Interstitial laser coagulation of the prostate: introduction of a volume-based treatment formula with 12-month follow-up

The objective of the present study was to assess the efficacy of interstitial laser coagulation (ILC) of the prostate using a low-volume treatment formula as a minimally invasive therapy for symptomatic benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). A total of 25 men underwent ILC of the prostate for symptomatic BPH between February 1997 and June 1997. The Indigo 830e laser system from Indigo Medical Inc. and the factory preset therapy regimen was used for ILC of the prostate. The number of treatments or punctures was determined by the formula 0.5 × total prostate volume (ml)/8 ml, rounded to the closest even whole number. The treatment outcome was evaluated at 3-, 6-, and 12-month intervals using the American Urological Association's (AUA) BPH symptom score, maximal urinary flow, prostate size, and postvoid residual urine volume. The AUA symptom score decreased from 23.2 (range 17–28) prior to treatment to 9.4 (range 4–14) at 3 months, 6.6 (range 5–12) at 6 months, and 7.2 (range 4–11) at 12 months. The maximal flow rate improved from 8.4 (range 5–10) ml/s pretreatment to 14.1 (range 10–20) ml/s at 3 months, 14.8 (range 10–18) ml/s at 6 months, and 16.8 (range 12–25) ml/s at 12 months after treatment. There was no significant postprocedure complication. The 1-year clinical results suggest that the ILC procedure using the Indigo 830e device in conjunction with a low-volume treatment formula has outcomes similar to those obtained following ILC based on high-volume coagulation.     

Updated results of a randomized,double-blind,multicenter sham-controlled trial of microwave thermotherapy with the Dornier Urowave in patients with symptomatic benign prostatic hyperplasia. Urowave Investigators Group

A total of 220 patients with clinical benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), an AUA symptom index (AUA SI) of >13 points, and a peak flow rate of <12 ml/s were randomly assigned to either active or sham treatment. All treatments were conducted as an outpatient procedure without general anesthesia. Sham-treated patients underwent a simulated 60-min treatment with an indwelling treatment catheter. Patients were followed at 1 week and at 1, 3, and 6 months. The treatments were well tolerated. The AUA SI dropped from 23.6 to 12.6 points at 6 months (P < 0.05) in the active group and from 23.9 to 17.9 points in the sham-treated group (P < 0.05 for the difference between groups). There was a significant difference between the groups at 6 months (P < 0.001). Similar and statistically significant changes occurred regarding the AUA bother index and the quality of life scores. Statistically significant improvements were also noted for the peak flow rate (from 7.7 to 10.6 ml/s at 6 months for the active group and from 8.1 to 9.6 ml/s for the sham-treated group; P < 0.05 for the difference between groups) and for the average flow rate. An improvement in the AUA SI of >30% was achieved by 72% versus 40% (active versus sham) and an improvement of >50% was accomplished by 48% versus 21% of the respective patients. Actively treated patients reported more dysuria, urgency, and ejaculatory dysfunction following treatment than did sham-treated patients. Urinary retention occurred in 5.4% of patients. The Dornier Urowave is better in improving symptoms, bother, quality of life, and flow rates than is a sham treatment in patients with symptomatic BPH. The treatments can be given on an outpatient basis with local anesthesia. Adverse events are in general transient and mild in nature. This device compares favorably with other second-generation devices. Extended follow-up is necessary to document the long-term durability of these improvements.     

A randomized prospective study of laser ablation of the prostate versus transurethral resection of the prostate in men with benign prostatic hyperplasia

