120W GreenLight High Performance System Laser for Benign Prostate Hyperplasia: 68 Patients With 3-Year Follow-up and Analysis of Predictors of Response

Comparison of Holmium Laser Enucleation and Plasmakinetic Resection of Prostate: A Randomized Trial with 72-Month Follow-Up

PURPOSE

To evaluate the long-term and flexible cystourethroscopy results of holmium laser enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP) and to compare them with those of plasmakinetic resection of the prostate (PKRP).

METHODS

In the long-term follow-up, variables, including the international prostatic symptomatic score, quality of life scores, maximum flow rate (Qmax), and international index of erectile function (IIEF), and the adverse events, including the need for retreatment, were specifically assessed. One hundred twenty-two HoLEP and 119 PKRP of the initial 280 patients included in this study were available, with 10 deceased and 29 lost to follow-up.

RESULTS

We found that none of the assessable patients required reoperation for recurrent benign prostatic enlargement (BPE) in the HoLEP group, whereas two required reoperation in the PKRP group. There were no significant differences in most variables between the two groups in the long-term results. But in terms of Qmax, transrectal ultrasound prostate volume, prostate specific antigen (PSA) level, IIEF-5 score, and long-term posttrial follow-up of flexible cystourethroscopy, the HoLEP group showed better results.

CONCLUSION

The long-term follow-up data of this randomized trial confirm that HoLEP and PKRP are both effective and durable surgical interventions for the treatment of lower urinary tract symptoms due to BPE. Given the clinically relevant advantages associated with HoLEP, the alternation of PSA level, sexual function, and urination can be improved.

Comparison of vaporization using 120-W GreenLight laser versus 2-micrometer continuous laser for treating benign prostatic hyperplasia: A 24-month follow-up study of a single center

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate safety, efficacy, and long-term outcomes of photoselective vaporization of prostate using 120-W HPS GreenLight KTP laser and compare the results with those obtained with 2-micrometer continuous-wave (2 um CW) laser for treatment of patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

One group of 216 patients diagnosed with BPH underwent 120-W KTP laser vaporization of the prostate, while another group of 198 BPH patients underwent 2 um CW laser vaporization. The relevant pre-, peri-, and post-operative parameters were compared between the two therapy groups. Functional results in terms of improvement of International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), maximum flow rate (Qmax), and post-void residual (PVR) urine were assessed at 3, 6, 12, and 24 months.

RESULTS

BPH was successfully treated with 120-W HPS KTP laser and 2 um CW laser in all patients. There were no significant difference between two patient groups in the baseline characteristics (such as PSA, IPSS, QoL, and Qmax). No major complications occurred intraoperatively (capsule perforation and TUR syndrome) or postoperatively (electric unbalance), and no blood transfusions were required in both groups. Average catheterization time was 1.9±1.3 days for the 120-W PVP and 2.2±1.9 days for the 2 um CW laser treatment. In addition, the hospitalization times were 3.8±1.2days (120-W PVP) and 4.8±1.5 days (2 um CW laser), respectively. The incidence of dysuria and urge incontinence was higher in the 2 um CW laser group (35/198, 24/198) than in the 120 W PVP group (15/216, 10/216). Dramatic improvement was observed in Qmax, IPSS, Qol, and PVR as compared with the respective pre-operative values. The degree of improvement during the follow-up period was comparable in both groups. No significant differences were observed in terms of re-operation rates, bladder neck stricture, and urethral stricture.

CONCLUSIONS

Both 120-W HPS laser and 2 um CW laser vaporization present effective treatment options in patients with BPH, but 120-W PVP provides safer therapy with less post-operative complications within the 2-year follow-up period.

Photoselective Vaporesection of the Prostate via an End-firing Lithium Triborate Crystal Laser

The occurrence of lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) caused by benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a common problem with a high incidence in the aging male population. Although it is not a life-threatening disease, BPH causes problems that seriously impact the quality of life. Here, we introduce a new technique called photoselective vaporesection of the prostate (PVRP) in treating BPH, which can be seen as a variation of photoselective vaporization of the prostate (PVP). This procedure presents several advantages compared to the PVP technique including less laser energy loss, less intraoperative complications as well as more tissue resection rate.

