Comparing Thulium laser VapoEnucleation and GreenLight laser photoselective vaporization to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia

This study compared Thulium laser VapoEnucleation (ThuVEP) and GreenLight laser photoselective vaporization of the prostate (PVP) for the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). This study found that PVP and ThuVEP were similarly effective in the treatment of BPH.

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate gland. BPH can impede the flow of urine. This leads to lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) such as dribbling of urine and a feeling of incomplete bladder emptying. Thulium laser Vapo enucleation (ThuVEP) and GreenLight laser photoselective vaporization (PVP) can be used to treat BPH. These procedures use a laser to remove prostate tissue that is blocking urine flow. Resection is the removal of prostate tissue. Enucleation is the removal of a mass without cutting into it. It is unclear which technique is better for patients with BPH.

This study included 505 men with BPH. 291 had PVP and 214 had ThuVEP. The evaluation included urinary symptoms, regrowth of prostate tissue through the prostate-specific antigen (PSA; a protein in the blood used to detect prostate abnormalities) and patient satisfaction.

96.4% of all patients had an improvement of their symptoms, with no difference between groups. Both groups of men tolerated surgery well. On average patients could go home 2-3 days after surgery. Overall, 65.7% of patients had no complications. Side-effects were mostly mild and similar in both groups. These included inability or difficulty urinating. 

This study found that both PVP and ThuVEP were effective in the treatment of BPH.

This analysis was based on the medical records of patients treated in the past. Information collected in this way is not always complete.