Holmium laser enucleation of the prostate and holmium laser ablation of the prostate: indications and outcome.
OBJECTIVE
Holmium laser enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP) has been proposed as an alternative to transurethral resection of the prostate and to open prostatectomy for patients with lower urinary tract symptoms because of large benign prostatic enlargement. The aim of this review is to critically analyze currently available evidence-based reports regarding HoLEP, with particular interest in long-term follow-up results.


RESULTS
The use of holmium laser for the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia was first reported in 1996. HoLEP seems to represent a valid alternative to both transurethral resection of the prostate and open prostatectomy, with valid long-term functional results, a low rate of short-term and long-term complications, and very low rates of reintervention.


CONCLUSIONS
HoLEP represents a valid alternative to both transurethral resection of the prostate and open prostatectomy for treatment of patients suffering from lower urinary tract symptoms due to benign prostatic enlargement. The recently published long-term follow-up data demonstrate the durability of functional results. HoLEP can be offered as the size-independent gold standard treatment of patients with lower urinary tract symptoms because of benign prostatic enlargement.
Suardi
Nazareno
N
Department of Urology, University Vita-Salute San Raffaele, Milan, Italy.
Gallina
Andrea
A
Salonia
Andrea
A
Briganti
Alberto
A
Dehò
Federico
F
Zanni
Giuseppe
G
Abdollah
Firas
F
Naspro
Richard
R
Cestari
Andrea
A
Guazzoni
Giorgio
G
Rigatti
Patrizio
P
Montorsi
Francesco
F
D006801:Humans; D053685:Laser Therapy / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000191:economics / Q000379:methods; D053844:Lasers, Solid-State / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008297:Male; D011468:Prostatectomy; D011470:Prostatic Hyperplasia / Q000601:surgery*; D020728:Transurethral Resection of Prostate; D016896:Treatment Outcome