The use of baseline clinical measures to predict those at risk for progression of benign prostatic hyperplasia

Although histologic changes of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) begin in men when they are in their thirties, symptomatic BPH characterized by lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) typically do not develop for several decades. Progression of BPH may lead to significant voiding symptoms, acute urinary retention, and the need for prostate surgery. However, developing LUTS is not inevitable for men with histologic evidence of BPH. The ability to predict those men who are at risk for BPH progression is increasingly important because of recent evidence provided by the Medical Therapy of Prostate Symptoms study. This landmark study demonstrated that 5α-reductase inhibitors, alone or in combination with selective α-blockers, can delay or prevent the progression of BPH. In addition, the most important and consistent predictive factors for BPH progression are baseline prostatespecific antigen and prostate volume. Integration of these clinical parameters into clinical practice is influencing the decision regarding which men should observe or initiate treatment. This article highlights recent studies regarding the use of baseline clinical parameters on predicting BPH progression.     

Holmium laser treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia: an update

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The surgical treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia is a dynamic, evolving field. Holmium laser enucleation of the prostate has been one of the most rigorously analyzed interventions for benign prostatic hyperplasia. In the 12 months since July 2005, a number of important studies have been published concerning this technique. RECENT FINDINGS: In the 12-month period of this review, there have been a number of articles published on holmium laser enucleation of the prostate. Among these are five randomized controlled trials. These studies emphasize the unique advantages of holmium laser enucleation of the prostate over other surgical treatments for benign prostatic hyperplasia. SUMMARY: Holmium laser enucleation of the prostate is a more efficient procedure than competitor techniques, when grams of tissue removed per unit time are quantified. Additionally, holmium laser enucleation of the prostate is associated with a reduced length of catheterization and hospitalization when compared with other surgical therapies for men with benign prostatic hyperplasia. Outcome measures for men undergoing holmium laser enucleation of the prostate are in many cases superior to those of other modalities. It is likely that the completeness of adenoma removal with holmium laser enucleation of the prostate confers many of these advantages.     

Scandinavian clinical study of finasteride in the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia.

The effects of finasteride, a potent 5 alpha-reductase inhibitor, were assessed in patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia. Patients were treated with finasteride or placebo for 24 weeks in a double-blind multicenter study followed by a 12-month open-extension period. After 24 weeks, finasteride-treated patients, when compared to placebo-treated patients, showed a significant reduction in prostate volume (22.5% median decrease) and prostate significant antigen (32.4% median decrease), a significant increase in maximum urinary flow (1.6 ml/s mean increase from baseline) and a significant improvement in their obstructive symptom scores (two-point decrease from baseline). Finasteride was well tolerated, and the improvements in prostate volume, maximum urinary flow rate and obstructive symptom scores observed in the controlled study were maintained throughout the extension study.     

Histopathology of benign prostatic hyperplasia after failure of hyperthermia treatment.

We have used a fine morphometric method to evaluate hyperplastic prostate tissue after treatment by local hyperthermia and compare it with untreated specimens. Local hyperthermia was delivered to the prostate gland by a transrectal applicator using microwaves at 915 MHz. Prostatic tissue was obtained from 13 patients who had completed a course of local hyperthermia treatment and who underwent prostatectomy 3 to 12 months later because the treatment had failed. Prostatic tissue from 9 patients who had undergone prostatectomy with no previous treatment served as a control. A significant reduction in the volume fraction of fibrous tissue was found in the study group (37%) compared with the general population (48%). No inter-group difference was observed in the volume fractions of vascular or glandular tissue. We suggest that the difference observed in the fibrous elements may be the reason for the failure of treatment and that the histological composition of the diseased gland may, therefore, be a key factor in determining the outcome.     

Lasers in the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia: an update

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Few of the original laser-based procedures from the early 1990s have withstood the test of time while some, such as holmium laser prostatectomy, have been significantly modified. New additions to the fold, such as the high-powered potassium-titanyl-phosphate (KTP) laser, use old techniques and disposables but a higher level of energy than previously. In the 12 months since September 2003, a number of important articles have appeared concerning laser prostatectomy, the subject of this review. RECENT FINDINGS: Holmium laser enucleation of the prostate has been shown to result in greater relief of bladder outflow obstruction than transurethral resection of the prostate, which is a first for an endoscopic procedure. Durability beyond 4 years has also been confirmed. Concerns regarding the histology of the retrieved tissue and the learning curve have been clarified. Early results for 'photoselective' (KTP) vaporization of the prostate have been published confirming the lack of short-term morbidity. Its use on an outpatient basis has been tested in a small number of patients, and canine studies have confirmed less bleeding than with transurethral resection but inferior efficiency. Interstitial laser coagulation has been reviewed unfavourably and the results with contact laser vaporization have been variable. SUMMARY: New studies of holmium laser enucleation have confirmed its efficacy and durability, though training and company support remain problematic and its acceptance has been slow. The KTP laser is beginning to accumulate some support in the literature though its 'honeymoon phase' is still in evidence. Randomized studies are needed. Interstitial laser coagulation and contact laser vaporization appear to be in decline.     

