title: [Effect and impact of holmium laser versus thulium laser enucleation of the prostate on erectile function].
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To compare the effect and impact of holmium laser enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP) and 120-W thulium: YAG vapoenucleation of the prostate (ThuVEP) on erectile function in the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).
  
  
  METHODS
  We retrospectively analyzed 93 cases of symptomatic BPH treated by HoLEP or 120 W ThuVEP. We made comparisons between the two groups of patients in the baseline and postoperative clinical and surgical indexes as well as their IPSS, quality of life (QOL), maximum flow rate (Qmax), postvoid residual urine volume (PVR), and IIEF-EF scores before surgery and during the 12-month follow-up.
  
  
  RESULTS
  ThuVEP, in comparison with HoLEP, achieved a significantly shorter operation time ([57.6 +/- 12. 8] vs. [70.4 +/- 21.8] min, P = 0.001) and a higher laser efficiency ([0.71 +/- 0.18] vs. [0.62 +/- 0.19] g/min, P = 0. 021). At 1, 6, or 12 months of follow-up, no significant differences were observed in IPSS, OOL, Omax, and PVR between the two groups (P > 0.05). Both the HoLEP and ThuVEP groups showed low incidences of complications and remarkably improved IIEF-EF scores at 12 months postoperatively, but with no significant differences (both P > 0.05). However, in those with relatively normal erectile functions before operation, the mean IIEF-EF score was reduced from 22.8 +/- 2.2 preoperatively to 21.0 +/- 2.7 after HoLEP, (P = 0.036).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Both HoLEP and 120W ThuVEP are effective and safe in the treatment of BPH. Compared with HoLEP, 120 W ThuVEP has even a higher laser efficiency. However, neither can significantly improve erectile function, and HoLEP may have a short-term negative impact on the relatively normal erectile function of the patient.
authors.forename: Kai
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Hong
authors.forename: Yu-qing
authors.initials: YQ
authors.lastname: Liu
authors.forename: Jian
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Lu
authors.forename: Chun-lei
authors.initials: CL
authors.lastname: Xiao
authors.forename: Yi
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Huang
authors.forename: Lu-lin
authors.initials: LL
authors.lastname: Ma
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D006695:Holmium; D006801:Humans; D053685:Laser Therapy / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods*; D053844:Lasers, Solid-State / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010410:Penile Erection; D011468:Prostatectomy / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods*; D011470:Prostatic Hyperplasia / Q000601:surgery*; D011788:Quality of Life; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013932:Thulium; D020728:Transurethral Resection of Prostate; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014556:Urine
chemical_list: D013932:Thulium; D006695:Holmium