The effect of prostatectomy on symptom severity and quality of life

Comparison of Complications and Mid-term Results for Patients who Underwent Open Radical Prostatectomy for High-Risk and Oligometastatic Prostate Cancer: A Cross-Sectional Study from a Tertiary Reference Center

BACKGROUND

This study aimed to evaluate perioperative complications and oncologic results for high-risk and oligometastatic prostate cancer patients.

METHODS

The data of patients who underwent surgery for prostate cancer in the authors' clinic between January 2012 and March 2022 were analyzed retrospectively. According to D'amico classification, 28 patients with high-risk prostate cancer and 23 patients in the oligometastatic stage were included in the study. The patients were divided into two groups: group 1 (high-risk prostate cancers) and group 2 (oligometastatic cancer). Demographic characteristics, oncologic data, pathologic data, and complications of the patients were recorded.

RESULTS

The mean age of the patients was 67.84 years (range, 52-79 years). The average follow-up period was 45.48 months for group 1 and 46.36 months for group 2 (p = 0.84). The mean hemoglobin decrease was 1.53 g/dL in group 1 and 0.69 g/dL in group 2 (p = 0.046). Five patients (17.8%) in group 1 had biochemical recurrence at 14.55 months, whereas three patients (13%) in group 2 had biochemical recurrence at 9.87 months (p = 0.646). According to Clavien-Dindo classification, major complications developed in 7.2% of the group 1 patients and in 8.6% of the group 2 patients. Surgical margin positivity was detected in 6 group 1 patients (21.4%) and 12 group 2 patients (52.2%) (p = 0.023). During the follow-up period, four patients died. Only one of the patients died of cancer.

CONCLUSION

The authors think that oligometastatic and high-risk prostate cancer surgeries do not differ significantly in terms of complications.

Can we predict and manage persistent storage and voiding LUTS following bladder outflow resistance reduction surgery in men? ICI-RS 2023

AIMS

Lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) persist in up to 50% of patients after bladder outflow resistance reduction surgery (BORRS) in men. Our think tank aims to address the predictive factors for persistent LUTS after BORRS and to propose the recommendations for future research to enable improved better patient counseling and selection by more accurate prediction of treatment outcome.

METHODS

A think tank of ICI-RS gathered in 2023, Bristol, UK, to discuss the pre and postsurgical clinical and urodynamic evaluation of men undergoing BORRS and whether it is possible to predict which men will have persistent LUTS after BORRS.

RESULTS

Our think tank agrees that due to the multifactorial, and still not fully understood, etiology of male LUTS it is not possible to precisely predict in many men who will have persistent LUTS after BORRS. However, severe storage symptoms (overactive bladder, OAB) in association with low volume and high amplitude detrusor overactivity and low bladder capacity in preoperative urodynamics, increase the likelihood of persistent OAB/storage symptoms after BORRS. Furthermore, patients who are clearly obstructed and have good bladder contractility on preoperative pressure flow studies do better postoperatively compared to their counterparts. However, the benefit of pressure flow studies is decreased in patients who do not acceptably void during the study. Poor voiding after BORRS may occur due to persistent obstruction or detrusor underactivity.

CONCLUSION

Future research is needed to increase our understanding of why male LUTS persist after surgery, and to enable better patient selection and more precise patient counseling before BORRS.

High regional variation in prostate surgery for benign prostatic hyperplasia in Switzerland

Background

Among various treatment options for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), surgical therapy is the most invasive. As Switzerland has the highest transurethral prostatectomy rate among OECD countries, we assessed the regional variation in prostate surgery for BPH and explored potential determinants of variation.

Methods

We conducted a population-based analysis using discharge data for men aged ≥40 years with transurethral or simple prostatectomy from all Swiss hospitals during 2013–2018. After excluding patients with genitourinary/prostate cancer, we derived hospital service areas (HSAs) by analyzing patient flows. We calculated age-standardized mean procedure rates and variation indices (extremal quotient [EQ] and systematic component of variation [SCV]). We estimated the reduction in variance across HSAs of prostatectomy rates in multilevel regression models, with incremental adjustment for age, regional cultural and socioeconomic factors, disease burden, density of urologists, and the time since urologists’ graduation.

