Learning Curve of Tri-lobar HoLEP Versus En-bloc HoLEP

Several HoLEP techniques have been developed, with the conventional tri-lobar and the en-bloc approaches being the most commonly practiced. Although both techniques achieve comparable functional outcomes and safety profiles, they differ in surgical dissection strategy and anatomical orientation. Some authors suggest that the en-bloc technique may facilitate maintenance of the correct surgical plane, whereas others consider the tri-lobar approach easier for surgeons familiar with transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP). However, evidence comparing their learning characteristics remains limited.

Most published studies evaluating the HoLEP learning curve have investigated a single surgical technique or assessed a second technique after surgeons had already gained substantial HoLEP experience. Such study designs introduce significant bias because increasing surgical experience inevitably influences subsequent performance.

A prospective alternating design, in which a HoLEP-naïve surgeon performs consecutive tri-lobar and en-bloc procedures, may provide a more balanced comparison by exposing both techniques to similar levels of cumulative surgical experience while minimizing temporal bias.