Bipolar Plasma Enucleation of the Prostate (B-TUEP) in Benign Prostate Hypertrophy Treatment: 3-Year Results

General anesthesia is associated with lower perioperative bleeding and better functional outcomes than spinal anesthesia for endoscopic enucleation of the prostate: a single-center experience

PURPOSE

Holmium laser enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP) and bipolar transurethral enucleation of the prostate (B-TUEP) are safe and effective treatment options for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Spinal anesthesia (SA) is widely used for endoscopic enucleation of the prostate (EEP) in place of general anesthesia (GA). We aimed to assess the impact of GA vs. SA on blood loss, postoperative course and functional outcomes after HoLEP and B-TUEP.

METHODS

After propensity score matching, we analyzed data from 148 patients treated with EEP in our centre for symptomatic BPH. We recorded patient's characteristics, procedural data, type of anesthesia (SA vs. GA). Postoperatively we evaluated hemoglobin drop, catheterization time (CT), and length of hospital stay (LOS). Functional outcomes were evaluated with the International Prostate Symptoms Score (IPSS) at baseline and 3 months after surgery. Descriptive statistics and linear regression models tested the association between anesthesia type and EEP outcomes.

RESULTS

After matching groups were comparable in terms of pre- and intra-operative variables. Of all, 111 (75%) patients were treated under SA. Haemoglobin drop was lower in GA compared to SA group (1 vs. 1.4 g/dL, p < 0.01). CT was shorter in the GA group (1 vs. 2 days, p = 0.01). Postoperative IPSS score was lower in GA group (4 vs. 8, p = 0.04). Multivariable linear regression models revealed that prostate volume (p = 0.01) and SA vs. GA (p = 0.01) were associated with higher haemoglobin drop, after accounting for age and use of anticoagulants/antiplatelets. Similarly, SA vs. GA (p = 0.02) and postoperative complications occurrence (p < 0.001) were associated with a longer LOS, after accounting for age, prostate volume and use of anticoagulants/antiplatelets.

CONCLUSION

EEP can be safely performed under both GA and SA. GA offers better outcomes in terms of perioperative bleeding and 3-month functional outcomes.

Long-Term Outcomes Following Bipolar Transurethral Plasma Enucleation of the Prostate: 10-Year Follow-Up

Background and Purpose: The aim of our study is to assess the long-term outcomes and safety of bipolar transurethral plasma enucleation of the prostate (B-TUEP) in patients with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) in a single-center cohort study. Our focus is to evaluate the impact on outcomes after 10 years of follow-up (FUP) in terms of recurrence, LUTS, and patients' quality of life after B-TUEP in prostates between 30 and 80 cc. Materials and Methods: Between May 2010 and December 2011, all consecutive patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia undergoing B-TUEP were prospectively enrolled in our study. Data on patients' history, physical examination, prostate volumes, erectile function, prostate-specific antigen levels, International Prostate Symptoms Score (IPSS), and uroflowmetry were collected at 0, 1, 3, 6, 12, 24, 36, 60, and 120 months. Early and long-term complications were recorded. Results: A total of 50 consecutive patients underwent B-TUEP in our facility, all performed by a single surgeon (R.G.). Twelve patients were excluded during the 10 years. No patients had persistent bladder outlet obstruction (BOO) requiring reoperation. In terms of results, the improvement in IPSS was sustained throughout 5 years, and the mean difference from baseline at 5 years was 17 points, with similar results at 10 years. Erectile function was also slightly improved after surgery and maintained for the next 5 years, with a slight age-related decrease at 10 years. Furthermore, the improvements in maximum urine flow rate (Qmax) were maintained at 5 years, with a mean improvement of 16 mL/s, while at 10 years, it settled on a mean improvement from baseline of 12 mL/s. Conclusions: In our 10 years' experience, B-TUEP is a safe and highly effective technique for relieving BOO, with excellent outcomes and no recurrence at 10 years of FUP. Further multicenter studies should confirm our results.