Results

Overall, 44,253 prostatectomies (42,710 transurethral and 1543 simple) from 44 HSAs were analyzed. The mean age-standardized prostate surgery rate was 314 (range 166–500) per 100,000 men aged ≥40 years per year. The EQ was 3.01 and the SCV 5.53, indicating a high regional variation. In multivariate models, men aged 75–79 years had an 11.6-fold higher prostatectomy rate than those aged 50–54 years. French/Italian language areas had a 21% lower rate than Swiss German speaking areas. Socioeconomic factors, disease burden, and density of urologist/time since graduation were not associated with prostatectomy rates. After full adjustment, 80% of the variance in prostate surgery across HSAs remained unexplained.

Conclusion

We found a remarkably high regional variation in prostate surgery rates for BPH within Switzerland.

Predictive value of preoperative comprehensive evaluation on the efficacy of HoLEP

Background

With the aging of the population, prostate hyperplasia is more and more perplexing to the old men. This study aimed to evaluate the predictive value of international prostatic symptom score-voiding/storage score ratio (IPSS-V/S), urodynamic examination, intravesical prostatic protrusion (IPP) and residual urine volume (RUV) on the efficacy of holmium laser enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP) before operation.

Methods

Ninety-six patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) were enrolled in this study. Each patient was diagnosed as BPH and completed all the evaluations as described above before the same urologist surgeon performed HoLEP. Three months later, another IPSS questionnaire would be finished by each patient to assess the efficacy of the operation. According to the results of IPSS after operation, the group with significant effect and the group with poor effect were divided. Then compare the difference of preoperative examination results between the two groups.

Results

In single factor analysis, the differences of the age, voiding symptom score, V/S, RUV, Qmax and IPP between the two groups were statistically significant (P<0.05). While there was no significant difference in IPSS score and score of urine storage period. In the logistic regression analysis, the age of patients, V/S, RUV, IPP and Qmax can establish a good prediction model. In this model, the younger the patients are, the less the RUV is, the larger the V/S and IPP are, the more likely they are to achieve good efficacy of HoLEP.

Conclusions

In conclusion, HoLEP was more effective in BPH patients with younger age, more IPP, less RUV, less Qmax and those whose IPSS score was mainly based on voiding symptoms.

Lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) before and after robotic-assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy: does improvement of LUTS mitigate worsened incontinence after robotic prostatectomy?

Background

Urinary incontinence is a major concern for patients scheduled for radical prostatectomy. However, after prostatectomy lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) may improve and thus mitigate this concern. We assessed LUTS and its interference with the quality of life (QoL) using the short form of the international continence society male questionnaire (ICSMALESF-Q) in patients before and after robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP). Furthermore, we aimed to identify risk factors for postoperative urinary incontinence.

Methods

Data of all patients who underwent RARP from 2009 to 2014 were prospectively collected in our customized database. We identified 453 eligible patients for whom a preoperative and at least two postoperative datasets including ICSMALESF-Q were available.

Results

Both the ICSMALESF-Q at 6 months (P<0.001) and the related QoL at 12 months (P<0.01) have significantly improved after RARP (P<0.001). Two years after RARP ICSMALESF-Q and thus LUTS have improved in 64%, remained unchanged in 18% and worsened in 18% of patients. The daily pad use was 0 in 79% and 0 or 1 pad in 95.6%, respectively. Increased patient age (P<0.05) was significantly associated with an increased average number of pads used per day (multiplicative effect: +2.1% pads for each year). Being in the D'Amico low-risk group reduced the average number of pads used by 22% (P<0.05, multiplicative effect 0.780). The prostate volume, planned nerve sparing, adjuvant or salvage radiotherapy, body mass index (BMI), or a history of transurethral resection of the prostate (TUR-P) before radical prostatectomy were not associated with the postoperative pad use or changes in LUTS.

