In a nutshell
The study compared patients who had holmium enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP – laser removal of prostate tissue) as their first treatment for an enlarged prostate (primary), with patients who used HoLEP after other treatments failed (retreatment).
The study found that retreatment with HoLEP was safe and effective but with a slightly higher rate of complications.
Some background
Holmium laser enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP) is a surgical treatment for an enlarged prostate that is used to remove prostate tissue in a simple way. Some patients use this as their primary treatment and others try other treatment methods first. Transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) is the most commonly used procedure to remove prostate tissue but may have more side effects. It is necessary to decide when it is best to use HoLEP treatment.
Methods & findings
2,242 men who underwent HoLEP treatment were reviewed. The men were split into a primary HoLEP (pHoLEP – no prior treatment) group and retreatment group (rHoLEP – had prior treatment). 360 (16%) had undergone a treatment for an enlarged prostate before HoLEP treatment such as TURP. Patients were followed for 3-12 months and checked for surgical complications. These included bladder function and control, and narrowing of the urethra (tube that carries urine out of the body).
Men in the pHoLEP group had more improved urinary symptoms. The rHoLEP group had a higher risk for a clot and urethra narrowing. No difference was found in infection or loss of bladder control between the two groups.
The bottom line
This study concluded that retreatment of enlarged prostate with HoLEP is an effective and safe method of treatment.
The fine print
The study looks back on existing data and this may affect how it was carried out.
What’s next?
Talk to your doctor about treatment with HoLEP if other treatments have failed for you.
Published By :
Journal of Urology
Date :
Dec 30, 2016
