Observation on the efficacy and safety of Holmium laser enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP) with preservation of the urethral mucosa from the bladder neck to the tip of the prostate for the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia

This study investigates the efficacy and safety of transurethral prostate laser resection (HoLEP) with preservation of the urethral mucosa from the bladder neck to the tip of the prostate for the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). A retrospective study was conducted on 208 patients with BPH treated at our hospital. In the control group, the urethral mucosa from the bladder neck to the tip of the prostate was not retained during surgery to ensure maximum removal of possible diseased tissue. The urethral mucosa was preserved in the observation group, which was finely separated to avoid injury, in order to protect urinary control function to the greatest extent and reduce postoperative complications. The surgical-related indicators, urinary function, sexual function, quality of life (QOL), and occurrence of postoperative complications were compared between the 2 groups of patients. After the procedure, both groups of patients experienced an increase in maximum flow rate and a decrease in residual urine volume (P < .05). The observation group showed a higher immediate postoperative urinary continence rate of 98.23% compared to 85.26% in the control group (P < .05). After the procedure, both groups of patients exhibited a significant increase in International index of erectile function-5 scores (P < .05). The retrograde ejaculation rates were compared between the 2 groups of patients before the procedure (P > .05). After the procedure, the occurrence rate of retrograde ejaculation decreased in both groups of patients, with the observation group being lower than the control group (P < .05). The International prostate symptom score (IPSS) scores and QOL scores were compared between the 2 groups of patients before and after the procedure (P > .05). After the procedure, both groups of patients showed a decrease in IPSS scores and QOL scores compared to before the procedure (P < .05). The occurrence of complications such as urethral injury, urinary incontinence, urinary retention, and postoperative bleeding was compared between the 2 groups of patients (P > .05). The efficacy and safety of performing HoLEP treatment for BPH patients with preservation of the urethral mucosa from the bladder neck to the tip of the prostate are comparable to those without preservation. However, it can improve immediate urinary continence rate and reduce retrograde ejaculation rate.