Comparison of outcomes of holmium laser versus bipolar enucleation of prostates weighing >80 g with bladder outlet obstruction

Transurethral enucleation of the prostate has been increasingly recognized as an effective minimally invasive technique for management of enlarged prostates. We aimed to compare holmium laser enucleation (HoLEP) and bipolar transurethral enucleation (B-TUEP) of large-volume prostates. A prospectively maintained database in two tertiary referral centers was reviewed for patients with HoLEP and B-TUEP for prostates >80 g. Operative data, perioperative complications, and early postoperative outcomes were compared. The study included 101 patients, 70 who underwent HoLEP and 31 who underwent B-TUEP. The operative enucleation rate (weight of adenoma enucleated in g/min) was higher in HoLEP compared to B-TUEP (P < 0.0001). The operative complication rate, hemoglobin drop, and readmission rate were comparable in both groups (P = 0.13, 0.35, 0.29, 0.59, respectively). The HoLEP arm had a shorter hospital stay and shorter catheterization time (P = 0.001, 0.012). Follow-up data showed a lower International Prostate Symptom Score and serum prostate-specific antigen level in the HoLEP group. The incontinence rate was comparable in both groups. In conclusion, both techniques were effective in managing a high-volume prostate, although HoLEP had a shorter enucleation time, better symptom score, lower postoperative prostate-specific antigen level, shorter catheterization time, and shorter hospital stay compared to B-TUEP.

Bipolar Transurethral Enucleation of the Prostate: Is it a size-independent endoscopic treatment option for symptomatic benign prostatic hyperplasia?

Background

Bipolar Transurethral Enucleation of the Prostate (B-TUEP) is recommended as a first-choice treatment for benign prostatic obstruction in prostates >80 ml. Differently, B-TUEP is only considered as an alternative option after TURP for smaller prostates (30–80 ml). The aim of our study is to assess the relation between prostate size and surgical outcomes after B-TUEP.

Methods

We performed a retrospective analysis of data collected from 172 patients submitted to B-TUEP. Patients were segregated according to tertiles of prostate volume (PV) (≤60 ml, 61–110 ml, >110 ml). For each group we evaluated enucleation efficacy (enucleated weight/enucleation time), complication rates, urinary and sexual function parameters. Functional and sexual parameters were compared between groups at baseline, 1 and 3 months follow up. Descriptive statistics and linear and logistic regression models tested the association between PV and postoperative complications/outcomes.

Results

Operative time and weight of enucleated adenomas increased along with prostate volumes (all p≤0.01). Enucleation efficacy was higher in men with PV >110 ml compared to other groups (p≤0.001). Length of hospital stay, catheterization time and rates of postoperative complications, such as transfusion and clot evacuation rates and bladder neck/urethral strictures, were comparable between groups. Urinary symptoms improved at 1-and 3-months in each group as compared to baseline evaluation (all p<0.01) but they did not differ according to PV. In each group maximum urinary flow and post-void residual volume significantly improved at 3 months compared to baseline (all p≤0.01), without differences according to PV. Sexual symptoms were similar between groups at each follow up assessment. At multivariable linear and logistic regression analysis, prostate volume was not associated with postoperative functional outcomes and complications. Conversely, patient’s comorbid status and antiplatelet/anticoagulation use were independently associated with postoperative complications.

Conclusion

According to our findings, B-TUEP should be considered a “size independent procedure” as it can provide symptom relief in men with prostates of all sizes with the same efficacy and safety profile.

Enucleation vs. Resection: A Matched-pair Analysis of TURP, HoLEP and Bipolar TUEP in Medium-sized Prostates

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate efficacy and safety of holmium laser enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP), bipolar enucleation of the prostate (bTUEP) and transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) in medium-sized prostates (50cc).

METHODS

We present a retrospective analysis of 2230 patients treated for lower urinary tract symptoms. We analysed perioperative parameters, short-term clinical outcomes and adverse events in matched-pair cohorts.

RESULTS

Both HoLEP and bTUEP were superior in terms of efficacy compared to TURP (surgery time: 51min and 50min vs. 60min; P < 0.001; tissue retrieval percentage: 71.4% and 70% vs. 50%; P < 0.001) and showed stronger improvement of LUTS (change IPSS: -15 and -14 vs. -10; P = 0.008). Furthermore, urodynamic parameters (Qmax: +15 ml/s and +19 ml/s vs. +12 ml/s; P < 0.001; PVR: -100 ml and -95 ml vs. - 80ml; P < 0.008) were significantly more improved after enucleation than after TURP. All techniques showed an equally low complication rate (6.9% and 6.9% vs. 10.3%; P = 0.743). No relevant difference of clinical outcomes was identified between HoLEP and bTUEP.