Objectives. To compare the safety and efficacy of laser ablation of the prostate, one of the minimally invasive treatments available for men with benign prostatic hyperplasia, to transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP).Methods. A prospective randomized study of 100 men with benign prostatic hyperplasia, with 50 patients in each treatment arm, was conducted. All patients met the entry criteria: age older than 45 years, no history of carcinoma of the prostate, a peak flow rate less than 15 mL/s, medical therapy failure, and the ability to undergo regional or general anesthesia. All patients underwent a preoperative evaluation consisting of the American Urological Association (AUA) symptom score, uroflowmetry, pressure-flow study, transrectal ultrasound for prostate volume, and serum prostate-specific antigen determination. Patients underwent either TURP or laser ablation of the prostate using the potassium titanyl phosphate (KTP)/neodymium:yttrium-aluminum-garnet laser. Patients were seen for follow-up at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months.Results. The mean age was 68.2 years (range 45 to 90) for the laser group and 67.4 years (range 54 to 82) for the TURP group. The mean AUA symptom score was 22 for the laser group and 21 for the TURP group. The mean peak uroflow rate was 7.6 ± 3.4 mL/s for the laser group and 6.5 ± 4.0 mL/s for the TURP group. At 12 months of follow-up, the mean AUA symptom score had decreased to 7 (−69.5%) for the laser group and to 3 (−80.9%) for the TURP group. The mean peak uroflow rate increased to 15.4 mL/s (+107.8%) for the laser group and to 16.7 mL/s (+150.7%) for the TURP cohort. Seventy-five percent of the laser group had a 50% or greater decrease in their individual AUA symptom score compared with 93% of the TURP group. Sixty-five percent of the laser cohort had a 50% or greater increase in their peak uroflow rate compared with 75% of the TURP cohort.Conclusions. Laser prostatectomy produced improvements in the peak flow rate and symptom score similar to those produced by TURP. The patients who underwent laser treatment required a longer period to reach maximum improvement, which probably reflects the lack of tissue debulking at the time of surgery. Further improvement in laser technology will be required to produce more immediate results.     

Long-term outcome of transrectal high- intensity focused ultrasound therapy for benign prostatic hyperplasia

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to determine the long-term outcome after transrectal high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) therapy for patients with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) due to benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). METHODS: Between June 1992 and March 1995, 98 men (mean age: 66 years) with LUTS due to BPH underwent transrectal HIFU therapy at our institution, and the data of 80 patients were included in this long-term analysis. Principal inclusion criteria were a peak flow rate (Qmax) < or =15 ml/s, AUA/IPSS score > or =18 and a prostate volume < or =75 ml. Postoperatively, patients were seen at 6-month intervals with assessment of symptom score, uroflowmetry and post-void residual volume. In the present analysis, follow-up was terminated at 4 years. The mean follow-up of the study population (excluding the patients who underwent transurethral resection of the prostate, TURP, due to insufficient therapeutic response) was 41.3 months (range: 13-48 months). RESULTS: In treatment responders (HIFU only; n = 45), the symptom score decreased from preoperatively 19.6 to 8.5 (-53%) after 12 months and subsequently showed only marginal fluctuations within the 4-year study period. The Qmax increased from preoperatively 9.1 to 11.8 ml/s (+30%) after 12 months and gradually declined to 10.2 ml/s (+12%) after 4 years. 35 men (43.8%) underwent TURP due to insufficient therapeutic response during the 4-year study period. The mean time interval between HIFU therapy and TURP was 26.5+/-2.7 months (range: 1-48 months). The retreatment-free period was significantly longer for patients with a pretreatment average flow rate >5 ml/s (p = 0.05) and lower grades of urodynamically documented bladder outflow obstruction (p = 0.03). A similar trend, which did not reach statistical significance, was noted for individuals with higher Qmax and lower post-void residuals. CONCLUSIONS: These long-time data indicate that transrectal HIFU therapy for BPH, at least in its present form, did not stand the test of time, as 43.8% of patients had to undergo TURP within 4 years after initial therapy. These data underline the need for long-term studies with follow-ups over several years to reliably assess the role of less invasive treatment options for BPH.     

