Results of holmium laser resection of the prostate for benign prostatic hyperplasia

PURPOSE: To assess the results of holmium laser resection of the prostate (HoLRP) in the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Since October 1996, 259 patients have undergone elective HoLRP. Peak urinary flow rates (Qax), IPSS scores, and duration of catheterization and hospital stay from admission to discharge catheter free were used as outcome measures. RESULTS: There were no perioperative deaths nor cases of transurethral resection syndrome. Two patients required blood transfusion. The mean duration of catheterization was 1.6 days and the mean hospital stay 2.9 days. The mean IPSS decreased from 21.0 preoperatively to 7.0 at 1 year, whilst the Qmax increased from 10.5 mL/sec to 20.5 mL/sec. CONCLUSION: The HoLRP technique is a safe and effective treatment for benign prostatic hyperplasia, allowing resection of the prostate at the level of the capsule with minimal bleeding or fluid absorption and with results equivalent to those of standard transurethral resection.