Defining minimal invasive surgical therapy for benign prostatic obstruction surgery: Perspectives from a global knowledge, attitude, and practice survey

Awareness and compliance of urologists in the Middle East with minimally invasive surgical devices for the management of benign prostate hyperplasia

Objectives

The objective is to assess urologists' awareness of and compliance with available minimally invasive devices (MIDs) for the management of benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH).

Methods

An online Internet-based survey was sent to urologists through E-mail. Baseline characteristics included age, location and duration of practice, and number of prostatectomies performed in the previous 12 months. Awareness is based on the surgeons' opinions about their advantages and drawbacks.

Results

A total of 308 participants responded to the survey; 87.0% were most aware of Rezūm, followed by Urolift (59.1%), Aquablation (33.1%), and combined temporary implantable nitinol device (iTIND), and Zenflow (17%). In the past 12 months, 84.1% used MIDs in their practice. A total of 47.1% of respondents believe that these devices have comparable outcomes with the traditional interventions, 52.9% are unsure of their long-term benefits, and 71% feel that it is too early to judge. Forty-three percent believe that these devices are reserved only for high-risk patients, and 52% recommend that they should be available in their centers. Most respondents (90.9%) prefer Rezūm, Urolift (28.2%), and Aquablation (12.6%) because they are less invasive, less time-consuming, and have few complications. Interestingly, 59% recommend MIDs to their family members.

Conclusions

Most respondents are more aware of Rezūm, Urolift, and Aquablation than iTIND and Zenflow. In addition, most respondents agree that these MIDs and traditional prostate interventions have comparable outcomes despite the former lacking long-term outcome assessment. High cost and no long-term data may influence the widespread acceptance of these MIDs.

Minimally invasive techniques in quest of Holy Grail of surgical management of enlarged prostates: a narrative review

PURPOSE

Past decade has seen a renewed interest in minimally invasive surgical techniques (MISTs) for management of enlarged prostate. This narrative review aims to explore newer MIST for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) which are not yet integrated into established societal guidelines.

METHODS

We conducted a literature search across PubMed, Google Scholar, and FDA ClinicalTrials.gov databases on June 1st, 2023, to identify studies published within the past decade exploring various MISTs for BPH. Additionally, we gathered insights from abstracts presented in meetings of professional associations and corporate websites. We broadly classified these procedures into three distinct categories: energy-based, balloon dilation, and implant/stent treatments. We collected detail information about the device, procedure details, its inclusion and exclusion criteria, and outcome.

RESULTS

Our review reveals that newer energy-based MISTs include Transperineal Laser Ablation, Transurethral Ultrasound Ablation, and High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound. In the sphere of balloon dilation, Transurethral Columnar Balloon Dilation and the Optilume BPH Catheter System were gaining momentum. The noteworthy implants/stents that are on horizon include Butterfly Prostatic Retraction Device, Urocross Expander System, Zenflow Spring System, and ProVee Urethral Expander System.

CONCLUSION

The exploration of various MISTs reflects ongoing efforts to enhance patient care and address limitations of existing treatments. This review provides a bird-eye view and valuable insights for urologists and researchers seeking to navigate the dynamic landscape of MISTs in the quest for effective and minimally invasive solutions for enlarged prostates.

Treatment Algorithm for Management of Benign Prostatic Obstruction: An Overview of Current Techniques

The management of benign prostatic obstruction (BPO) should involve a treatment algorithm that takes into account prostate size, and patient's symptoms and preference with the aim of helping with urinary symptoms and enhance quality of life. The diagnostic assessment for men with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) should be comprehensive to help choose the best management strategy. Strategies from lifestyle modifications to medical treatment with alpha blockers and/or 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors to surgical procedures can all be used in the management algorithm. Surgical management ranges from transurethral resection of prostate (TURP) to minimally invasive surgical therapies (MIST) including laser therapies such as Holmium laser enucleation (HoLEP) and photoselective vaporisation (PVP), aquablation, Rezūm system, prostate artery embolisation (PAE), prostatic urethral lift (PUL), temporary implantable nitinol device (iTind) and Optilume BPH catheter system. BPO is a common urological condition that has a significant impact on quality of life and economic burden globally and is likely to become increasingly prevalent with an ageing population. Selecting the most appropriate treatment modality will depend on the individual patient preferences, availability of resources, cost, anatomical factors and the goals of treatment.