Conclusions

The ICSMALESF-Q and thus LUTS have significantly improved in a majority of patients after RARP and hence the associated QoL improved as well. Preoperative D'Amico low-risk group significantly reduced pad use after RARP, whereas increased age significantly increased postoperative pad use. These results will help providers counsel their patients more appropriately before prostatectomy by focusing not only on pad use and incontinence after RARP, but also on changes of the bothersomeness of LUTS and risk factors in general.

Prospective Assessment of the Sexual Function After Greenlight Endoscopic Enucleation and Greenlight 180W XPS Photoselective Vaporization of the Prostate

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the impact of Greenlight 180W photoselective vaporization of the prostate (PVP) and endoscopic enucleation of the prostate (GreenLEP) on ejaculatory and erectile functions.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Between January 2014 and September 2016, 440 men with low urinary tract symptoms or complications related to benign prostate obstruction with prostate >80 g and sexually active, underwent a PVP or GreenLEP performed by experienced surgeons at a single institution. Patients were matched in a 1:1 fashion according to preoperative transrectal ultrasonography prostatic volume and cardiovascular risk factors (smoking, diabetes, and hypertension).

RESULTS

One hundred patients in each group were included. Mean prostatic volume were 110 g (95%CI: 101-118) and 107 g (95%CI: 99-115) in the GreenLEP and PVP groups, respectively (P = .68). Mean total energy delivered in the PVP group was 4.42 kJ/g (4.2-4.6). Surgical retreatment was required in 9 patients (10.1%) in the PVP group and none in the GreenLEP group (log rank test: P = .002). Mean prostate specific antigen level and International Prostate Symptom Score score were significantly lower in the GreenLEP group than in the PVP group at 3, 12, and 24 months (P <.001). Preserved antegrade ejaculation was reported in 24 patients (26.9%) in the PVP group vs 1 patient (1.2%) in the GreenLEP group at 12 months (P <.001). In multivariate analysis, age, history of coronary artery disease, and surgical treatment with PVP were independent factors of IIEF-5 decline.

CONCLUSION

Despite a poor rate of preserved antegrade ejaculation, GreenLEP was associated with better erectile function outcomes possibly due to greater improvement of low urinary tract symptoms.

Two-Year Outcomes After Aquablation Compared to TURP: Efficacy and Ejaculatory Improvements Sustained

Introduction

To compare 2-year safety and efficacy outcomes after Aquablation or transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) for the treatment of lower urinary tract symptoms related to benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH).

Methods

One hundred eighty-one patients with BPH were assigned at random (2:1 ratio) to either Aquablation or TURP. Patients and follow-up assessors were blinded to treatment. Assessments included the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), Male Sexual Health Questionnaire (MSHQ), International Index of Erectile Function and uroflow. The focus of analysis was 2-year outcomes.

Results

At 2 years, IPSS scores improved by 14.7 points in the Aquablation group and 14.9 points in TURP (p = .8304, 95% CI for difference − 2.1 to 2.6 points). Two-year improvements in maximum flow rate (Q_max) were large in both groups at 11.2 and 8.6 cc/s for Aquablation and TURP, respectively (p = 0.1880, 95% CI for difference − 1.3 to 6.4). Sexual function as assessed by MSHQ was stable in the Aquablation group and decreased slightly in the TURP group. At 2 years, PSA was reduced significantly in both groups by 0.7 and 1.2 points, respectively; the reduction was similar across groups (p = 0.1816). Surgical retreatment rates after 12 months for Aquablation were 1.7% and 0% for TURP. Over 2 years, surgical BPH retreatment rates were 4.3% and 1.5% (p = 0.4219), respectively.

Conclusion

Two-year efficacy outcomes after TURP and Aquablation were similar, and the rate of surgical retreatment was low and similar to TURP.

Trial Registration

ClinicalTrials.gov no. NCT02505919.