Case selection for high-energy transurethral microwave thermotherapy

Transurethral microwave thermotherapy (TUMT) is a minimally invasive outpatient procedure for the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Different devices and operating software have been used in various clinical trials. The objective of this study was to identify the possible baseline parameters that could be used to identify the best responders to different microwave devices and treatment programs. Data on three different high-energy thermotherapy devices (Urowave, Prostalund, and Prostatron) were collected and analyzed. At 1 year of follow-up, 166 patients were available for the Prostatron system. In all, 52 had a ≥ 50% change in both symptom score and peak flow rate, whereas 114 patients were considered nonresponders. Responders were characterized at baseline by a lower peak flow rate (8.80 versus 10.48 ml/s, P ≤ 0.0001) and a larger degree of outlet obstruction as measured by the URA parameter (45.33 versus 36.70 cmH₂O, P ≤ 0.0300); a larger energy dose was delivered to this group during treatment (173.36 versus 156.40 kJ, P ≤ 0.0258). A total of 19 patients were available from the Prostalund cohort. No significant difference was found in the values recorded for baseline parameters between responders (5 patients) and nonresponders (14 patients). Stratification of 143 patients treated with the Urowave resulted in 29 responders ( ≥ 50% improvement in both Q_max and AUA score) at 6 months of follow-up, with a significant difference being found in the baseline value recorded for peak flow rate (7.0 versus 8.0 ml/s, P ≤ 0.026). At 12 months, however, this significance difference could no longer be found. In conclusion, baseline parameters with significant predictive value for a clinical response could be identified for the Prostatron device only. The results of this study further confirm the importance of an extensive laboratory and clinical research program for a fuller understanding of the clinical response obtained with a certain microwave device and a particular treatment software and for provision of the greatest possible advantage from these new alternative treatments. Further exploratory work is required for a better understanding of the role of other parameters such as prostate tissue architecture and vascularity, the microwave frequency, the applicator design, the intraprostatic temperature, and the treatment duration in the clinical response to microwave thermotherapy.     

Thick loop prostatectomy in the endoscopic treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia: results of a prospective randomised study

OBJECTIVE: The thick loop is a new device employed for transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) using the standard resectoscope. The loop is broader and thicker than the standard one, resulting in better hemostasis because of its ability to cut, coagulate and vaporize tissue simultaneously. We evaluated the safety and efficacy of the thick loop device compared with the standard loop. PATIENTS AND METHODS: 103 patients with symptomatic benign prostatic hyperplasia were randomized to undergo either thick loop (51 patients) or standard loop TURP (52 patients). Patients were considered for surgery with the American Urological Association (AUA) symptom score greater than 7 and a maximum urinary flow rate <15 ml/s. Serum hemoglobin, hematocrit, electrolytes, operative time, prostate resected weight, catheterization time and complications were recorded. Twelve months later, the AUA score, maximum urinary flow rate (Q(max)) and postvoiding residual urine volume were evaluated. RESULTS: There were no significant differences between thick and standard loop TURP regarding the operative and catheterization time, prostate resection weight and postoperative levels of hemoglobin, hematocrit and electrolytes. Twelve months after TURP, the AUA score was significantly lower and Q(max) greater in the thick loop compared to the standard loop groups. CONCLUSIONS: Thick loop TURP is as safe as standard loop TURP with respect to blood loss, operative time and complications. Operating in a virtually bloodless field could allow a more radical TURP and provide an explanation for the better functional results (Q(max) and AUA score) obtained by the thick loop resection.     

Transurethral microwave thermotherapy vs transurethral resection for treating benign prostatic hyperplasia: a systematic review

OBJECTIVE: To conduct a systematic review of randomized controlled trials evaluating the efficacy and safety of transurethral microwave thermotherapy (TUMT) compared with transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) in treating men with symptomatic benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). METHODS: We searched Medline, the Cochrane Library and reference lists of retrieved studies to identify randomized trials of >/= 6 months duration with >/= 10 patients in each treatment arm. Data were extracted on study design, patient and treatment characteristics, urinary symptoms, urinary flow, adverse events and repeat treatment for BPH. RESULTS: Six studies were evaluated, involving 540 patients. The mean age (67.8 years), baseline symptom score (19.5), and peak urinary flow (PUF, 8.6 mL/s) did not differ by treatment group. The pooled mean urinary symptom score decreased by 65% with TUMT and 77% with TURP. The weighted mean (95% confidence interval) difference for the symptom score at the follow-up was -1.83 (-3.09 to -0.58) points, favouring TURP. The pooled mean PUF increased by 70% with TUMT and 119% with TURP. The weighted mean difference for the PUF at the follow-up was 5.37 (4.22-6.51) mL/s, favouring TURP. Retrograde ejaculation (57.6% vs 22.2%), transfusions (5.7% vs 0%) and re-treatment for strictures (relative hazard 9.76) were all significantly more common after TURP, but re-treatment for BPH was significantly more common after TUMT (relative hazard 10.0). CONCLUSIONS: TUMT techniques are effective and safe short-term alternatives to TURP for treating BPH. However, TURP provided greater symptom and urinary flow improvements and fewer subsequent BPH treatments than TUMT.     

