Contemporary Trends of Holmium Laser Enucleation of the Prostate Utilization in the United States: A Comprehensive Analysis Using the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program Database (2011-2020).

Introduction

The most recent American Urological Association (AUA) Guidelines advocated laser enucleation of the prostate (LEP) as a size-independent surgical option for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Despite its endorsement by AUA and the growing body of evidence supporting its safety and efficacy, the utilization of LEP remains limited in the United States. This study aimed to evaluate the utilization trends and perioperative outcomes of LEP compared with other surgical procedures used for BPH management.

Methods

A retrospective cohort analysis was performed using American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program data from 2011 to 2020. Patients undergoing prostatectomy for BPH were identified using specific current procedural terminology (CPT) codes. Baseline demographic data, preoperative risk factors, and postoperative outcomes were collected. Multivariable logistic regression was employed to assess predictors of holmium laser enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP) utilization and postoperative complications.

Results

Out of 8,415,549 patients, 95,144 underwent prostatectomy for BPH. Procedures included HoLEP 5305 cases, transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) 57,803 cases, repeated TURP (re-TURP) 5549 cases, photoselective vaporization of the prostate (PVP) 23,739 cases, and simple prostatectomy 2748 cases. HoLEP utilization showed a gradual increase, from 4.8% in 2015 to 7.6% in 2020. Multivariable regression revealed that HoLEP selection significantly increased from 2016 to 2020 (odds ratio [OR]: 1.251, p < 0.001), and there was less likelihood of HoLEP selection for African American patients (OR: 0.752, p < 0.001). HoLEP had significantly lower complication rates, including urinary tract infections, blood transfusions, 30-day readmission, and reoperation.

Conclusion

Despite underutilization, the adoption of HoLEP has slightly increased since 2015, rising from 4.8% in 2015 to 7.6% in 2020. The underutilization could be attributed to a lack of availability and the steep learning curve.