CONCLUSION

Both resection and enucleation are efficient and safe procedures in patients with medium-sized prostates (50cc), but irrespective of the technical approach, transurethral enucleation is superior to TURP in terms of perioperative and functional outcomes.

Laparoscopic simple prostatectomy vs bipolar plasma enucleation of the prostate in large benign prostatic hyperplasia: a two-center 3-year comparison

PURPOSE

To compare surgery outcomes and safety of button bipolar enucleation of the prostate vs laparoscopic simple prostatectomy in patients with large prostates (> 80 g) in a two-center cohort study.

METHODS

All patients with lower urinary tract symptoms due to benign prostatic enlargement (Prostate volume > 80 cc) undergoing button bipolar enucleation of the prostate (BTUEP) or laparoscopic simple prostatectomy (LSP) in two centers were enrolled. Data on clinical history, physical examination, urinary symptoms, uroflowmetry and prostate volume were collected at 0, 1, 3 6, 12, 24 and 36 months. Early and long-term complications were recorded.

RESULTS

Overall, 296 patients were enrolled. Out of them, 167/296 (56%) performed a LSP and 129/296 (44%) performed a BTUEP. In terms of efficacy both procedures showed durable results at three years with a reintervention rate of 8% in the LSP group and of 5% in the BTUEP group. In terms of safety, BTUEP and LSP presented similar safety profiles with a 9% of transfusion rate and no major complications.

CONCLUSION

LSP and BTUEP are safe and effective in treating large-volume adenomas with durable results at three years when performed in experienced centers.

Sexual and ejaculatory function after holmium laser enucleation of the prostate and bipolar transurethral enucleation of the prostate: a single-center experience

Currently available surgical treatments for Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms (LUTS) due to Benign Prostatic Obstruction (BPO) are associated with an increased risk of sexual dysfunction. The aim of our study is to compare sexual and ejaculatory function after Holmium Laser Enucleation of the Prostate (HoLEP) and Bipolar Transurethral Enucleation of the Prostate (B-TUEP). We performed a retrospective analysis of data prospectively collected from 62 (44.9%) and 76 (55.1%) patients who underwent HoLEP and B-TUEP, respectively. Erectile function and ejaculation characteristics were assessed with the International Index of Erectile Function-Erectile Function (IIEF-EF) domain and the Male Sexual Health Questionnaire-Ejaculatory function (MSHQ-EJ) questionnaires. Our study recorded no change in erectile function and no significant difference in rates of preserved antegrade ejaculation after both surgeries. One month after surgery, rates of physical pain/discomfort and perceived decreased physical pleasure during ejaculation were higher in HoLEP than B-TUEP patients (all p < 0.03). Moreover, HoLEP patients were more bothered by their ejaculatory difficulties than B-TUEP men (p = 0.03). At 3- and 12-months follow-up, all ejaculation-related differences disappeared. In conclusion, both procedures are valid alternatives for BPO treatment as they offer comparable urinary and sexual outcomes in the long term. However, in the first month after surgery, HoLEP patients present with more ejaculatory difficulties.

Bipolar Plasma Enucleation of the Prostate: 5 Years Outcomes

Background: Aim of our study is to assess outcomes and safety of button bipola transurethral enucleation of the prostate (B-TUEP) in patients with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) caused by benign prostatic enlargement (BPE) in a single-center cohort study. Materials and Methods: All patients with LUTS caused by BPE undergoing button B-TUEP between May 2012 and December 2013 were prospectively enrolled in our study. Data on clinical history, physical examination, urinary symptoms, erectile function, uroflowmetry, and prostate volume were collected at 0, 1, 3, 6, 12, 24, 36, 48, and 60 months. Early and long-term complications were recorded. Results: Overall 50 patients were enrolled at baseline. Nine patients were excluded during the 5 years. All patients completed the procedure without severe complications. In terms of outcomes, improvement in International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) were sustained for all 5 years and mean difference from baseline at 5 years was 17 points. As well, improvements in Q_max (maximum urinary flow rate) were sustained for all 5 years and mean improvement at 5 years was 16 mL/second. Erectile function was slightly improved after surgery and maintained for the following 5 years. Conclusions: Our single-center study suggests that B-TUEP may have excellent outcomes at 5 years with no recurrence. Further multicentre studies should confirm our results.

