Laser Enucleation of Prostate (LEP) Versus Transurethral Resection of Prostate (TURP)

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) refers to the proliferation of smooth muscle and epithelial cells of the prostate gland. The enlarged gland has the potential to result in lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) secondary to either bladder outlet obstruction or increased muscle tone and resistance, or both. For decades transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) has been the gold standard for treatment of symptomatic BPH that is refractory to nonoperative management. This is a surgical intervention aimed to reduce the size of the prostate gland. However, over the past fifteen years, many alternative therapies have been introduced including laser enucleation of the prostate (LEP). LEP has numerous advantages including decreased blood loss and length of hospital stay as well as increased effectiveness and safety for large prostate gland sizes (\>80g).