Quality of life after photo-selective vaporization and holmium-laser enucleation of the prostate after 5-years

This study aimed to compare quality-of-life between photoselective-vaporization (PVP) and holmium-laser-enucleation of the prostate (HLE) in benign-prostatic-hyperplasia (BPH). This study found that both treatments improved the quality of life for patients with 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. Holmium laser enucleation (HLE) can be used to treat BPH. This procedure uses a laser to remove prostate tissue that is blocking urine flow. Another option is photoselective-vaporization (PVP). It uses steam to treat the extra prostate tissue that is causing symptoms.

It is unclear which treatment is better.

This study included 1,193 patients with BPH. 439 had PVP. HLE was received by 754. Patients were followed up for up to 60 months. They completed questionnaires to evaluate their quality of life. 

There were no significant differences between PVP and HoLEP until 60 months after treatment. Quality of life was more improved for patients who had HLE at 60 months. Lower baseline storage was a poor risk factor for quality of life on the short-term.

This study found that both PVP and HoLEP improved the quality of life of patients with BPH in the long-term.

This study was based on medical records of patients. Information collected in this way is not always reliable.