Comparison of Hiraoka's Transurethral Detachment Prostatectomy and Transurethral Resection of the Prostate Effects on Postoperative Erectile Function in Patients With Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia: A Prospective Randomized Controlled Study

BACKGROUND

Currently, no study has focused on the postoperative erectile function in patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) by comparing Hiraoka's transurethral detachment of prostate (TUDP) and transurethral resection of prostate (TURP).

AIM

To compare the effects of Hiraoka's TUDP and TURP on postoperative erectile function in patients with BPH after long-term follow-up.

METHODS

A total of 104 consecutive patients with BPH treated in our hospital between September 2018 and February 2019 were included in the study. All patients who met the inclusion criteria were randomly divided into the Hiraoka's TUDP (n = 52) and TURP (n = 52) groups. Patient baseline data were collected. The international index of erectile function (IIEF-5), minimal clinically important difference (MCID), and quality of life scale (QOLS) were used to evaluate erectile function and quality of life 3, 6, and 12 months after surgery. Primary study endpoints were IIEF-5 and MCID. Secondary study endpoints were QOLS and independent prognostic factors for MCID.

OUTCOMES

Hiraoka's TUDP experienced greater improvement in postoperative IIEF5 scores than patients who underwent TURP.

RESULTS

Patients in the Hiraoka's TUDP group had significantly higher mean IIEF-5 scores than those in the TURP group 6 and 12 months after surgery (6 months: 18.9 vs 14.8, P < .001; 12 months: 18.1 vs 15.7, P < .001). The percentages of patients in the TUDP group who achieved an MCID were 88.5% and 80.8%, compared to 30.8% and 46.2% in the TURP group (P < .001 for both), 6 and 12 months after the operation, respectively. Patients in the TUDP group had lower QOLS scores than those in the TURP group after the surgery. The surgical method was an independent prognostic factor for MCID (odds ratio = 0.218).

CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS

Until now, no study has focused on the postoperative erectile function in patients with BPH by comparing Hiraoka's TUDP and TURP. Our study addressed this issue, which can add a new paradigm in the management to BPH.

STRENGTH & LIMITATIONS

The comparison between Hiraoka's TUDP and TURP using a statistically appropriate, adequately powered methodology is the strength of the study. The single center and less participants are the limitations of the study. We believe that multicenter and large-sample studies are needed to further verify these study conclusions.

CONCLUSIONS

Among similar cohorts of patients with BPH who underwent TUDP and TURP, patients who underwent Hiraoka's TUDP experienced greater improvement in postoperative IIEF5 scores than patients who underwent TURP, while improvement in IPSS was similar among both groups. Pan C, Zhan Y, Zhao Y, et al. Comparison of Hiraoka's Transurethral Detachment Prostatectomy and Transurethral Resection of the Prostate Effects on Postoperative Erectile Function in Patients With Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia: A Prospective Randomized Controlled Study. J Sex Med 2020;17:2181-2190.

Impact on sexual function of plasma button transurethral vapour enucleation versus plasmakinetic resection of the large prostate >90 ml: Results of a prospective, randomized trial

To compare the impact of plasma button transurethral vapour enucleation of the prostate (PVEP) and plasmakinetic resection of the prostate (PKRP) on lower urinary tract symptoms and sexual function in patients with benign prostatic enlargement (BPE) >90 ml. Between July 2017 and August 2018, 101 patients with symptomatic BPE were randomly, prospectively assigned to either PKRP or PVEP in our department. The clinical characteristics and sexual function were evaluated before and after surgery. Post-void residual volume, IPSS and QoL were all significantly decreased compared with baseline data in each group, while Qmax was significantly increased. The IIEF-5 score showed a slight but nonsignificant increase in both groups at 3 and 6 months after surgery, and there was no significant difference between the two groups. The post-operative rate of reduced ejaculate volume was significantly higher than the pre-operative rate in PKRP group, while there was no significant difference in PVEP group. PVEP had an attenuated effect on no ejaculate compared with PRKP, and they both had a significantly negative effect on no ejaculate. PVEP is an effective and minimally invasive procedure for large prostate. Compared with PKRP, PVEP has no effect on erectile dysfunction and has a lower negative impact on ejaculation.

