hospital stay (4.57?±?1.25 vs. 4.68?±?1.18 days, P?=?0.63) between the two groups of patients. Compared with the HoLEP group, the noise during operation was lower in VoLEP group (47.22?±?10.31 vs. 59.45?±?9.65 db, P?<?0.05). During 1, 6 and 12 months of follow-up visits, the LUTS indexes (I-PSS, QoL score and Qmax) were remarkably improved in both groups when comparing with the baseline values. Furthermore, LUTS indexes were comparable in both groups (P?>?0.05).

Conclusion

Similarly as the holmium laser, the Vela laser is a potent, safe, efficient durable and surgical treatment option for minimally invasive surgery in patients with BPH-induced LUTS.