Transurethral ethanol ablation of the prostate (TEAP): an effective minimally invasive treatment alternative to traditional surgery for symptomatic benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) in high-risk comorbidity patients

Objective  To evaluate the efficacy and safety of transurethral ethanol ablation of the prostate (TEAP) for patients with symptomatic benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and high-risk comorbidities. Materials and methods  Thirty-six patients (mean age 77.3 years) with symptomatic BPH or persistent urinary retention were assessed at baseline and at 3, 6, and 12 months after treatment. All patients were affected by comorbidities (cardiovascular, respiratory, hematologic, neoplastic, dysmetabolic diseases, or coagulation disorders). Baseline evaluation was achieved by the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) and quality of life (QoL) score, prostate-specific antigen (PSA), prostate transrectal ultrasound (TRUS), and the maximum peak flow rate with evaluation of post-voiding residual urine volume (PVR). Treatment was performed by injecting dehydrated ethanol at a rate correlated to prostate volume into the prostate. The primary end-point for response was ≥80% improvement of the maximum peak flow rate and significant reduction of the PVR; secondary end-points included symptom improvement (≥40% reduction in IPSS and QoL scores). Statistical analysis was carried out with Pearson’s Chi-square test and the non-parametric Wilcoxon test with an assigned statistical significance at P < 0.05. Results  During the active follow-up period, we observed a statistically significant decrease of the baseline at the end of the study in the total IPSS score and in the QoL score. The mean peak flow rate improved from 6.0 ± 2.40 ml/min to 15.2 ± 0.14 ml/min (P < 0.001), while the PVR decreased from a baseline value of 290.6 ± 14.14 ml to 4.2 ± 14.10 ml (P < 0.001). Conclusion  We found that TEAP is a safe minimally invasive treatment, which significantly improves voiding dysfunctions in patients with symptomatic BPH.     

Two-year follow-up results of a prospective randomized trial comparing hybrid laser prostatectomy with TURP in the treatment of big benign prostates

OBJECTIVE: We compared conventional transurethral electroresection of the prostate (TURP) and hybrid laser treatment in patients with symptomatic bladder outflow obstruction caused by a benign prostate bigger than 40 ml. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Forty-six patients with symptomatic urodynamically confirmed outflow obstruction caused by benign prostate hyperplasia bigger than 40 ml were accepted to the prospective trial and were randomized to receive hybrid laser treatment or TURP. The hybrid laser technique involved initial non-contact Nd:YAG coagulation followed by contact Nd:YAG vaporization to open the prostatic urethra. Patients were re-assessed after 3, 6, 12 and 24 months. RESULTS: Of the 46 patients, 37 (80%) were available at the 24-month follow-up. The re-operation rate was 14.3% in the hybrid laser group and 8.3% in the TURP group. The decrease in DanPSS-1 symptom score from baseline at 24 months was 51.0% in the hybrid laser group (p<0.01) and 80.0% in the TURP group (p<0.001), with no statistically significant differences between the groups. Early improvement in objective urinary parameters of peak urinary flow rate and residual urinary volume showed deterioration in hybrid laser group during longer follow-up, whereas in TURP group the improvement of these variables was sustained. Comparison between groups showed TURP to be superior in peak urinary flow rate (p < 0.001) and residual urinary volume (p < 0.01) at the 24-month follow-up visit. CONCLUSIONS: Both hybrid laser treatment and TURP give good symptomatic relief lasting at least 2 years in the treatment of big obstructing prostates, but hybrid laser treatment is associated with a higher re-operation rate because of inadequate initial prostate tissue removal and with inferior outcome in objective urinary parameters compared with TURP.     

