Thulium Fiber Laser Enucleation of the Prostate (TFLEP) vs HoLEP With Moses Technology (m-HoLEP)

Enucleation of the prostate equips technology (usually laser) to effectively treat lower urinary tract symptoms associated with benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH). The holmium: yttrium-aluminum-garnet (Ho: YAG) laser is considered the gold standard laser used to perform enucleation of the prostate. Holmium laser enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP) reduces hospital stay and hemoglobin drop while improving International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) and quality of life, as well as other postoperative outcomes. HoLEP has been found to have a better enucleation efficiency rate and may have better hemostatic properties when combined with the modulated pulsed laser energy featured associated with Moses technology (m-HoLEP).

A novel laser technology called thulium fiber laser (TFL) delivers a pulsed laser at a more optimal wavelength and a shallower depth of tissue penetration leading to better hemostatic properties. However, the differences in clinical outcomes between TFL enucleation of the prostate (TFLEP) and m-HoLEP have yet to be described. This prospective study aims to compare the safety profile and clinical outcomes, peri-operatively up to one year post-operatively, between m-HoLEP and TFLEP with BPH and evidence of bladder obstruction.

Enucleation of the prostate equips technology (usually laser) to effectively treat lower urinary tract symptoms associated with benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH). The holmium: yttrium-aluminum-garnet (Ho: YAG) laser is the longest running and most studied laser used to perform this minimally invasive procedure.

Holmium laser enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP) reduces hospital stay and hemoglobin drop while improving IPSS and quality of life, as well as other positive postoperative outcomes. HoLEP has been found to have a better enucleation efficiency rate and may have better hemostatic properties when combined with the modulated pulsed laser energy featured associated with Moses technology (m-HoLEP).

A novel laser technology called thulium fiber laser (TFL) delivers a pulsed laser at a more optimal wavelength and a shallower depth of tissue penetration leading to better hemostatic properties. However, the differences in clinical outcomes between TFL enucleation of the prostate (TFLEP) and m-HoLEP, to our knowledge, have yet to be described.

This prospective study aims to compare the safety profile and clinical outcomes, peri-operatively up to one year post-operatively, between m-HoLEP and TFLEP with BPH and evidence of bladder obstruction. Variables of particular interest include the length of hospital stay and the need for blood transfusion, which are benefits of both techniques compared to transurethral resection of the prostate, the current gold standard of BPH treatment according to American Urological Association (AUA) guidelines. The results of this study will guide urologists in selecting the most appropriate procedure from the growing armamentarium of treatments for BPH.

Eligibility Criteria:
Inclusion Criteria:

* Patients with symptomatic benign prostate hyperplasia : urinary retention, acute renal failure (post-renal), refractory hematuria, repeated urinary tract infections, refractory symptoms.
* Prostates between 50-300 grams,
* IPSS ≥ 8,
* Inadequate response to previous medical treatments,
* Qmax \< 15 ml/sec and
* Providing informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

* History of prostatic surgery,
* History of prostate or bladder cancer,
* Neurogenic bladder,
* Urethral stricture,
* Anticoagulant therapy (aspirin permitted), not ceased during surgery
* Patients unfit for surgery