Meta-analysis: early apical release technique reduces short-term incontinence after HoLEP

Meta-analysis · Prostate Cancer Prostatic Dis · 2026-10-21. Number 1 in the UrologyWatch Top 5 for October 22, 2026.

Pooling 5 studies (2821 patients), early apical release during HoLEP was associated with lower rates of stress incontinence at 4-6 weeks and 3-4 months versus conventional technique, with no difference by 6-12 months and similar functional outcomes overall.

Why it matters: Suggests early apical release may speed continence recovery after HoLEP without compromising later functional outcomes, pending confirmation in controlled trials.

Limitation: Underlying studies were largely nonrandomized comparisons; publication bias and technique variability across centers may affect pooled estimates.

Source: Prostate Cancer Prostatic Dis · PubMed 42897208 · DOI 10.1038/s41391-026-01153-0

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