CLINICAL OUTCOMES OF TRANSURETHRAL THULIUM LASER ENUCLEATION OF THE PROSTATE IN THE MANAGEMENT OF BENIGN PROSTATIC HYPERPLASIA

Objectives: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of Thulium laser enucleation of the prostate (ThuLEP) as a treatment for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), with a focus on clinical, functional, and anatomical outcomes. Methods: A prospective, cross-sectional study was conducted on 92 patients diagnosed with BPH at Military Hospital 175 from September 2023 to December 2024. Data were collected on preoperative and postoperative clinical symptoms (IPSS score), urinary function (Qmax and PVR), anatomical outcomes, and quality of life (QoL). Comparative analyses were performed, and results were benchmarked against international literature. Results: A total of 92 patients diagnosed with BPH, with an average prostate volume of 72.48mL, were included in the study. The average surgery duration was 84.5 minutes, and hemoglobin dropped by 1.1 g/dL postoperatively. The mean IPSS improved significantly from 28.7 preoperatively to 1.3 at six months postoperatively. Qmax increased from 2.7 mL/s to 23.1 mL/s, and prostate volume decreased by more than 50% on average. At six months, 94.2% of patients achieved excellent treatment outcomes, with no severe complications observed. Additionally, patients reported substantial improvements in QoL, with mean QoL scores dropping from 5.8 preoperatively to 0.1. Conclusion: ThuLEP demonstrates safety and efficacy in managing BPH, offering significant symptom relief, functional improvements, and favorable anatomical outcomes.