Funding

PROCEPT BioRobotics.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1007/s12325-019-00952-3) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Randomized Controlled Trial of Aquablation versus Transurethral Resection of the Prostate in Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia: One-year Outcomes

OBJECTIVE

To report 1-year safety and efficacy outcomes after either Aquablation or transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) for the treatment of lower urinary tract symptoms related to benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) METHODS: This double-blinded, multicenter prospective randomized controlled trial assigned 181 patients with BPH-related moderate-to-severe lower urinary tract symptoms to either electrocautery-based prostate resection (TURP) or Aquablation. Efficacy endpoints included reduction in International Prostate Symptom Score and improvement in uroflow parameters. The primary safety endpoint was the occurrence of Clavien-Dindo persistent grade 1 or grade 2 or higher complications.

RESULTS

BPH symptom score improvements were similar across groups with 12-month reduction of 15.1 points after TURP or Aquablation. In both groups, mean maximum urinary flow rates increased markedly postoperatively, with mean improvements of 10.3 cc/s for Aquablation versus 10.6 cc/s for TURP (P = .8632). At 1 year, Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) was reduced significantly (P < .01) in both groups by 1 point; the reduction was similar across groups (P = .9125). Surgical retreatment for BPH rates for TURP were 1.5% and Aquablation 2.6% within 1 year from the study procedure (P = not significant (NS)). The rate of late complications was low, with no procedure-related adverse events after month 6.

CONCLUSION

The 1-year outcomes after TURP and Aquablation were similar and the rate of late procedure-related complications was low. (ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT02505919).

Efficacy of bipolar ‘button’ plasma vaporisation of the prostate compared to green laser vaporisation for benign prostatic obstruction

Objective:

Our objectives were to evaluate the efficiency of transurethral bipolar plasma vaporisation of the prostate (BPVP) using the button electrode and compare it to green laser vaporisation of the prostate (GLVP).

Patients and methods:

During the period March 2012 to January 2017, 155 patients with benign prostatic obstruction (BPO) were enrolled in our study. Overall, 80 patients underwent BPVP and 75 GLVP. All International Prostate Symptom Scores (IPSS), quality of life (QOL), uroflow Qmax, Qave and post-void residual (PVR) urine samples were evaluated 24 hours preoperatively and at three months postoperatively. Operative time, hospital stay, catheterisation time, and complications were reported. Mean serum haemoglobin, haematocrit and serum sodium changes were reported preoperatively and within 24 hours postoperatively in both groups. Statistical analysis was performed using the SPSS program version 20 for Windows.

Results:

Mean age at surgery was 62.8 ± 4 (53–82) years and 63 ± 6.6 (54–86) years for the BPVP and GLVP groups respectively. Mean prostatic volume was 45 ± 10 (36–90) and 43 ± 9 (32–85) in each group, respectively. Patients from both series had similar preoperative characteristics. The mean operative duration was 58 ± 21 (range: 20–70) minutes and 57 ± 13 (range: 24–75) minutes, hospital stay was 12.2 ± 6.4 (12–60) hours vs 7 ± 3.3 (6–48) hours ( p = 0.01), and catheterisation period was 48 ± 1.28 (24–72) hours vs 6 ± 6.2 (6–7) hours ( p = 0.001).

Conclusions:

Both BPVP and GLVP offer good options for management of BPO with less bleeding, one-day surgery, less catheterisation time with significant improvement of IPSS, QOL score and uroflow postoperatively. However, more studies comparing the cost of both techniques are needed for a solid conclusion.

Level of evidence:

Not applicable for this multicentre audit.

Erectile and ejaculatory functions changes following bipolar versus monopolar transurethral resection of the prostate: a prospective randomized study

OBJECTIVES

To compare monopolar and bipolar transurethral resection of the prostate (M-TURP and B-TURP, respectively) focusing on erectile and ejaculatory functions in a randomized trial.

METHODS

Between January 2013 and December 2014, all consecutive TURP candidates with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) were prospectively randomized 1:1 into M-TURP/B-TURP arms and followed up at 2, and 4 weeks, 6 and 12 months after surgery. All patients were assessed using IIEF-15 (International index of erectile function-15) and Ej-MSHQ (ejaculatory domain-male sexual-health inventory). Changes in IIEF-15, its subdomains and Ej-MSHQ scores were compared between both intervention groups.

