Enucleation of the prostate: An anatomical perspective

Among transurethral surgery for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), anatomical endoscopic enucleation of the prostate (AEEP) differs from conventional transurethral surgery as it adopts the same enucleation principle as open surgery. AEEP is known as an effective and safe surgical method. However, the learning curve is steep because the surgical anatomy is different from that of conventional transurethral surgery. If information on surgical anatomy related to enucleation is enriched and surgical standardisation is achieved, the learning curve will be shortened and AEEP will become more widespread. The concept of AEEP has been developed based on the surgical techniques obtained from holmium laser enucleation of prostate (HoLEP). The original surgical technique of HoLEP is a three-lobe technique. At the 12 o'clock position at the prostatic apex, the boundary of the prostate capsule is unclear. Separating anterior prostatic tissue from the prostatic capsule while preserving the sphincter in the apical area is one of the biggest challenges in AEEP. During the AEEP procedure, an accurate understanding of the surgical anatomy of the capsular plane, bladder neck, apical sphincteric area and blood vessels is important. In this article, literature on the anatomy related to enucleation in AEEP, mainly HoLEP, is reviewed and discussed.     

Anatomical endoscopic enucleation of the prostate: The next gold standard? No! (or not yet!)

Most cases of lower urinary tract symptoms due to benign prostatic hyperplasia are initially managed through medical therapy. In cases that surgery is indicated, the anatomical endoscopic enucleation of the prostate (aEEP), first described in 1983, allegedly presents the same safety profile as the best endoscopic non-enucleating procedures and the same long-term functional outcomes as simple prostatectomy. Thus, why aEEP has not yet been consolidated as the gold-standard BPH surgical treatment? The main reasons are as follows: (a) Multiple energy sources and techniques; (b) High costs; (c) Steep learning curve; (d) Rare in-residency training; (e) Reimbursement issues; (f) Outcomes and (g) Complications. We do believe aEEP is an important advance and a “practice-changing” procedure that will play an important role in the BPH surgical options arsenal, especially for larger prostates. However, there is a need to start an in-residency training program, with a mentor guidance, and, over time, the cost will likely be reduced due to greater competition between companies and greater support from health insurers. Considering these points, in the future, EEP may be considered the gold-standard treatment for BPH… but not yet.     

A global knowledge,attitudes and practices survey on anatomical endoscopic enucleation of prostate for benign prostatic hyperplasia among urologists

There is an increasing use of the procedure, anatomical endoscopic enucleation of the prostate, as an alternative to conventional transurethral resection of prostate for surgical treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia. However, barriers to adoption of this procedure remain and no prior studies explored this important aspect till date. The aim of this study is to identify the predictors and barriers of surgeon-related practices in this area. The study findings may also provide valuable insight into current practice trends worldwide. To achieve the objectives, we conducted an online, cross-sectional, questionnaire-based study between 1st September 2019 and 5th October 2019 to investigate the knowledge, attitudes and practices among urologists worldwide. Our findings showed that the main barriers for adoption of the procedure were lack of mentorship, a steep learning curve, and unavailability of morcellator, bipolar or laser energy sources. Fear of urinary incontinence, bleeding and bladder injury were not major hindrance to adoption of this technique. The results also demonstrated that there will be continued increase in utility of the procedure in the future.     

Prospective evaluation of the learning curve for holmium laser enucleation of the prostate

PURPOSE: In a prospective manner we evaluated the learning experience of an endourologist inexperienced with holmium laser prostate enucleation and its impact on surgical outcome. We also reviewed the literature to document technical features of holmium laser prostate enucleation at different institutions. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patient demographic, perioperative and followup data were analyzed. To assess the impact of the learning curve on postoperative outcome patients were divided into group 1--patients 1 to 50, group 2--51 to 100 and group 3--101 to 162. The effect of the learning curve and weight of resected tissue on enucleation and morcellation efficiency was studied. RESULTS: Holmium laser prostate enucleation was successfully completed in 93.82% of patients. Eight patients required conversion to transurethral prostate resection. Enucleation and morcellation efficiency was 0.49 and 2.75 gm per minute, respectively. Enucleation efficiency attained a plateau after 50 cases. Postoperative outcome was compared in the 3 patient groups. There was a higher incidence of capsular perforation and stenotic urethral complications in group 1. In the literature a mean of 57.09% of tissue (range -9.6 to 81.9%) was retrieved after holmium laser prostate enucleation and mean efficiency was 0.52 gm per minute (range -0.11 to 1.09). Efficiency increased proportionally with resected prostate weight. CONCLUSIONS: An endourologist inexperienced with holmium laser prostate enucleation can perform the procedure with reasonable efficiency after about 50 cases with an outcome comparable to that of experts, as described in the literature. During the learning curve conversion to transurethral prostate resection can be done without any harm to the patient.     

