Objective To compare and analyze the complications of transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) vs two-micron (thulium) laser vaporesection of the prostate (TmLRP). Methods A total of 196 benigh prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) patients who were treated with TURP (n＝114) and TmLRP (n＝82) respectively in our department from January 2010 to October 2012 were enrolled in this study. The two groups had no significant difference in age and prostate volume (P＞0.05). The intra-operative complications, such as transurethral resection syndrome and capsular rupture, and the post-operative complications, including severe cystospasm, acute epididymitis, urinary incontinence, and erectile dysfunction were compared and analyzed between the two groups. Results The incidences of intra-operative transurethral resection syndrome and capsular rupture were obviously less in TmLRP group than in TURP group (P＜0.05). Within one week after operation, TmLRP group had obviously less incidences of severe bladder spasm and acute epididymitis than TURP group (P＜0.05). Within one week to one month after operation, secondary hemorrhage, severe bladder irritation, and dysuria due to residual prostate tissue were more common in TURP group than in TmLRP group (P＜0.05). Within one to three months after operation, group TmLRP had less urinary incontinence than TURP group (P＜0.05). Within three months to six months after operation, there were obviously less erectile dysfunction occurred in TmLRP group than in TURP group (P＜0.05). Conclusion TmLRP results in significantly less intra-operative and post-operative complications than TURP, and it is a safe and efficient approach for the treatment of BPH.