Clinical Comparison of Holmium Laser Enucleation of the Prostate and Bipolar Transurethral Enucleation of the Prostate in Patients Under Either Anticoagulation or Antiplatelet Therapy

BACKGROUND

A significant number of patients who require surgery for benign prostatic hyperplasia are under either anticoagulation (AC) or antiplatelet (AP) therapy.

OBJECTIVE

To assess the efficacy and morbidity of holmium laser enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP) and bipolar transurethral enucleation of the prostate (B-TUEP) in patients who required AC/AP therapy.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS

This study included 296 (67.6%) and 142 (32.4%) patients who underwent HoLEP and B-TUEP, respectively. The AC/AP group included patients whose AP therapy was not interrupted pre-, peri-, and/or postoperatively, and patients who underwent perioperative AC therapy bridging with low-molecular-weight heparin.

INTERVENTION

HoLEP and B-TUEP.

OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS AND STATISTICAL ANALYSIS

We tested the hypothesis that AC/AP therapy had a limited impact on the efficacy of HoLEP and B-TUEP. To adjust for potential baseline confounders, propensity-score matching was performed. Clinical characteristics were compared among groups using the Kruskal-Wallis or chi-square test. Logistic regression analyses tested the association between clinical variables and the odds of Clavien-Dindo ≥2 complications after surgery.

RESULTS AND LIMITATIONS

Overall, 28 (9.5%) and 46 (15.5%) patients in the HoLEP group and 15 (10.5%) and 24 (16.9%) men in the B-TUEP group had AC and AP therapy, respectively (p=0.9). HoLEP patients under either AC or AP therapy deserved longer catheter maintenance and a longer hospital stay (HS) than those without AC/AP therapy (all p≤0.01). Operative time, rates of postoperative complications, and 2-mo International Prostate Symptoms Score (IPSS) were similar between patients with and without AC/CP. Among B-TUEP patients, HS was longer (p=0.03) and the rate of complications was higher (p<0.001) in patients under AC or AP therapy. Postoperative haemoglobin drop and 2-mo IPSS were similar among groups and surgical techniques. Limitations are the retrospective nature of the study, and the lack of long-term complications and functional outcomes.

CONCLUSIONS

HoLEP and B-TUEP can safely be performed in patients deserving continuous AP/AC therapy with only a slight increase in HS and catheterisation time.

PATIENT SUMMARY

We assessed the safety and efficacy of holmium laser enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP) and bipolar transurethral enucleation of the prostate (B-TUEP) in men under chronic anticoagulation/antiplatelet therapy. Both HoLEP and B-TUEP could safely be performed as minimally invasive treatment options in this subset of patients at a high risk of bleeding from benign prostatic hyperplasia surgery.

Three-Year Outcomes of the Prospective, Randomized Controlled Rezūm System Study: Convective Radiofrequency Thermal Therapy for Treatment of Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms Due to Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia

OBJECTIVE

To report 3-year outcomes of a prospective, multicenter, randomized, blinded control trial after treatment with convective radiofrequency (RF) water vapor thermal therapy for moderate to severe lower urinary tract symptoms due to benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Fifteen centers enrolled and randomized 197 men ≥50 years old with International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) ≥13, maximum flow rate (Qmax) ≤15 mL/s, and prostate volume 30 to 80 cc to thermal therapy with Rezūm System or control (2:1). Rigid cystoscopy with simulated active treatment sound effects served as the control procedure. Convective RF thermal energy was delivered into obstructive prostate tissue including the median lobe as needed. After randomized comparison at 3 months, thermal therapy subjects were followed annually for 3 years.

RESULTS

Convective RF thermal therapy yielded IPSS improvement of 160% compared with control subjects at 3 months (P <.0001). Maximal symptom relief of at least 50% improvement in IPSS, quality of life, Qmax, and BPH Impact Index remained durable throughout 3 years (P <.0001). Subjects with a treated median lobe had similar responses. No late-related adverse events occurred, and no de novo erectile dysfunction was reported. The surgical retreatment rate was 4.4% over 3 years.

CONCLUSION

The minimally invasive convective RF thermal therapy is an office or ambulatory outpatient procedure with minimal transient perioperative side effects. It provides early effective and durable relief of BPH symptoms with preservation of sexual function in subjects followed up for 3 years and is applicable to treatment of the median lobe and hyperplastic central zone tissue.