How to optimise urinary continence in anatomical endoscopic enucleation of the prostate?

The traditional transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) is considered as gold-standard surgical treatment to relieve symptoms resulting from bladder outlet obstruction by prostate enlargement. However, with the advances of novel laser technologies and more experienced surgeon conquering the steep learning curve, anatomical endoscopic enucleation of prostate (AEEP) has become a more popular alternative surgical technique. Although AEEP has compatible functional outcome, less blood loss, shorter catheterisation duration and hospital stay, the risk of post-operative urinary incontinence (UI) is often an issue of concern. In this review, we focus on discussion about risk factors related to increased incidence of UI, some surgical tips to avoid damaging external urinary sphincter and treatment strategies to facilitate recovery of urinary continence after surgery.     

经尿道钬激光前列腺剜除术的技术要点和尿道黏膜保留的策略(附光盘)

经过20多年的发展,经尿道钬激光前列腺剜除术(HoLEP)目前已成为一种主要的内镜下前列腺剜除方法,并有取代经尿道前列腺电切术(TURP)成为良性前列腺增生症(BPH)外科治疗新的金标准之趋势。但是学习曲线太长仍然是限制其推广的主要原因。本文对HoLEP的关键技术进行总结并介绍一种完整保留前列腺尖部尿道黏膜的手术策略,希望能减少术后暂时性压力性尿失禁的发生率,并尽量缩短学习曲线。     

Is ‘Omega Sign’ anatomical endoscopic enucleation of the prostate technique reproducible?

We aimed to evaluate the learning curve of the surgically standardised ‘Omega Sign’ anatomical endoscopic enucleation (AEEP) of the prostate surgery technique for junior surgeons. This study is a retrospective comparison of cases that underwent AEEP by a mentor surgeon and three junior surgeons who have completed their learning curve. A video-based laser enucleation of the prostate assessment tool (LEAT) composed of 8 steps of the technique was used to assess a senior surgeon and junior surgeons’ surgical compatibility and consistency. The surgeon who defined Omega Sign technique was determined as group 1, and cases by three junior surgeons were identified as group 2. The end points were to assess the reproducibility and repeatability and operative post-operative outcomes of the technique. 55 patients’ videos were rated by five experienced endourologists. There was no significant difference in LEAT scores between the groups among all steps. The most symmetry was found in the 1st and 3rd steps. Inter-rater consistency was also high for each step, with no statistically significant difference between the evaluators. The standardised anatomical ‘Omega Sign’ technique is reproducible for the junior surgeons. The operative steps can be performed with high consistency, and the functional and perioperative outcomes are comparable with the senior surgeon.     

Holmium laser for benign prostatic hyperplasia

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The following review provides an overview of the current status, while focusing on the surgical techniques associated with the holmium laser for the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia. RECENT FINDINGS: A systematic Medline database search, with a focus on articles about surgical treatment with holmium laser for benign prostatic hyperplasia, provided some new data concerning holmium laser enucleation of the prostate. On the other hand, new interesting data concerning both resection and ablation techniques using the holmium laser have only been sparsely reported during this review period. SUMMARY: Holmium laser enucleation of the prostate is a safe procedure for treating not only patients without co-morbidities but also patients with urinary retention or who are on anticoagulants. Holmium laser enucleation of the prostate can be performed on prostates of all sizes with significantly less morbidity. Although holmium laser enucleation of the prostate represents a state-of-the-art procedure, a prolonged learning curve has still prevented the widespread adoption of this device in the urological community.     