Association of benign prostatic hyperplasia and subsequent risk of bladder cancer: an Asian population cohort study

Objectives

Few studies discussed the link between benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and bladder cancer. We performed this cohort study to investigate whether there is an association between BPH and subsequent risk of bladder cancer.

Methods

We identified 35,092 study subjects including 17546 BPH patients and 17546 comparisons from the National Health Insurance database. The comparison cohort was frequency matched with age and index-year. We measured subsequent bladder cancer rates (per 1000 person-years) in two cohorts. Attributable risks (ARs) was calculated based on the bladder cancer rates in two cohorts. The hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for bladder cancer were estimated via Cox proportional hazard regression.

Results

BPH patients had a higher bladder cancer rate than comparisons (AR = 0.81 per 1000 person-years) and exhibited 4.69- and 4.11-fold increases in bladder cancer risk in the crude and adjusted Cox models, respectively (95% CIs = 4.15–6.99 and 2.70–6.26). The AR was highest in patients aged 65–74 years old (AR = 1.33). BPH patients with chronic kidney disease were at an elevated bladder cancer risk. Regarding the association between bladder cancer and transurethral prostatectomy (TURP), BPH patients who underwent TURP were at a higher risk of bladder cancer (AR = 1.69; HR = 6.17, 95% CI = 3.68–10.3) than those who did not (AR = 0.69; HR = 3.73, 95% CI = 2.43–5.74).

Conclusions

In this study, BPH patients were found to have an increased risk of subsequent bladder cancer. Based on the limitations of retrospective nature, further studies are needed.

     

电化学治疗前列腺增生症的体外实验及临床研究

目的探讨经尿道电化学治疗前列腺增生的作用机制及临床疗效。方法自１９９７年１０月～１９９８年５月,应用前列腺电解治疗仪对离体前列腺组织行体外实验,临床治疗前列腺增生患者１９例。结果体外研究显示,经尿道电解治疗可使尿道周围０．７～０．９ｃｍ范围内组织发生不可逆性坏死、变性;１９例前列腺增生伴尿潴留患者接受了３００～４００库仑电量的治疗,总有效率７４％。结论经尿道电化学治疗前列腺增生操作简单,无需麻醉,耐受性好,安全有效,尤其适合于不宜手术治疗的患者。     

Office treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia

The less invasive procedures described herein are suitable for use in the office setting. Improvement in symptoms and quality of life are similar to that achieved with TURP. With the exception of TUIP, flow rate improvement is less than with TURP. TURP, however, tends to produce a "super normal" flow rate, which may be unnecessary. Patients are concerned regarding symptoms and quality of life and the avoidance of complications. In regard to decreased complications, less invasive procedures have an advantage. The main concern with these new treatments, with the exception of TUIP, is durability. Treatment failure may lead to other treatments, thereby increasing overall management costs. In this regard, it must be remembered that there is a significant treatment failure rate with TURP. Although patients failing less invasive treatments are likely to be offered other treatments, this is less likely after an adequate TURP. Therefore, when results are compared, it may be more appropriate to evaluate failure rates based on symptoms and quality of life rather than on the use of additional treatments. More patient follow-up for a longer period of time will be required before a definite answer is available on durability. All of the procedures described herein can be performed to a variable extent using topical anesthesia. TUNA has been performed using topical lidocaine alone but frequently requires intravenous sedation/analgesia and, in some instances, a regional block. If the patient can tolerate rigid cystoscopy fairly well, topical anesthesia alone may suffice. Similar requirements for anesthesia apply to ILC with the Nd:YAG or indigo systems. Using the Targis (T3) microwave device, Peterson and co-workers reported that 60% of patients were treated with topical urethral lidocaine alone, whereas 40% also received oral Toradol. Djavan (personal communication) using the Targis (T3) device randomized patients to topical urethral anesthesia alone or combined with intravenous sedoanalgesia. Pain was evaluated using a 0 to 10 visual analog scale score. At the commencement of treatment, the mean score was 1.4 in the topical anesthesia alone group and 1.3 in the sedoanalgesia group. During therapy, the score increased to a peak at 30 minutes of 2.2 and 2.0 in the topical and sedoanalgesia groups, respectively. After this, the visual analog score declined, falling to 0.2 and 0.1, respectively, by 1 hour following treatment. This study shows that microwave treatment with the Targis (T3) system is well-tolerated using topical urethral anesthesia alone. No difference was observed between outcomes in the two groups. Capital and operating costs as well as reimbursement issues are important in the introduction of these treatments into the office; however, until more information is available on the durability of results, the cost-effectiveness of these newer treatments remains unclear.     