Long-term results of contact laser versus transurethral resection of the prostate in the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia with small or moderately enlarged prostates

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the long-term results of contact laser vaporization (CLV) of the prostate and transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) in patients with symptomatic bladder outflow obstruction (BOO) caused by benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) with prostates smaller than 40 ml. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 52 patients with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) and urodynamically confirmed BOO caused by BPH with glands smaller than 40 ml were treated by means of CLV or TURP in a randomized trial. Changes in symptom score, urodynamics and prostate volume were evaluated during a 4-year follow-up period. RESULTS: A total of 42 (81%) of the patients were available for review at 4 years. The re-operation rate was 1/26 for each treatment. A sustained improvement in median Danish Prostate Symptom Score was seen in the laser group from 18 (range 5-54) to 5 (0-34) and in the TURP group from 18 (4-46) to 4 (0-18) (p<0.001 for both). A sustained improvement in maximum urinary flow rate was also seen in the laser group from 8.3 (4.8-19.6) ml/s to 14.3 (10.1-33.6) ml/s (p<0.001) and in the TURP group from 8.6 (5.0-15.9) ml/s to 16.1 (7.7-39.6) ml/s (p<0.01), without differences between the study groups. Median detrusor pressure at maximum urinary flow rate decreased significantly after both treatments, in the CLV group from 64 (32-112) cmH2O to 38 (18-65) cmH2O and in the TURP group from 57 (40-137) cmH2O to 28 (9-44) cmH2O (p<0.001 for both), and at 48 months was significantly higher in the laser group (p<0.01). At 4 years, 7/22 (32%) of the laser patients and 2/20 (10%) of the TURP patients were urodynamically obstructed. Post-void residual at 48 months was significantly lower in the TURP group than in the CLV group. Median prostate volume was smaller after TURP at 6 and 48 months (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Long-term data of CLV and TURP treatments for BPH with small or moderately enlarged prostates indicate no significant difference in the relief of symptoms or in the rate of re-operations. However, the number of patients in this study was small and consequently the power to detect differences between the study groups was low. Regarding most objective outcome parameters, long-term follow-up revealed a slight advantage of TURP over CLV.     

Interstitial laser coagulation of the prostate for management of acute urinary retention

PURPOSE: We evaluated the clinical efficacy and benefit of interstitial laser coagulation of the prostate (ILCP) in patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) presenting with acute urinary retention. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients presenting with acute urinary retention were prospectively evaluated. Patients underwent ILCP and outcomes were evaluated by post-void residual urine, maximum flow rate, International Prostate Symptom Score, and disease specific quality of life score at baseline, 1, 3, 6 and 12 months. RESULTS: A total of 85 patients were enrolled in the study and 53 were diagnosed with acute urinary retention secondary to BPH. A total of 33 were not catheter-free after a week and 28 of them agreed to undergo ILCP. Mean preoperative prostate volume was 54.6 ml (range 23.0 to 130.0) and mean residual volume presenting with retention was 602 ml (range 200 to 1,150). There were no intraoperative or postoperative adverse events except urinary infection in 2 patients. Mean catheterization duration was 6.3 days (range 3 to 18) and all patients became catheter-free postoperatively. Mean followup was 16.9 months (range 7 to 31). Mean maximum flow rate (+/-SD) was 11.2 ml per second (+/-5.7) 3 months after treatment. Mean International Prostate Symptom Score and quality of life scores decreased from 23.1 (+/-6.4) at baseline to 8.0 (+/-5.3) at 3 months (p <0.001), and 5.0 (+/-1.2) to 1.9 (+/-1.6, p <0.001), respectively. Mean estimated prostate volume decreased by 19.4% (54.6 to 44.0 ml) 6 months postoperatively (p <0.001). Only 2 patients had recurrent urinary retention during followup. CONCLUSIONS: Our study suggested that ILCP is a safe and effective therapy for patients with BPH presenting with acute urinary retention.     

