Holmium laser enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP) and Thulium enucleation of the prostate (ThuLEP): experience at the Hospital Central Militar

Background: even though transurethral resection of the prostate (TUrP) and retropubic prostatectomy continue to be the treatments of choice for managing prostatic hyperplasia, they present with considerable complications and morbidity, motivating the development of new techniques. Since its advent in 1995, the advantages of Holmium laser enucleation of the prostate (HoLeP) over TUrP have been documented, especially with respect to complications in large-volume prostates. In recent years the technique of Thulium laser enucleation (ThuLeP) of the prostate has also been developed. Unlike the Holmium laser, which emits energy in pulses, this technique does so continuously, and as a result provides greater efficacy and reduces surgery duration and blood loss. Two groups of 10 patients each were formed; one was managed with Holmium laser enucleation of the prostate (HoL eP) and one with Thulium enucleation of the prostate (ThuLeP). Results: The efficacy of both surgical techniques was corroborated, regardless of prostate volume, with no important complications. Overall results, urethral catheter duration, and hospital stay were similar in both groups. Discussion: Based on the results, the two minimally invasive surgical techniques with laser for the treatment of prostatic hyperplasia were effective, had a minimum of complications, and provided adequate results, proportional to the experience of the surgeon performing each procedure. Laser enucleation of the prostate is a technique with great potential for becoming the surgical treatment of choice for prostatic hyperplasia, compared with the current standard treatment, due to its greater efficacy and fewer complications, regardless of prostate volume.