Laser treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia

To evaluate the role of lasers that allow acute removal of obstructing tissue in the surgical treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). A MEDLINE search over the last 6 years focused on randomized trials, large case series and review articles. A total of more than 4,000 patients were analyzed with respect to the morbidity and outcome, and the advantages and disadvantages of the various lasers. Laser treatment of BPH has evolved from coagulation to enucleation. Blood loss is significantly reduced as compared to transurethral resection and open prostatectomy. Ablative/vaporizing techniques have recently become popular again with the marketing of new high-powered 80 W potassium-titanyl-phosphate (KTP) and 100 W holmium lasers. Vaporization immediately removes obstructing tissue, but tissue specimen cannot be obtained. KTP short-term results are promising, but long-term results and randomized trials are lacking. Postoperative volume reduction is less than with holmium laser enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP), and the KTP laser can be used for BPH treatment only. HoLEP allows whole lobes of the prostate to be removed. Prostates of all sizes can be operated on. It is at least as safe and effective as TURP and open prostatectomy, with significantly lower morbidity, as shown by several well-designed randomized clinical trials. It provides specimen for histological evaluation. In addition, the holmium laser can be used for the endourological treatment of stones, strictures and tumors. HoLEP appears to be a size-independent new “gold standard” in the surgical treatment of BPH.     

经尿道等离子前列腺剜除术治疗高龄高危前列腺增生症

目的 探讨经尿道等离子前列腺剜除术治疗高龄高危良性前列腺增生(BPH)患者的安全性及疗效.方法 将70例高龄高危BPH患者随机分为两组,每组35例,分别行经尿道等离子前列腺剜除术(TUPKEP)和传统的经尿道前列腺电切术(TURP).比较两组患者的手术时间、出血量、前列腺腺体切除重量、术后膀胱冲洗时间、术后住院天数、术后国际前列腺症状评分(IPSS)、生活质量评分(QOL)、残余尿量(PVR)、最大尿流率(Qmax)等指标.对两组指标进行统计学分析.结果 TUPKEP组在手术的出血量、手术时间、术后膀胱冲洗时间以及术后的住院时间要明显小于TURP组(P＜0.05);TUPKEP组前列腺腺体切除重量大于TURP组(P＜0.05);两组患者术后随访3个月,残余尿、国际前列腺症状评分、生活质量评分差异均无显著性意义(P ＜0.05);TUPKEP组术后最大尿流率大于TURP组,两组比较有显著性差异(P＜0.05).结论 TUPKEP治疗BPH疗效确切,且安全性较好,特别适用于高龄高危的患者.     

High energy transurethral thermotherapy in the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia: criteria to predict treatment outcome

In this study we analyzed the individual value of baseline parameters to predict the outcome of high energy transurethral microwave thermotherapy in the treatment of patients with lower urinary tract symptoms and benign prostatic hyperplasia. Two hundred and forty-seven patients with symptomatic benign prostatic hyperplasia were treated with high energy microwave thermotherapy using the software 2.5 (Prostatron). Mean age at the time of treatment was 66.3 (s.d. 8.2) y, the mean prostate volume 57.0 (s.d. 25.2) cc and the mean energy applied was 159 (s.d. 40) KJ. Multi variable analysis on baseline parameters was performed to evaluate their predictive value for response using the WHO-response evaluation criteria for IPSS, maximum flow and urodynamic obstruction (linPURR). At 1 y follow-up a 57% increase in maximum flow and a 59% decrease in symptom score was noticed following high energy transurethral thermotherapy. The percentage of good responders varies between 12% and 34% depending on the stratification (IPSS, Q(max) and linPURR), the percentage of intermediate responders in these categories varies between 17% and 60% and the percentage of poor responders varies between 20% and 49%. Independently predictive baseline parameters for poor response were patients' age, prostate size and grade of bladder outlet obstruction (BOO). The total amount of energy delivered during treatment is also correlated with response. For the case selection for high energy transurethral microwave thermotherapy three baseline parameters can be identified which predict response for at least one response evaluation criterium: age, prostate size, grade of bladder outlet obstruction (BOO) and total amount of TUMT-energy. Especially the total amount of TUMT-energy is strongly predictive for all three response evaluation criteria, which suggests an important contribution of other mechanisms such as vascularisation and tissue composition to the outcome of high energy TUMT treatment.     