Photoselective vaporization of the prostate with the 180-W XPS-Greenlight laser: Five-year experience of safety, efficiency, and functional outcomes

INTRODUCTION

Transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) is still considered the gold standard surgical treatment for symptomatic benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). However, photoselective vaporization of the prostate (PVP) has gained widespread global acceptance in national guidelines as a safe and effective alternative option. Nevertheless, further evidence is required to assess the durability of Greenlight PVP. Herein, we report our five years of PVP experience with the Greenlight 180W XPS laser system.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis was conducted on a prospectively gathered database of 370 consecutively included patients who underwent PVP using Greenlight XPS-180 W laser system (Boston Scientific, Boston, MA, U.S.) performed by a single experienced laser surgeon between 2011 and 2016. Preoperative characteristics, intervention parameters, postoperative functional, uroflowmetry outcomes, and complications were collected. Outcomes are reported over a period of five years.

RESULTS

Mean age was 68 years, with a mean prostate volume of 78.8 cc (95% confidence interval [CI] 70.9-78.7]). The mean followup was 59.4 months (55.4-63.5). Mean energy, operative time, and energy/cc were 270.2 kJ (255.2-285.2), 62.7 minutes (59.6-65.7), and 3.7 kJ/cc (3.6-3.9), respectively. Compared to preoperative values, International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), maximum flow rate (Qmax), and post-void residual (PVR) parameters were significantly improved and sustained over the five postoperative years. Of note, only 66 patients (out of 370) had a complete five-year followup. Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) reached nadir at one year, with a drop of 67% from the mean preoperative value of 6.2 ng/mL. Mean IPSS nadir was reached at three years, with a drop of 80.4% (-21.1 points). Similarly, mean quality of life (QoL) score dropped by 82.8% after three years (preoperative mean of 4.7). With respect to mean Qmax, there was an increase by 72.7% (+14.7 mL/s) at one year, reaching the value of 19.9 mL/s. Moreover, mean PVR was 32.8 mL at four years compared to 345 mL preoperatively. At five years followup, PSA, IPSS, QoL, and PVR dropped by 59.7% (3.7 ng/mL), 75.2% (19.7 points), 78.72% (3.7 points), and 84.4% (291.3 mL), respectively. Qmax increased by 12.9 mL/s. Clavien complication rates were low, with bladder neck stenosis observed in seven (1.6%) men. During the five-year followup, only four patients (1%) required BPH surgical re-intervention.

CONCLUSIONS

This is the first long-term reporting of Greenlight XPS-180W laser system. In experienced hands, the observed outcomes appear to demonstrate that Greenlight XPS-180 W laser system is safe, efficacious, and durable for the treatment of bladder outlet obstruction (BOO) secondary to BPH.

Efficacy and Safety of Photoselective Vaporization of the Prostate with 120 W 532 nm Laser in Patients with Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia on Anticoagulation or Antiplatelet Therapy: Observations on Long-Term Outcomes

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study was to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of photoselective vaporization of the prostate (PVP) in the treatment of patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) on anticoagulant or antiplatelet therapy.

BACKGROUND

The "gold standard" of surgical treatment of BPH is transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP). Since the risk of complications associated with TURP is still significant, there is a continuous search for safer and equally effective procedures. One of them is PVP with a 532 nm potassium-titanyl-phosphate/lithium triborate (KTP/LBO) laser.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 109 patients underwent PVP with the use of the GreenLight HPS 120 W laser. Sixty-five (59.6%) of the patients were on anticoagulants or antiplatelet drugs, whereas 44 (40.4%) patients were not. Various objective and subjective parameters were evaluated intra- and postoperatively along with a 5-year follow-up to compare the results and safety of PVP in these two groups of patients.

RESULTS

No difference between the groups was found in intraoperative parameters, including operation and lasing time, as well as laser energy used. Also, no intraoperative complications were observed. There was no significant bleeding in any of the groups, and none of the patients required a blood transfusion. Catheterization and hospitalization time did not differ between both groups, and during the 5-year follow-up period, good objective and subjective results were observed, and the complication rates were comparable between the groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results demonstrate that PVP for patients with BPH is an effective and safe procedure with satisfactory long-term outcomes. Anticoagulant and antiplatelet drugs did not significantly influence the results, or the complication rates.