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.     

Bipolar enucleation of the prostate—step by step

Bipolar enucleation of prostate (BipolEP) is a useful method for treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Compared with conventional transurethral resection, the enucleation technique has several advantages. However, since the cost of laser equipment used for enucleation is relatively high, enucleation using bipolar devices has been attempted by many previous surgeons. We consider bipolar enucleation is an effective and safe procedure, and we would like to share our experience of equipment settings and procedures through this article. We will introduce the equipment and settings of BipolEP and then present the actual step-by-step procedures and surgical tips. First, circular incisions are made on bladder neck and mucosa at the level of verumontanum. Then, enucleation is performed in the order of median and lateral lobes as in laser enucleation. Haemostasis should be done throughout the procedure. After enucleation and haemostasis, prostatic tissue is evacuated by morcellator. Currently, there are several types of electrode and morcellator systems. In our experience, BipolEP has a steep learning curve but it is safe and effective procedure for managing BPH. In particular, effective haemostasis is the greatest advantage of BipolEP when compared to traditional TUR or laser enucleation.     

Holmium:YAG laser enucleation of the prostate: multimedia description from a trainee's perspective

Adoption of holmium laser enucleation of the prostate has been limited by its difficult learning curve. To enhance training, digital video clips from four procedures were captured in MPEG-2 format and compiled into a PowerPoint file with professional narration. The two surgical techniques used--the two-lobe and three-lobe methods--are described with a focus on the technical details and common mistakes.     

Sexual outcomes of endoscopic enucleation of prostate

The emergence of various endoscopic enucleation techniques in the past decade has provided surgeons with more options and opportunities in performing enucleation. With the same surgical principle as holmium laser enucleation of prostate, the early results of different techniques were comparable. However, sexual outcomes of endoscopic enucleation of the prostate (EEP) were less commonly reported than the voiding and urodynamic outcomes. In this review, the sexual outcomes including erectile function, ejaculatory and orgasmic function of various endoscopic enucleation technique would be studied. The overall sexual outcomes were heterogeneous and inconclusive. Outcomes measurement, sample size calculation, hypothesis generation and selection criteria were not specifically designed for sexual outcomes or even available. There were also limitations in the individual sexual assessment tools. Nonetheless, most studies showed no significant deterioration of erectile function after EEP, and ejaculation dysfunction was common. Looking forward in the field of benign prostatic enlargement surgery, the ‘one size fits all’ notion should be abandoned. Treatment should be tailor-made according to the prostate size, co-morbidities and sexual needs. The sexual outcomes of enucleation have to be better studied and defined. More prospective controlled studies focusing primarily on sexual functions are needed. For enucleation surgeons, exploring different ejaculatory-sparing technique could be the golden opportunities in further consolidating the role and expanding the indication of enucleation surgery.     

Holmium laser enucleation for prostatic adenoma: analysis of learning curve over the course of 70 consecutive cases

PURPOSE: We elucidate the learning curve, efficacy and safety of holmium laser enucleation of prostatic adenomas. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed data on 70 patients who had undergone holmium laser enucleation for prostatic adenoma. All patients were assessed preoperatively and at an interval of 6 months postoperatively based on the International Prostate Symptom Score, quality of life index, peak urinary flow rate and post-void residual urine measurement. All complications were noted. The relationship between the number of procedures performed and treatment efficacy was analyzed. The learning curve with regard to efficiency for tissue enucleation and morcellation was assessed. RESULTS: Holmium laser enucleation of the prostate resulted in a significant improvement in subjective symptoms and urodynamic parameters. The ratio of improvement in the preoperative-to-postoperative peak urinary flow rate, post-void residual urine, International Prostate Symptom Score and quality of life index did not change significantly as experience increased. However, the efficiency of enucleation increased significantly as experience increased. Complications included short-term stress urinary incontinence in 8 cases and postoperative urethral stricture in 5. Bladder injury during morcellation was observed in 2 cases. CONCLUSIONS: Holmium laser enucleation of the prostate is an effective treatment option for benign prostatic adenoma, providing good treatment efficacy and minimal bleeding even if the surgeon has minimal experience. It requires more time to perform than traditional surgery but there is a learning curve for the enucleation technique as experience increases. Technical improvement in tissue morcellation may be necessary if the prevalence of this treatment is to increase dramatically.     