RESULTS

Following M.TURP and B.TURP; 122 and 124 patients were included respectively and were considered for analysis at 1 year. Sexual function did not differ significantly between arms during follow-up (erectile function, P = 0.82; orgasmic function, P = 0.46; sexual desire, P = 0.29; intercourse satisfaction, P = 0.18; overall satisfaction, P = 0.92). There were no differences between arms in the distribution of EF evolution at any time compared with base line (at 12 months: M-TURP vs. B-TURP = improved, 24.5 vs. 26.6%; stable, 66.4 vs. 64.5%; deteriorated, 9.1 vs. 8.9%; P = 0.41). Newly developed erectile dysfunction (ED) was present in 8.2 and 7.3% of patients following M.TURP and B.TURP respectively and was related to presence of DM and obesity. Orgasm perception significantly reduced following M.TURP and B.TURP (P < 0.001). Newly reported ejaculatory dysfunction (Ej-MSHQ < 22) was significantly associated with low orgasm perception.

CONCLUSIONS

There were no differences between M-TURP/B-TURP in any aspect of sexual function.

Efficacy of bipolar ‘button’ plasma vaporisation of the prostate compared to green laser vaporisation for benign prostatic obstruction

Objective:

Our objectives were to evaluate the efficiency of transurethral bipolar plasma vaporisation of the prostate (BPVP) using the button electrode and compare it to green laser vaporisation of the prostate (GLVP).

Patients and methods:

During the period March 2012 to January 2017, 155 patients with benign prostatic obstruction (BPO) were enrolled in our study. Overall, 80 patients underwent BPVP and 75 GLVP. All International Prostate Symptom Scores (IPSS), quality of life (QOL), uroflow Qmax, Qave and post-void residual (PVR) urine samples were evaluated 24 hours preoperatively and at three months postoperatively. Operative time, hospital stay, catheterisation time, and complications were reported. Mean serum haemoglobin, haematocrit and serum sodium changes were reported preoperatively and within 24 hours postoperatively in both groups. Statistical analysis was performed using the SPSS program version 20 for Windows.

Results:

Mean age at surgery was 62.8 ± 4 (53–82) years and 63 ± 6.6 (54–86) years for the BPVP and GLVP groups respectively. Mean prostatic volume was 45 ± 10 (36–90) and 43 ± 9 (32–85) in each group, respectively. Patients from both series had similar preoperative characteristics. The mean operative duration was 58 ± 21 (range: 20–70) minutes and 57 ± 13 (range: 24–75) minutes, hospital stay was 12.2 ± 6.4 (12–60) hours vs 7 ± 3.3 (6–48) hours ( p = 0.01), and catheterisation period was 48 ± 1.28 (24–72) hours vs 6 ± 6.2 (6–7) hours ( p = 0.001).

Conclusions:

Both BPVP and GLVP offer good options for management of BPO with less bleeding, one-day surgery, less catheterisation time with significant improvement of IPSS, QOL score and uroflow postoperatively. However, more studies comparing the cost of both techniques are needed for a solid conclusion.

Level of evidence:

Not applicable for this multicentre audit.

Prospective controlled assessment of men's sexual function changes following Holmium laser enucleation of the prostate for treatment of benign prostate hyperplasia

OBJECTIVES

To assess how much Holmium laser enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP) is detrimental on men sexuality.

METHODS

Between January and December 2013, all patients presented for BPH surgery were assessed using IIEF-15 (international index of erectile function-15) and Ej-MSHQ (ejaculatory domain-male sexual health questionnaire). Changes in men's sexuality following HoLEP in relation to control procedure were prospectively assessed. Intervention group included legible consecutive patients treated by HoLEP. Control group included legible patients presented for diagnostic cystoscopy. Changes in IIEF-15, its subdomains and Ej-MSHQ scores were compared between HoLEP group and control.

