Thulium laser enucleation of the prostate (TmLEP) vs. transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP): evaluation of early results

INTRODUCTION: The first decade of XXI century it is a time of the thulium laser implementation to a benign prostatic hyperplasia treatment. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this paper is a comparative assessment of early results thulium laser enucleation of the prostate (TmLEP) versus transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) in 3-months observation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients were randomized to BPH surgical treatment: research group (TmLEP – 54 men) or control group (TURP – 52 men). Between 02.2007-09.2009 non-consecutive patients were examined before, one month, and 3-months after surgery. Perioperative data (age, PV, time of surgery, use of laser, morcellation, catheterization, hospitalization, used energy, Hgb loss and removed tissue weight) were assessed. Before and after surgery IPSS, QoL, Qmax and PVR were controlled. RESULTS: Hemoglobin loss was twice lower during TmLEP than TURP [0.95 ±0.77 (0-3.2) vs. 1.81 ±0.97 (0.1-4.7) g/dl, p <0.0001]. Surgery time TmLEP was longer than TURP [102.2 ±38.7 (25-210) vs. 74.5 ±22.8 (25-140) min. p <0.0001]. Without morcellation time [28.1 ±17.9 (5-80) min.], surgery time of both procedures was comparable. Weight of resected tissue was lower in TmLEP than TURP [24.8 ±14.8 (2-65) vs. 34.8 ±14.1 (12-68)g]. without consideration of vaporized tissue. In both groups we noticed a distinct improvement in all parameters: IPSS, QoL, Qmax and PVR, but without any statistically significant differences between them. Complications after surgery were similar in TmLEP and TURP group. CONCLUSIONS: The thulium laser enucleation of the prostate is safe and efficient BPH treatment method, comparable to the transurethral electroresection in 3-months observation. Lack of long-term research does not allow to form wider conclusions.