Complications of anatomical endoscopic enucleation of the prostate

Transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) remains the ‘gold standard’ for surgical treatment of benign prostatic obstruction (BPO). Recently, anatomical endoscopic enucleation of the prostate (AEEP) using holmium laser, thulium laser and plasma, etc., is extensively applied in clinical practice. However, perioperative complications of AEEP are inevitable in spite of lower incidence compared with TURP. This study reviewed the literature related to the aetiology, prevention and treatment of common complications of AEEP, which would contribute to the diagnosis and treatment of BPO.     

经尿道前列腺解剖性剜除术(附光盘)

经尿道前列腺解剖性剜除术结合了开放前列腺摘除术与传统经尿道前列腺电切术的各自优势,颠覆了传统电切的手术理念,极大改良优化了传统前列腺电切术。本文将系统介绍经尿道前列腺解剖性剜除术的手术理念、手术方法与技巧、围手术期准备、手术并发症及其处理要点、以及本技术的拓展与推广。     

Comparison of TURP, TUVRP, and HoLEP

Since the first transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) was performed by Guyon at the Necker Hospital in Paris in 1901, this treatment modality has replaced open prostatectomy as the procedure of choice for more than 95% of patients. TURP has been used in surgical treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and remains the gold standard treatment. Transurethral vapor resection of the prostate (TUVRP) and holmium laser enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP) are new treatment modalities for the treatment of BPH. Each procedure has its own advantages and disadvantages. Availability of instruments, surgical expertise, and specific indications for a particular procedure are of utmost importance for successful outcome, with minimal morbidity. TURP can be either monopolar or bipolar, using thin or thick loop. Bipolar TURP is associated with less bleeding and less chances of dilutional hyponatremia. TUVRP, using a thick wedge loop, causes vaporization and resection of the prostate, and is associated with less bleeding and short operative time. HoLEP is another effective alternative for the surgical treatment of BPH. The holmium laser possesses the ideal combination of cutting and coagulation; however, it has a learning curve.     

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.     

The learning curve in endoscopic pituitary surgery and our experience

Experience is the important point in reduction of the complications and in the effectiveness of the surgical procedure in pituitary surgery. Endoscopic pituitary surgery differs from microscopic surgery, since it requires a steep learning curve for endoscopic skills. In this article, we evaluate our learning curve in two groups, as early and late experience. Purely endoscopic transsphenoidal operations were performed on 78 patients, which were retrospectively reviewed and grouped as early and late experience groups. We used the purely endoscopic endonasal approach to the sella that was performed via an anterior sphenoidotomy, without the use of a transsphenoidal retractor. All patients with adenomas were evaluated considering operation time, endocrinology, ophthalmology, total removal and, especially, modifications of standard technique. On the basis of the experience gained with the use of the endoscope in transphenoidal surgery over the years, modifications can be performed on the different phases of the endoscopic approach. Reviewing our cases in two groups of period due to our experience showed that the effectiveness of endoscopic surgery increases and operation time decreases. In our study, we identified a learning curve in endoscopic pituitary surgery.     

In 2013, Holmium Laser Enucleation of the Prostate (HoLEP) May Be the New ‘Gold Standard’

In this review article, we assess why holmium laser enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP) has become an important treatment modality for benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH). Meta-analysis comparing HoLEP with both open prostatectomy (OP) and transurethral resection of prostate (TURP) shows TURP to be as effective with less morbidity. More recently, HoLEP has long-term durability data confirming a very low reoperation rate. This article investigates how previous hurdles to the widespread uptake of HoLEP have been overcome. Recent literature shows that the learning curve is actually similar to many other current urological procedures, and that the efficiency of HoLEP is equal to that of other surgical procedures. HoLEP is also beneficial in the growing population of men on anticoagulation who require treatment for BPH. Finally, HoLEP is the only laser treatment for BPH with level 1 evidence and endorsement in both the American Urological Association (AUA) and European Association of Urology (EAU) guidelines.