RESULTS

At one year 80 and 70 subjects were included for final analysis following HoLEP and control groups, respectively. Regardless of the baseline erectile function (EF/IIEF) score, there was an increase in EF score similar to control following HoLEP (P = 0.6). However, among subjects with normal preoperative EF (score >25), in comparison with control, there was similar decline in EF score following HoLEP (P = 0.07). Regarding the orgasm domain, there was a significant reduction in orgasm perception following HoLEP in relation to control (P = 0.01). Patients reported desire changes, intercourse satisfaction and overall satisfaction scores similar to control following HoLEP. Using Ej-MSHQ score, there was no statistically significant difference between HoLEP and control groups in percentage of subjects reporting ejaculatory dysfunction at baseline. However, at 12 months, there was statistically significant more ejaculatory dysfunction reporting following HoLEP. The most common ejaculatory abnormality was volume abnormality. Orgasm perception was significantly decreased among subjects with newly reported ejaculatory dysfunction (5.3 ± 1.4 vs. 8.6 ± 1.3, P = 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Controlled short-term assessment of HoLEP showed potential negative impact on EF in patients with normal preoperative EF. Apart from orgasm perception, sexual function changes following HoLEP were similar to control. High prevalence of postoperative ejaculatory dysfunction following HoLEP remained notable finding.

Prostatic urethra malformation associated with retrograde ejaculation: a case report

Background

Retrograde ejaculation can have anatomical, neurogenic, or pharmacological causes. Among these factors, malformation of the prostatic urethra is an uncommon cause.

Case presentation

We describe a 29-year-old Han Chinese man with absence of his verumontanum combined with ejaculatory duct cysts, and no other cause for ejaculatory dysfunction. His verumontanum was replaced by a deep groove adjacent to his bladder neck, which could significantly influence bladder neck contraction. In addition, the large cysts in the ejaculatory duct could obstruct the anterior outlet of his prostatic urethra and prevent seminal fluid flow in an anterograde direction.

There are few reports of retrograde ejaculation associated with congenital malformations of the posterior urethra. Malformations associated with bladder neck laxity and increased tone of the prostatic urethral outlet can contribute to retrograde ejaculation.

Conclusions

Malformation of the prostatic urethra is an uncommon cause of retrograde ejaculation, and can be difficult to treat.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13256-016-1150-x) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Surgical Procedures for BPH/LUTS: Impact on Male Sexual Health

INTRODUCTION

Lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) because of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) are a highly prevalent condition in men over 50 years old, and their incidence increases with age. The relationship between LUTS and erectile dysfunction (ED) has received increased attention recently because both diseases are highly prevalent, frequently co-associated in the same aging male group, and contribute significantly to the overall quality of life. In this review, we will examine the literature to assess the impact of surgical and minimally invasive treatments for LUTS/BPH on the male's sexual health.

METHODS

The impact of the various surgical and minimally invasive treatments for LUTS/BPH was reviewed to ascertain the impact on erectile and ejaculatory function.

RESULTS

Sexual side effects of treatment for LUTS/BPH are underappreciated by urologists but likely play a prominent role in patient decision making, creating a disparity between provider and patient. Almost all accepted therapies for LUTS (surgical or medical) can affect some aspect of sexual health, making it imperative that health-care professionals understand their patients' concerns and motivations in these two linked diseases. The incidence of newly diagnosed postoperative ED in patients treated with monopolar transurethral resection (TURP) is around 14%, with reported values in various studies ranging from 0-32.5%, 7.7%, 6.5%, 17%, to 14%. Importantly, there is no significant difference reported between bipolar and monopolar TURP on sexual function.

CONCLUSION

The risk of sexual side effects is an important one to consider in discussing the implications for any LUTS intervention as they play a prominent role in patient motivation, acceptance of bother and decision making concerning surgical intervention, thus creating a potential disparity between provider and patient. Becher EF and McVary KT. Surgical procedures for BPH/LUTS: Impact on male sexual health. Sex Med Rev 2014;2:47-55.

Correlation between penile cuff test and pressure-flow study in patients candidates for trans-urethral resection of prostate

Background

Aim of this study was to make a comparison between penile cuff test (PCT) and standard pressure-flow study (PFS) in the preoperative evaluation of patients candidates for trans-urethral resection of prostate (TURP) for benign prostatic obstruction (BPO).