Sexual functions in patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia before and after transurethral resection of the prostate

The purpose of this prospective study was to evaluate the sexual function of patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) before and after transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP). The sexual functions of 155 patients with BPH were evaluated before TURP and 6 and 12 months afterwards. The mean age of the patients was 69 years (range 49–86 years). The␣only significant change in sexual function after TURP was improvement in early morning erections (P < 0.01). Sixty-eight per cent of the patients were satisfied with their sex life before TURP, 69% after 6 months and 67% after 12 months. The corresponding percentages of patients satisfied with their libido were 60%, 59% and 54%. Only 26% of the patients had completely satisfactory erections before TURP, while 22% had them 6 months later and 24% 12 months later. The proportion of fully impotent patients was 11% before the procedure, 13% after 6 months and 16% after 12 months. In 84% of the patients ejaculation was retrograde 6 months and 12 months after TURP. We conclude that TURP does not affect the sexual function of patients with BPH, with the exception of retrograde ejaculation. Received: 23 May 1997 / Accepted: 19 September 1997     

Randomized trial of safety and efficacy of transurethral resection of the prostate using contact laser versus electrocautery

The aim of this study was to prospectively evaluate the safety and efficacy of contact laser ablation of the prostate (CLAP) vs. transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) in symptomatic benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH). During a 1-year period (1995-1996), 37 males 50 years of age or older were randomized to either CLAP using Nd:YAG laser treatment or TURP. Patients with Qmax <15 mL/s, American Urological Association (AUA) symptom score >12, and postvoid residual (PVR) >125 mL were enrolled. Patients were excluded if they had prior surgical treatment for BPH or known conditions that could affect bladder function. Comparisons of preoperative and postoperative symptom scores, Qmax, PVR, total catheter time, hospital stay, complications, and hematocrit changes were performed. A 2:1 randomization was used, which resulted in 26 CLAP and 12 TURP patients. One-year follow-up data were available for 21 CLAP and 7 TURP patients. The mean prostate volume, age, AUA symptom score, and Qmax were not significantly different between the two arms. Significant differences in favor of CLAP were shorter catheter time (27.2 vs. 40.4 hours; p < .05) and shorter hospital stays (28.5 vs. 60.0 hours; p < .05). The only other significant difference between the two arms was a lower AUA symptom score in favor of TURP at 1 year (4.7 vs. 8.4; p < .05). Qmax, PVR, and postoperative hematocrit were similar between the groups. The only complications included recatheterizations, which occurred more frequently in the TURP patients (25% vs. 14%). CLAP appears to be slightly less effective in AUA symptom score reduction; however, it is equally safe and is superior for shortening catheter time and hospital stay compared to TURP.     

Quality-of-life assessment in patients treated with lower-energy thermotherapy: Prostasoft 2.0

This study was designed to evaluate the impact of lower-energy transurethral microwave thermotherapy (TUMT) on quality of life (QoL) and quality of sexual function (QSF) in patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). A total of 216 patients with BPH received lower-energy TUMT treatment (Prostasoft 2.0) and were followed until 1 year after treatment. All patients completed a Madsen symptom score and QoL questionnaire to assess their perception of urinary difficulties, sexual functions, activities of daily living, psychological well-being, and social activities. The maximal uroflow changed from 7.8 ml/s at baseline to 11.2 ml/s after 1 year. The Madsen symptom score improved from 14.0 to 5.7. With regard to QoL, we saw a significant improvement in the perception of urinary difficulties and activities of daily living. No statistically significant improvement in QoL measures documenting sexual functions, psychological well-being or social well-being was observed. Besides a significant improvement in objective and subjective clinical parameters, we also observed an improvement in QoL. In addition to the minimally invasive character of this therapy, also the preservation of sexual functions is very appealing.     

Value of the Danish prostate symptom score compared to the AUA symptom score and pressure/flow studies in the preoperative evaluation of men with symptomatic benign prostatic hyperplasia

The Danish Prostate Symptom Score (DAN-PSS) is a new questionnaire for the assessment of lower tract urinary symptoms (LUTS), which claims to be able to predict bladder outlet obstruction. We evaluated the ability of the DAN-PSS to assess LUTS, to predict obstruction, and to predict treatment outcome in men with symptomatic uncomplicated BPH. Twenty-five consecutive men with symptomatic uncomplicated BPH filled in the AUA symptom score and the DAN-PSS and underwent uroflowmetry and pressure-flow studies prior to transurethral prostatic resection (TURP). Patients were reevaluated 4 days and 8 months after surgery. AUA score and DAN-PSS both assessed LUTS and were sensitive to symptom changes after therapy. Compared to pressure/flow studies, neither score correlated with bladder outlet obstruction. Peak urinary flow, however, correlated significantly with obstruction. None of the diagnostic tools used was able to improve patient selection for surgical treatment. The DAN-PSS is a valid and sensitive questionnaire for the assessment of LUTS. It is not able, however, to predict bladder outlet obstruction. In men with uncomplicated BPH, urodynamic evaluation of bladder outlet obstruction did not improve the subjective outcome of TURP. Neurourol. Urodynam. 16:9–18, 1998. © 1998 Wiley-Liss, Inc.     

