Resection of urethral caruncles with holmium laser vs. conventional excision: a comparative study of minimally invasive outcomes.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to compare the efficacy and safety of holmium laser resection versus conventional surgical excision for the treatment of urethral caruncle. The study aimed to evaluate the potential advantages of holmium laser, such as its precision and minimal invasiveness, over traditional surgical methods.

METHODS

A retrospective cohort study included 116 patients (50 laser vs. 66 conventional) from June 2020 to August 2023. Outcomes included operative time, complications, and recurrence.

RESULTS

The laser cohort demonstrated statistically significant reductions in operation duration (6.4 ± 1.2 vs. 28 ± 4.3 min, p < 0.001), catheterization time (2.1 ± 0.8 vs. 6.3 ± 1.5 days, p < 0.001), and length of hospitalization (3.2 ± 0.8 vs. 4.3 ± 1.1 days, p < 0.001) compared to the conventional surgical group. The holmium laser group had lower postoperative bleeding rates (0% vs. 6.0%, p = 0.08). One recurrence occurred in the conventional surgical group. No patient in either group developed urethral stricture during the follow-up period.

CONCLUSION

Holmium laser resection is a safe and efficient alternative for urethral caruncle, associated with reduced operative time and morbidity.