[Influence of holmium laser and thulium laser enucleation of the prostate on erectile function].

In recent years, holmium laser enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP) and thulium laser enucleation of the prostate (ThuLEP) have been widely used in the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) because of their significant clinical effects, high safety, and low incidence of complications. With the improvement of living standards, BPH patients care about not only the improvement of lower-urinary-tract symptoms (LUTS) secondary to BPH but also that of sexual function, especially erectile function, after treatment. However, there are comparatively few studies about the effects of HoLEP and ThuLEP on erectile function and relevant opinions are quite controversial. Most studies reported that HoLEP and ThuLEP did not impair erectile function, but some showed that a few patients experienced a decrease of erectile function after operation. Before surgery, urologists should explain clearly to the patients the potential impact on sexual function, as mental factors may also induce erectile dysfunction. This study presents an overview of recent studies about the infuence of HoLEP and ThuLEP on erectile function.