A multicentre single-blind randomized controlled trial comparing bipolar and monopolar transurethral resection of the prostate

Introduction:

Monopolar transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) is the gold standard surgical therapy for men with lower urinary tract symptoms due to benign prostatic hyperplasia. Although generally considered safer, TURP experience is limited in Canada.

Methods:

Forty-three patients from 5 Canadian centres were randomized to TURP with either bipolar or monopolar platforms. Patients underwent baseline determinations of American Urological Association (AUA) symptom score, peak urinary flow rate, post-void residual bladder volume and transrectal ultrasound prostate volume. Primary outcome measures were improvement in AUA symptom score, quality of life assessment and bother assessment. Secondary outcomes included procedural times, duration of catheterization, length of hospitalization, complications and the degree of thermal artifact in tissue specimens. Patients were followed for 6 months.

Results:

Twenty-two patients were treated with bipolar and 21 with monopolar TURP. Preoperative demographics were not statistically different between groups. Postoperative data collection times were equivalent in AUA symptom, quality of life, bother and sexual function assessments. No differences were observed in the procedure time (60.7 min, bipolar vs. 47.4, monopolar) or the duration of urethral catheterization (1.5 days, bipolar vs. 1.1, monopolar). More patients in the bipolar group were discharged on the same day of surgery. There were no differences in the degree of tissue thermal artifact or complication rate.

Conclusion:

This trial suggests equivalent short-term outcomes for men undergoing monopolar or bipolar TURP.     

经尿道等离子双极电切术治疗高危前列腺增生的临床观察

目的 评价经尿道等离子舣极电切术(TUPKP)治疗高危前列腺增生(BPH)的疗效和安全性.方法 应用TUPKP治疗高危BPH 230例,其中132例剩余尿40～420 ml,长期服药无效,98例反复尿潴留.对体能>4 MET的173例采用标准经尿道前列腺电切术(TURP)治疗,<4 MET的57例采用微创TURP治疗,其中12例合并膀胱结石者先用钬激光碎石.对两组手术前后国际前列腺症状评分(IPSS)、最大尿流率(Qmax)和剩余尿等临床资料进行分析.结果 两组均无经尿道电切综合征发生.术后3～12个月随访,标准TURP组和微创TURP组IPSS由术前(21.9 ±5.7)分和(23.7±5.0)分降到(4.4±2.3)分和(5.5±2.4)分,剩余尿由(61.8±18.4)ml和(103.9±77.3)ml降到(13.0±6.2)ml和(15.8±6.1)ml,Qmax由术前(5.7±3.0)ml/s和(4.8±2.8)ml/s升到(20.9±6.3)ml/s和(16.8±3.9)ml/s,两组改善情况差异有统计学意义(P<0.01).但标准TURP组术后IPSS、Qmax和剩余尿的改善程度优于微创TuRP组(P<0.05).结论 应用TUPKP治疗高危BPH患者时,根据不同体能分别采用标准TURP和微创TURP治疗是安全有效的,当体能>4 MET时,最好选用标准TURP.     

Rising PSA in patients with minor LUTS without evidence of prostatic carcinoma: a missing link?

