Redefining Clinically Significant Hematuria After Holmium Enucleation of the Prostate

Introduction and Objective: Holmium laser enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP) is often offered for symptomatic prostatic enlargement at high risk for bleeding. However, prior studies define clinically significant hematuria (CSH) narrowly as the need for blood transfusion or significant decrease in hemoglobin. We sought to evaluate risk factors contributing to a broader definition of CSH, which may contribute to alteration of clinical course. Methods: We analyzed 164 patients in a prospectively maintained database who underwent HoLEP at a single institution across two surgeons from November 2020 to April 2023. HoLEP was performed using Moses 2.0 (Boston Scientific) laser and the Piranha enucleation system (Richard Wolf). We defined CSH broadly as follows: clot retention, return to operating room, perioperative management variation due to hematuria, or continued gross hematuria past 1 month postoperatively. Univariable and multivariable ANOVAs were used. Multivariable analysis of CSH risk based on the use of antiplatelet (AP) agents or anticoagulants included correction for age, enucleation time (surrogate for case difficulty), and prostate volume. Results: 17.7% (29/164) of our patients developed CSH after HoLEP. Longer enucleation time was a mild risk factor for developing CSH (multivariate odds ratio [OR] 1.01, p = 0.02). The strongest predictor of CSH was the use of anticoagulation or AP agents (OR 2.71 p < 0.02 on univariable analysis, OR 2.34 p < 0.02 on multivariable analysis), even when aspirin 81 mg was excluded. Conclusion: With a broadened definition, 18% of patients developed CSH following HoLEP, which impacted the clinical course. Our data suggest that the current definition of significant hematuria is too narrow and does not capture many patients whose clinical course is affected by hematuria. While safe, anticoagulants and APs significantly predicted an increased CSH risk, and patients should be counseled accordingly.