Holmium laser enucleation of the prostate versus transurethral resection of the prostate: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of holmium laser enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP) versus transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) for relief of bladder outlet obstruction (BOO) on benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). A systematic literature search for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing HoLEP and TURP in several databases from 1996 to 2011 were performed. Meta-analysis was conducted with the Review Manager Software. Of 248 potential citations, 6 RCTs were included into our meta-analysis. There was no significant difference between the two groups in the maximum urinary flow rate (Qmax) and international prostate symptom score (IPSS) at 1 month (p=0.41 and p=0.87) or 6 months (p=0.07 and p=0.37) after treatment. However, at 12 months postoperatively, the Qmax and IPSS in the HoLEP group were significantly better than those in the TURP group (p