Objectives To determine the role of pressure flowmetry in patients without bothersome lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS), rising prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels and diagnosed as having clinical benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) after negative (multiple) extended multi-site biopsy. Methods The study enrolled patients with minor LUTS who were referred to our urological practice by their general practitioner because of a rising PSA level (≥4 ng/ml). After exclusion of clinical prostatic carcinoma by digital rectal examination and transrectal ultrasound, all patients underwent at least one set of extended multi-site biopsies to exclude T1c prostate cancer. Patients with negative biopsies (clinical BPH) were subjected to pressure flowmetry whereafter those with bladder outlet obstruction underwent TURP. Results The study included 82 patients, with a mean age of 64.8 years (50.2–78.2 years), satisfying the inclusion criteria. Urodynamic analysis showed that all patients had bladder outlet obstruction. After TURP, eight patients (9.8%) were diagnosed as having histologically proven prostate cancer; 74 patients (90.2%) were diagnosed as having BPH. Patients of the BPH group had a mean preoperative PSA level of 8.8 ng/ml (4.3–25.8 ng/ml) and a mean international prostate symptom score of 8.8 (2–18). The mean detrusor pressure at maximum flow in BPH patients was 89.5 cmH₂O (20–200 cmH₂O). Conclusions An increased PSA in patients with minor or no LUTS, clinical BPH and negative extended multi-site prostate biopsy is strongly correlated to bladder outlet obstruction. Therefore, patients with these characteristics should be treated with TURP.     

A prospective randomized study of combined visual laser ablation and transurethral resection of the prostate versus transurethral prostatectomy alone

INTRODUCTION: Visual laser ablation of the prostate (VLAP) has a clinical failure rate of up to 18% which is 3 times higher than transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) alone. Prolonged spontaneous passage of necrotic debris is the major shortcoming of this method. Therefore combined visual laser-assisted and transurethral prostatectomy was compared to TURP alone. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 105 patients were evaluated in a prospective randomized study comparing TURP alone and VLAP combined with TURP. The patients were evaluated 1, 3 and 12 months after surgery. First VLAP was performed using a neodymium:yttrium-aluminum-garnet laser with the prolase fiber followed by standard resection of the necrotic and remaining prostatic tissue. Treatment efficacy was assessed by the American Urological Association (AUA) symptom score, measurements of peak urinary flow, residual urine volume, intraoperative bleeding, and by the occurrence of intra- and postoperative complications. RESULTS: The use of VLAP and consecutive TURP improved the AUA symptom score, urinary flow and residual volume and was comparable in all patients treated. Intraoperative bleeding was significantly reduced from 522 +/- 45 ml by TURP to 214 +/- 33 ml by VLAP+TURP (p < 0.05). There was a significant improvement in the postoperative values of the parameters observed in both groups. CONCLUSIONS: It appears that the combined method for treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia reduced the specific intraoperative morbidity of TURP while achieving the same clinical effect as TURP alone.     

A PROSPECTIVE, RANDOMIZED 1-YEAR CLINICAL TRIAL COMPARING TRANSURETHRAL NEEDLE ABLATION TO TRANSURETHRAL RESECTION OF THE PROSTATE FOR THE TREATMENT OF SYMPTOMATIC BENIGN PROSTATIC HYPERPLASIA

Purpose

We assess the 1-year efficacy and safety of transurethral needle ablation of the prostate compared to transurethral resection of the prostate for the treatment of symptomatic benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).

Materials and Methods

A prospective, randomized clinical trial of 121 men 50 years old or older with symptomatic BPH was performed at 7 medical centers across the United States. Of the men 65 (54%) were treated with transurethral needle ablation of the prostate and 56 (46%) underwent transurethral resection of the prostate. Mean and percentage changes from baseline and between cohorts for American Urological Association (AUA) symptom score, AUA bother score, quality of life score, peak urinary flow rate and post-void residual urine volume were measured at 1, 3, 6 and 12 months following treatment. Length of procedure, hospitalization, type of anesthesia, post-procedure catheterization, side effects and sexual function were compared.

Results

Transurethral needle ablation and resection resulted in a statistically significant improvement in AUA symptom, bother and quality of life scores, peak urinary flow rate and post-void residual. At 1-year followup, needle ablation and resection were equally effective in enhancing quality of life. Needle ablation had less effect on sexual function, with resection being associated with a greater incidence of retrograde ejaculation. Needle ablation could be performed as an outpatient procedure with local anesthesia while resection required anesthesia and hospitalization. Needle ablation was associated with markedly fewer side effects than resection.

Conclusions

Compared to transurethral resection of the prostate, transurethral needle ablation of the prostate is an efficacious, minimally invasive treatment for symptomatic BPH that is associated with few side effects.