Comparative study of low-power versus high-power holmium laser enucleation of the prostate for large volume benign...

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a prevalent condition among the elderly male population, characterised by prostate enlargement and bothersome urinary symptoms. Holmium Laser Enucleation of the Prostate (HoLEP) is a minimally invasive surgical option that is preferred for larger prostates due to its precision and minimal complications. Although high-power HoLEP is an efficacious procedure, recent studies indicate that low-power settings may offer comparable benefits with diminished postoperative discomfort. This study compares the efficacy of low-power (LP) and high-power (HP) HoLEP in a prospective, multicentre, randomised controlled trial involving 102 men with prostates larger than 80 ml. The participants were randomly assigned to either the LP or HP groups and were followed for a period of six months following the operation. The primary outcome measure was the international prostate symptom score (IPSS), with secondary outcomes including perioperative and postoperative parameters and Qmax, PVR, and Clavien-Dindo classification of complications at one, three, and six months post-surgery. Both LP and HP HoLEP resulted in significant improvements in IPSS, Qmax, and PVR compared to the baseline (p < 0.05). The LP group demonstrated a longer laser application time (p < 0.001) and required a greater volume of irrigation fluid (p < 0.001), yet exhibited a reduction in total energy usage (p = 0.01). Additionally, they reported significantly diminished postoperative pain at 24 and 48 h (p < 0.05). No significant differences were observed between the groups with regard to the incidence of complications, the duration of catheterisation, or the length of hospital stay. The results demonstrate that LP-HoLEP is as efficacious as HP-HoLEP in improving urinary symptoms, with the additional benefit of reduced postoperative discomfort. These findings support the use of LP-HoLEP as a viable option for the treatment of large prostates, although further research is required to confirm long-term outcomes.