Holmium laser enucleation of prostate (HoLEP): the Methodist Hospital experience with greater than 75 gram enucleations.
OBJECTIVE
Holmium laser enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP) effectively removes obstructive prostate tissue in minimally invasive fashion. We present our large enucleation outcomes (greater than 75 gm retrieved). We examined post-procedural prostate specific antigen (PSA) and transrectal ultrasound (TRUS) volume changes to assess tissue removal completeness.


METHODS
We retrospectively reviewed HoLEPs performed from April 1, 1999 through September 30, 2002 to identify all enucleations greater than 75 gm. Demographic, laboratory, operative and pathological data were obtained. Patients were surveyed to document longer term complications.


RESULTS
The cohort of 108 patients had a mean age and specimen weight of 71.5 years (range 53 to 90) and 120.6 gm (range 75.3 to 376), respectively. Average procedural time and hospital stay were 166.8 minutes (range 75 to 473) and 1.2 days (range 0 to 4), respectively. No deaths or episodes of transurethral resection syndrome occurred. Postoperative complications included transfusion in 2 cases, a clot retention episode in 3, capsular perforation in 2, morcellator blade malfunction in 4, minor bladder mucosal injury in 1 and bladder neck contracture in 1. American Urological Association symptom scores reassessed in 53 patients without chronic retention an average +/- SD of 10.6 +/- 7.1 months postoperatively showed a mean decrease from 20.3 +/- 6.4 to 4.7 +/- 3.8. PSA in 48 patients a mean of 5.0 +/- 4.1 months postoperatively had decreased an average of 91.7%. In 10 patients TRUS data revealed a mean post-procedural volume decrease of 85.9%.


CONCLUSIONS
HoLEP can be performed on extremely large prostates with minimal risk or need for secondary interventions. Most patients are discharged home after an overnight stay. Postoperative decreases in PSA and TRUS volumes support the completeness of enucleation that can be achieved.
Kuo
Ramsay L
RL
Methodist Hospital Institute for Kidney Stone Disease, Indiana University School of Medicine, 1801 North Senate Boulevard, Suite 220, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA.
Kim
Samuel C
SC
Lingeman
James E
JE
Paterson
Ryan F
RF
Watkins
Stephanie L
SL
Simmons
Garrick R
GR
Steele
Ronald E
RE
D000230:Adenocarcinoma / Q000601:surgery*; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D006695:Holmium / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D053685:Laser Therapy; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011468:Prostatectomy / Q000379:methods*; D011470:Prostatic Hyperplasia / Q000601:surgery*; D012189:Retrospective Studies
D006695:Holmium