GreenLight Laser Enucleation of the Prostate (GreenLEP): Initial Experience with a Simplified Technique

To present outcomes of a simplified GreenLight laser enucleation of the prostate (GreenLEP) technique and to inform urologists considering incorporation of enucleation into their practice.

We reviewed all consecutive GreenLEPs by a single surgeon from 2015 to 2018. Baseline patient characteristics, pre-enucleation prostate volume, enucleated adenoma weight, blood loss, lasering time, and energy utilized were recorded. Primary outcomes were urinary flow rate (uroflow) and postvoid residual. Secondary outcomes included International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) and prostate-specific antigen change. Primary and secondary outcomes were measured up to 3 years and compared using Student's t test. Adverse event and complication rates were recorded.

One hundred and eight patients underwent GreenLEP with mean follow up of 10.2 months. Statistically significant improvements were noted at 3 months in Qmax (237%, P <.01) and Qavg (227%, P <.01), with changes remaining durable through 2 years. Statistically significant improvements were noted at 3 months in International Prostate Symptom Score (-64%, P <.01), postvoid residual (-83%, P <.01), and prostate-specific antigen change (-77%, P <.01). Adverse event and complication rates were comparable to other published enucleation studies. Sexual activity was reported in 36% of patients, all of whom reported retrograde ejaculation. Patients experienced dysuria (6%), stress urinary incontinence (6%), urge urinary incontinence (16%), urethral stricture (6%), bladder perforation (n = 2), prostatic capsular perforation (n = 1), and ureteral injury (n = 1).

Simplified GreenLEP shows effective and durable results with an acceptable adverse event and complication profile. This technique is optimal for novice enucleators familiar with photoselective vaporization.