How I Do It: Teaching holmium laser enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP)

Can J Urol. 2024 Apr;31(2):11848-11853.

Abstract

Holmium laser enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP) is considered a size-independent technique to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia. This safe and effective procedure is increasingly being adopted in urology training programs worldwide, yet limited teaching strategies have been described. Endoscopic handling during HoLEP allows for a simultaneous interaction between the surgeon and trainee, facilitating a guided teaching strategy with increasing difficulty as experience grows. In this article, we describe our stepwise approach for teaching HoLEP as part of a structured surgical training curriculum. We also evaluate the association of our method with intraoperative efficiency parameters and immediate postoperative surgical outcomes of 200 HoLEP procedures.

Keywords: HoLEP; benign prostatic hyperplasia; surgical education; training.

MeSH terms

  • Endoscopy
  • Holmium
  • Humans
  • Laser Therapy* / methods
  • Lasers, Solid-State* / therapeutic use
  • Male
  • Prostate / surgery
  • Prostatic Hyperplasia* / surgery
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Transurethral Resection of Prostate* / methods
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Holmium