5-year long-term efficacy of 120-W GreenLight photoselective vaporization of the prostate for benign prostate hyperplasia

PURPOSE

To investigate 5-year long-term postoperative efficacy in benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH) following 120-W GreenLight high-performance system photoselective vaporization of the prostate (HPS-PVP).

METHODS

This was a retrospective study of surgical outcomes in 159 men who underwent HPS-PVP and were followed over 60 months postoperatively. Definitions of treatment success were established based on the following three variables: international prostate symptom scores (IPSS), maximum flow rates (Qmax), and quality of life scores QoL). Logistic regression analyses were performed to determine predictors of the postoperative success.

RESULTS

Postoperative IPSS/QoL, Qmax and post-voided residual urine volume were significantly improved after HPS-PVP. Postoperative Prostate specific antigen and prostate volume were also well reduced and sustained for 5 years. The postoperative success rate was assessed as 82.1%, 80.8% and 76.1% for each 1-, 3-, and 5-year. Thirty-eight (23.9%) patients had immediate postoperative complications, which were managed successfully with nonsurgical methods. None required transfusions, two (1.2%) patients required endoscopic reoperation for postoperative voiding difficulty due to bladder neck contracture or urethral stricture, and five (3.1%) required HPS-PVP reoperation. Presence of diabetes, voiding symptom subscore, QoL, maximal cystometric capacity, and bladder outlet obstructive index were valuable preoperative parameters for predicting postoperative success.

CONCLUSIONS

HPS-PVP is an effective, long-term treatment option for BPH, with sustained efficacy of 76.1% at 5-year follow up. Several preoperative parameters could help to predict the durable surgical improvements.

One-year Surgical Outcomes of Complete or Incomplete Enucleation of Prostate by Monopolar Electrocoagulation, Photoselective Vapoenucleation of 120-W GreenLight Laser, and Holmium Laser

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate surgical outcomes of patients who underwent complete or incomplete enucleation technique during a short-term postoperative period.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Patients having intractable lower urinary tract symptoms/benign prostatic hyperplasia and prostates >30 g with obstructed pattern in the urodynamic examinations were included. They underwent transurethral resection of prostate (TUR-P), 120 W GreenLight laser high power system-photoselective vapoenucleation of prostate (HPS-PVEP), or holmium laser enucleation of prostate (HoLEP). Patients with the size of remnant prostates minus surgical defects <25 g were grouped into the completely enucleated group (group C), and others were grouped into the partially enucleated group (group P).

RESULTS

Mean prostate-specific antigen value was 3.5 ± 4.5 ng/mL, and mean prostate volume was 58.4 ± 31.0 mL. Complete enucleation rates in TUR-P, HPS-PVEP, and HoLEP groups were 39% (37 out of 95), 54.6% (83 out of 152), and 54.4% (31 out of 57), respectively. Complete enucleation rate of the TUR-P was significantly lower than those of the other 2 groups. Compared with group C, group P had lower maximal flow rate, higher bladder outlet obstruction index, and higher overactive bladder symptom scores. Multivariate logistic regression analyses showed that smaller prostate, presence of intravesical prostatic protrusion, HoLEP operation, and surgeons' experience were significant predictors for achieving complete enucleation of prostate. Voiding subscores of group C were significantly higher than those of group P at postoperative 12 months.

CONCLUSION

The performance of HoLEP was superior to other surgical techniques. However, HPS-PVEP with vapoenucleation showed the comparable enucleation rate with that of HoLEP. Complete enucleation was effective in maintaining outcomes of prostate resection, especially voiding subscores.

Predictors of Improvement in Storage Symptoms at Three Years After 120W GreenLight High Performance System Laser Treatment for Benign Prostate Hyperplasia

PURPOSE

This study was conducted to investigate the indicators of recovery in storage symptoms after GreenLight High Performance System photoselective vaporization of the prostate (HPS-PVP) in men with benign prostate hyperplasia.