Diabetes and benign prostatic hyperplasia: Emerging clinical connections

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and associated lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) are highly prevalent in older men and represent a substantial challenge to public health. Increasing epidemiologic evidence suggests that diabetes significantly increases the risks of BPH and LUTS. Plausible pathophysiologic mechanisms to potentially explain these associations include increased sympathetic tone, stimulation of prostate growth by insulin and related trophic factors, alterations in sex steroid hormone expression, and induction of systemic inflammation and oxidative stress. This article presents a comprehensive overview of the current understanding of clinical and epidemiologic research on diabetes and BPH/LUTS, describes hypothesized pathophysiologic mechanisms linking these conditions, and recommends future directions for research and clinical care.     

膀胱内前列腺突出程度可作为良性前列腺增生临床进展的高危因素

目的 探讨在良性前列腺增生(BPH)患者中,应用经腹超声测量的膀胱内前列腺突出(IPP)程度与BPH 临床进展的关系.方法 对2002 年至2009 年所有因下尿路症状就诊我院门诊的BPH 患者行经腹超声通过中线矢状面测量IPP,将IPP 分为3 级,并记录患者年龄、前列腺体积、血清前列腺特异性抗原(PSA)、国际前列腺症状评分(IPSS)、最大尿流率和残余尿量.对其中行等待观察及药物治疗的患者进行随访,随访过程中如出现IPSS 评分增加大于4 分,最大尿流率进行性下降(大于2%/年),发生急性尿潴留,反复血尿,复发性尿路感染,超声发现双侧肾积水,最终行手术治疗中的一项或多项,认为发生临床进展.以IPP玉级为对照组,应用多元比数比(odds ratio)分析IPP域级、芋级与临床进展之间的关系.结果 共537 名患者临床资料完整且随访成功,平均随访时间29 个月,191 名患者被确认为临床进展.以IPP玉级的患者作为对照组,IPP域级的多元比数比为7.4、芋级为15.1.结论 高级别的IPP 患者更易发生临床进展,经腹超声测量IPP 长度可能成为一个新的无创性良性前列腺增生临床进展的高危因素.     

Laser treatment of symptomatic benign prostatic hyperplasia

The treatment of lower urinary symptoms secondary to benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) after failure of medical therapies remains controversial for most urologic surgeons. The complications of traditional surgery are the driving force behind the development of several minimally invasive treatments of symptomatic BPH. Laser prostatectomy is one of the most investigated such modalities. In this article we reviewed the results of the most common types of lasers used in prostatic surgery.     

非那雄胺间歇给药维持良性前列腺增生疗效的临床研究

目的验证非那雄胺间歇给药维持良性前列腺增生（BPH）疗效的可行性并观察间歇给药是否能够减少勃起功能障碍、性欲减退等性功能相关不良反应的发生率。方珐收集泌尿外科门诊符合入组条件的60例患者,将受试者均分为3组,分别予非那雄胺（保列治）5mg1次／d、1次／2d及1次／3d口服,进行为其6个月的随访。以国际前列腺症状评分（IPSS）、生活质量评分（QOL）、前列腺特异性抗原（PSA）、最大尿流率（Qmax）及超声测量作为治疗有效性参数,以勃起功能障碍国际问卷5（IIEF-5）作为治疗前后性功能评价参数。结果1次／3d给药组多数患者于试验开始后2～3周出现明显症状加重,提前终止该组实验。随访1次／d及1次／2d给药组6个月,1次／2d给药组勃起功能障碍发生率略低于1次／d给药组。结论非那雄胺隔日间歇给药可能能够达到维持BPH疗效、减少药物副反应的目的,但这一推断尚需通过更大规模的随机、双盲多中心试验进行证实。