Objective: To report experience with holmium laser enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP) simultaneously with transurethral holmium laser cystolithotripsy (HLC) for managing bladder outlet obstruction (BOO) and associated vesical calculi; we also review previously reported cases of managing vesical calculi and associated BOO.
Patients and methods: The high-powered holmium laser is a very efficient multifunctional endourological instrument that effectively fragments calculi of all compositions and is capable of haemostatic cutting of tissue, resulting in minimal bleeding after prostatic resection. A prospective study was conducted from April 2003 that included 32 men who underwent simultaneous HoLEP with transurethral HLC at our institution. Demographic, laboratory, peri-operative and follow-up data were analysed. Complications during and after surgery were identified to assess the morbidity of procedure.
Results: The mean (range) size of bladder calculi was 34.6 (12-70) mm and the preoperative weight of the prostate was 51.9 (11-172) g. Combined HoLEP with transurethral HLC was technically feasible in all patients, and all were stone-free after surgery. The mean operative duration was 97.7 (40-230) min, the weight of prostate tissue removed 34.6 (5-88) g, and the duration of catheterization and hospital stay 29.3 h and 34.8 h, respectively. Complications during and after surgery occurred in 12.5% and 15.6% of patients, respectively; all complication were minor and none caused any residual disability to the patient. No patient required a blood transfusion or developed clot retention.
Conclusions: Managing bladder stones and BOO with simultaneous transurethral HLC and HoLEP should be considered the treatment of choice for such cases. Stones of any size and composition, and prostates of practically any size can be treated endoscopically using the holmium laser, with acceptable morbidity once the technique is mastered. The review of previous reports suggested a need for a prospective study comparing endoscopic management of BOO and associated bladder stones, with medical management of BOO and extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy/endoscopic lithotripsy for bladder stone.