METHODS

A total of 155 men with a baseline subtotal storage symptom score of international prostate symptom score (sIPSS) greater than or equal to six, who underwent HPS-PVP and were followed up on for as much as 3 years, were included in this retrospective study. Surgical outcomes were evaluated at 1, 3, 6, 12, 24, and 36 months after surgery. Improvement of storage symptoms was defined as a reduction greater than or equal to 30% of sIPSS after surgery compared to the baseline.

RESULTS

The mean age was 67.5 ± 7.8 years and the preoperative median prostate-specific antigen, mean total prostate volume, and sIPSS were 1.95 (0.97-5.27) ng/mL, 52.1 ± 32.5 mL, and 9.6 ± 2.6, respectively. The mean improvement rate of sIPSS after 3 years was 34.4%. Age was only associated with an improvement of sIPSS in the multivariate analysis (odds ratio = 0.889, p = 0.008). The mean improvement rates of sIPSS according to age group (<65 vs ≥65) were 44.7% and 26.0%, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Age can serve as an independent predictor of storage symptom improvement for as much as 3 years. Therefore, we suggest that older patients who are being considered candidates for surgical treatment should be further evaluated.

Photoselective Vaporesection of the Prostate with an End-firing Lithium Triborate Crystal Laser

Background:

Photoselective vaporization of the prostate is a technique that is widely used for the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and has pronounced advantages compared to the traditional transurethral resection of the prostate. Following the recent introduction of end-firing lithium triborate lasers, we have created a new technique called photoselective vaporesection of the prostate (PVRP). This study described our initial experience using the PVRP technique for the treatment of BPH.

Methods:

This prospective study included a total of 35 patients with BPH who underwent PVRP from August 2013 to July 2014. The chief clinical parameters were obtained and evaluated during the perioperative period and follow-up, including the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), quality of life (QoL) score, maximum urinary flow rate, and prostate volume. All variables were evaluated for statistically significant differences compared to baseline values using the analysis of variance.

Results:

The mean subgroup IPSS and QoL scores significantly improved during follow-up; the respective decreases in IPSS storage score, IPSS voiding score, IPSS nocturia score, and QoL score were 75.3%, 83.6%, 51.4%, and 71.7%, respectively (all P < 0.001 compared with baseline). Three patients were diagnosed with prostate cancer based on postoperative pathological examinations. There were no serious perioperative complications.

Conclusion:

The PVRP technique demonstrates satisfactory short-term clinical outcomes and perioperative safety in the treatment of BPH.

GreenLight laser photoselective vaporization of the prostate for treatment of benign prostate hyperplasia/lower urinary tract symptoms in patients with different post-void residual urine

The purpose of this study is to assess the safety and efficacy of GreenLight laser photoselective vaporization of the prostate (PVP) for the treatment of benign prostate hyperplasia/lower urinary tract symptoms (BPH/LUTS) in patients with different post-void residual urine (PVR). BPH/LUTS patients treated with PVP from January 2014 to January 2016 were enrolled in the present study. All patients were divided into PVR > 50, 50 ≤ PVR < 400, and PVR ≥ 400 ml groups, and standard general and urological methods for BPH/LUTS were carried out. PVP surgery was performed, and the follow-up outcome was investigated 6 months after surgery. A total of 429 patients were included, and there were no significant differences in comorbid diseases or habits among the three groups. The maximum urinary flow rate (Qmax) differed significantly among the groups (P < 0.001), while patients in the PVR < 50 ml group had higher maximum detrusor pressure (Pdet.max) level than the other two groups (P < 0.001). Patients in 50 ≤ PVR < 400 (P < 0.001) and PVR ≥ 400 (P < 0.001) ml groups were more likely to develop detrusor underactivity than those in the PVR < 50 ml group. All patients were treated with PVP, and there were no severe complications requiring rehospitalization or reoperation except nine designed re-treatments. Follow-up data of 387 patients were available. Significant improvement in outcome parameters (International Prostate Symptom Score [IPSS], Qmax, and PVR) was observed in comparison with baseline measurements for the three groups. PVP significantly improved the IPSS, Qmax, and PVR in patients with different PVR; PVP is a safe and effective procedure for BPH/LUTS patients.

Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia Treatment by Transurethral Enucleation of the Prostate Using a 2-μm Laser

This study investigates the efficacy of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) treatment by prostate transurethral enucleation using a 2-μm laser. A total of 107 patients with BPH were treated by prostate transurethral enucleation using a RevoLix 2-μm laser surgery system. Bleeding volume, operation time, catheterization time, voiding situation, maximum urinary flow rate, and hospital stay were observed. The mean operation time was 74 min ± 12 min (range 45 to 150 min), the mean follow-up period was 2 to 6 months, the mean catheter time was 5 days, and the mean peak urinary flow rate increased from 6.3 ± 0.6 to 17.5 ± 1.5 mL/s. The International Prostate Symptom Score and quality of life significantly declined (p < 0.01). No significant differences were observed in the hemoglobin and blood electrolytes before and after operation. Prostate transurethral enucleation using a 2-μm laser is safe and efficient for BPH treatment.

Preoperative Urinary Retention Increased the Risk of Urinary Retention after Photoselective Vaporization of the Prostate

Purpose

The aim of the present study was to evaluate preoperative acute urinary retention (AUR) as a factor affecting the outcomes of patients who underwent photoselective vaporization of the prostate (PVP), both in terms of overall effectiveness and the postoperative incidence of AUR.

Materials and Methods

Baseline prostate characteristics were obtained for patients who underwent PVP, including prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels, transrectal ultrasound findings, voiding diary parameters, the International Prostate Symptoms Score (IPSS), and uroflowmetry parameters. These parameters were assessed two weeks, one month, three months, six months, and three years postoperatively. Subjects were divided into AUR and non-AUR groups based on the preoperative occurrence of AUR.

Results

Of the 476 patients, 91 had at least one episode of preoperative AUR. The AUR group was found to be significantly older and to have significantly higher PSA levels, lower body mass indices, and larger prostates. At one year of follow-up, the total IPSS was 7.6±6.8 in the AUR group and 11.4±8.2 in the non-AUR group, with the AUR group showing a more significant improvement. In the non-AUR group, 17 of the 385 patients (4.4%) experienced postoperative retention, compared to 16 of the 91 patients (17.6%) patients in the AUR group.

Conclusions

Almost all patients exhibited improvements in subjective and objective voiding parameters following PVP, regardless of the presence of preoperative urinary retention. Patients with a preoperative history of AUR had a higher risk of postoperative retention.

Vaporization techniques for benign prostatic obstruction: GreenLight all the way?

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

To give an overview and discuss the recent literature of different vaporization techniques of the prostate using laser energy or high-frequency current.

RECENT FINDINGS

Ten studies covering GreenLight vaporization of the prostate with its evolution from 80 W KTP to 120 W HPS to 180 W XPS system were identified. Only one study had a randomized design comparing HPS to transurethral resection of the prostate. The diode laser is discussed with its results after recent modification with quartz head fiber. Although complication rates are low, the comparison to transurethral resection of the prostate is lacking. Current data on established vapoenucleation and promising vaporesection of thulium:YAG lasers are presented. Further, recent studies on plasmakinetic vaporization are discussed.

SUMMARY

At present, high evidence data on vaporization techniques of the prostate are lacking. The data on GreenLight vaporization of the prostate are the most convincing.

Characterization on ablation performance of various surgical fibers

Laser light has been widely used as a surgical tool to treat benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH). Various surgical parameters still need to be tested and optimized to accomplish better clinical outcomes. The purpose of the current study is to investigate the effect of fiber core size on ablation performance at various laser power levels. Three optical fibers (600, 775, and 850 μm) were tested in vitro with a customized 532-nm laser system with power ranging from 120 to 180 W. Ablation performance was evaluated in light of total energy, irradiance, and volumetric energy density. Irrespective fiber size, crater dimension, and ablation volume linearly increased with the incident irradiance. However, each fiber created different geometry of ablation craters (i.e., deep columnar shape for 600 μm vs. shallow funnel shape for 850 μm). Smaller fiber size demonstrated the efficient energy usage for tissue removal. In-depth comprehension of fiber performance can help accomplish predictable and efficient surgical procedures for BPH therapy.