To evaluate perioperative parameters, clinical outcomes, and the learning curve of holmium laser enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP) of a single surgeon in 500 consecutive cases.
Demographic parameters, outcomes, and adverse events were evaluated. The learning curve for HoLEP in en-bloc technique of the first 500 consecutive patients was analyzed in clusters of 100 (clusters 1-5) using the Wilcoxen rank test, Chi² test and Kruskal Wallis test.
Enucleation weight was similar in the clusters 1,2,3, and 5 (62 g, 63 g, 61 g, 61 g), in cluster 4 it was slightly higher at 73 g. There was a significant reduction in operating time from 67 min (cluster 1) to 57 min (cluster 2), 46 min (cluster 3), 53 min (cluster 4), and 43 min (cluster 5), p < 0.001. Enucleation efficiency (g/min) showed a steady increase (1.72, 2.24, 2.79, 2.92 vs. 2.99, p < 0.001). Laser energy efficiency also improved (2.17 vs. 2.12 vs. 1.71 vs. 1.65 vs. 1.55; p < 0.001). There was no measurable learning curve regarding the length of hospital stay (mean 2.5 days), catheterization time (1.9 days), hemoglobin drop (approx. 1 g/dl) or complications (p > 0.1).
HoLEP using the en-bloc technique is a safe and highly effective method. Over time, a slight but steady learning curve and improvement in operation time, enucleation efficiency and laser energy efficiency were shown even for an experienced surgeon - after 500 cases, still no plateau was reached. There was no measurable learning curve regarding blood loss, complications, length of hospital stay, and catheterization time.
World journal of urology. 2024 Jul 24*** epublish ***
M J Wenk, F O Hartung, L Egen, C Netsch, M Kosiba, B Grüne, Jonas Herrmann
Department of Urology and Urological Surgery, University Medical Center Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, Theodor-Kutzer-Ufer 1-3, 68167, Mannheim, Germany., Department of Urology, Asklepios Hospital Barmbek, Hamburg, Germany., Department of Urology, University Hospital Frankfurt, Frankfurt Main, Germany., Department of Urology and Urological Surgery, University Medical Center Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, Theodor-Kutzer-Ufer 1-3, 68167, Mannheim, Germany. .