EAU guidelines on laser technologies

Unfavorable outcomes of laparoscopic pyeloplasty using barbed sutures: a multi-center experience

PURPOSE

Barbed self-retaining sutures (SRS) have been introduced as an advance in suture technology, facilitating reconstructive laparoscopic surgery. We present the experience of three centers performing laparoscopic pyeloplasty with the use of SRS.

METHODS

Preoperative, intraoperative and follow-up data were collected for 6 patients undergoing pyeloplasty using the Quill SRS (Angiotech, Vancouver, CAN) in three centers. Standard laparoscopic pyeloplasty technique was used and a knot-less continuous anastomosis between the spatulated ureter and the renal pelvis was created.

RESULTS

Knot-less uretero-pelvic anastomosis creation was feasible in all six cases. Peri-operative data were similar to standard pyeloplasty using conventional suture materials. A very high stricture recurrence rate (5/6 patients) was noted during follow-up. Further endourologic and open interventions were needed to address the recurrence of the strictures.

CONCLUSIONS

Knotless intracorporeal laparoscopic suturing using SRS for the reconstruction of UPJ during laparoscopic pyeloplasty is associated with high rates of stricture recurrence at least in the initial cases of each surgeon. Until further investigations elucidate the cause of treatment failure, SRS should not be recommended for upper urinary tract reconstruction.

[Analysis of predictive factors of success for prostate photovaporization in benign prostatic hyperplasia by greenlight laser]

OBJECTIVE

To conduct a descriptive study of the implementation of greenlight laser photovaporization in a local hospital and to identify the ideal preoperative and intraoperative conditions to obtain a successful outcome.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A retrospective review of 179 photovaporizations performed between January 2007 and June 2010 was done. Preoperative data (age, prostate volume, PSA, IPSS, Qmax, medical history, ASA classification), intraoperative parameters (surgeon's experience, operating time, transfusion requirements, type of laser used, reconversion to transurethral resection of the prostate or TURP) and post-operative data (post-op complications, post-op PSA, post-op IPS score, post-op Qmax and reoperations) were analyzed. We performed a univariate and multivariate analysis to identify which preoperative and intraoperative parameters influence therapeutic failure.

RESULTS

The descriptive study shows similarity in all parameters compared to the available literature. In the multivariate analysis, it was found that the surgeon's experience and prostate volume over 40 cc were independent predictive factors for success of greenlight laser photovaporization.

CONCLUSIONS

Greenlight laser photovaporization is an effective and reproducible procedure for treating lower urinary tract obstruction due to benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Multicenter, prospective and randomized studies are needed to confirm the results of this study. There are few studies available in the literature that provide a high level of evidence and grade of recommendation.

Holmium laser ablation of the prostate (HoLAP): intermediate-term results of 144 patients

PURPOSE

To retrospectively analyse the intermediate-term outcome of holmium laser ablation of the prostate (HoLAP) of up to 4 years postoperatively in one of the largest series and to define the selection criteria for patients who benefit from potentially lower complications associated with HoLAP.

METHODS

Between June 2006 and November 2010, 144 patients with benign prostatic obstruction were treated at two centres with standardised HoLAP (2.0 J/50 Hz or 3.2 J/25 Hz with Versapulse(®) 80-100 W laser Lumenis(®)). Median follow-up was 21 months (range, 1-54). International prostate symptom score and quality of life (IPSS-QoL), PSA, prostate volume, maximal flow rate (Qmax), postvoiding residual volume (Vres) were evaluated pre- and postoperatively. All complications were graded according to CTCAE (v4.03).

RESULTS

Mean patient age was 70.1 ± 7.7 years (range, 46-90). With a preoperative median prostate volume of 40 ml (range, 10-130), the median operation time was 50 min (range, 9-138). We observed a median catheterisation time of 1 day (range, 0-12) and hospitalisation time of 2 days (range, 1-16). IPSS-QoL, Qmax and Vres were significantly improved after 3 months, and all parameters remained unchanged after 12, 24 and 36 months. The rate of re-operation was significantly lower in patients with prostate volume <40 ml, compared to patients with prostates ≥ 40 ml (9.1 vs. 25 %, p = 0.04).

CONCLUSIONS

HoLAP is a safe and effective procedure for the treatment of prostates <40 ml. Patients benefit from HoLAP because of a low bleeding rate and short hospital stay. Due to high recurrence rates, HoLAP should be avoided in prostates >40 ml.