Methods

We enrolled male patients with lower urinary tract symptoms candidates for TURP. Each of them underwent a PCT and a subsequent PFS. A statistical analysis was performed: sensitivity (SE), specificity (SP), positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV), likelihood ratio and ratio of corrected classified were calculated. Fisher exact test was used to evaluate relationships between PCT and maximal urine flow (Q_max): a p-value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results

We enrolled 48 consecutive patients. Overall, at PCT 31 patients were diagnosed as obstructed and 17 patients as unobstructed. At the subsequent PFS, 21 out of 31 patients diagnosed as obstructed at PCT were confirmed to be obstructed; one was diagnosed as unobstructed; the remaining 9 patients appeared as equivocal. Concerning the 17 patients unobstructed at PCT, all of them were confirmed not to be obstructed at PFS, with 10 equivocal and 7 unobstructed. The rate of correctly classified patients at PCT was 79% (95%-CI 65%-90%). About detecting obstructed patients, PCT showed a SE of 100% and a SP of 63%. The PPV was 68%, while the NPV was 100%.

Conclusions

PCT can be an efficient tool in evaluating patients candidates for TURP. In particular, it showed good reliability in ruling out BPO because of its high NPV, with a high rate of correctly classified patients overall. Further studies on a huger number of patients are needed, including post-operative follow-up as well.

Outcome of surgery for benign prostatic hyperplasia-is it predictable?

AIM

The study was done to evaluate the pre-operative and intra operative factors which influence the post-operative outcome in patients undergoing surgery for Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH).

SETTING AND DESIGN

It was carried out prospectively at a university college hospital in northern India.

MATERIAL & METHODS

The study was carried out prospectively in 31 patients who underwent surgery for BPH (TURP - 50, Open Prostatectomy - 10). Various pre-operative and intra-operative parameters were studied by means of a detailed history and examination, IPS score, urodynamic evaluation & cystoscopic examination. Their effect on post-operative outcome was evaluated by measuring changes in IPSS, maximum and average flow rates, and fall in PSA values.

STATISTICAL ANALYSIS

Repeated measure ANNOVA was applied to calculate the significance of preoperative factors on post operative outcome (IPSS, Q max and Q av).

RESULTS

All parameters studied in the patients improved significantly following surgery. Patients who had pre-operative urinary retention and catheter at the time of surgery had significant improvement in both subjective (IPSS ,p=.oo4) and objective (maximum & average flow rates p=.04) parameters studied. Patients with larger prostrate had a significantly better maximum flow rate (p=.03) and IPSS at 3 months post-operatively. Similarly, patients with larger bladder capacity (more than 150 ml), better compliance (more than 6 ml per cm of water) and lower post-voidal residue (less than 60ml) had better post-operative outcome.

CONCLUSION

Patients with pre-operative urinary retention, shorter duration of bladder catheterization, lower post voidal residue, high IPSS score, larger prostrate, larger bladder capacity and compliance had a significantly better outcome following surgery for BPH as assessed by various parameters studied.

A systematic review of the correlates and management of nonpremature ejaculatory dysfunction in heterosexual men

INTRODUCTION

A better understanding of ejaculatory disorders has led to an increasing interest in nonpremature ejaculatory dysfunction (non-PE EjD). Current reviews on the subject use a symptom-based classification to describe ejaculatory dysfunction even when it is a single case report. While these reviews provide important information on the disorder, a clearer picture of the prevalence of non-PE EjD in relation to the community and various pathophysiologic states is needed.

OBJECTIVES

The objective of this study was to provide a systematic review of studies of non-PE EjD excluding single case reports.

METHODS

A systematic review of Medline for terms including ejaculation, orgasm or hematospermia. Association with terms delay, pain or headache was made. The search was restricted to male gender and articles written in English. Abstracts were reviewed and those mainly concerned with premature ejaculation were excluded.

RESULTS

A total of 333 articles on non-PE EjD were identified. The condition was reported in community-based studies. In certain patient populations, non-PE EjD was commonly reported in association with antidepressant and antipsychotic treatments, in patients with chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome, patients with lower urinary tract symptoms particularly in association with medical or surgical treatment, patients with retroperitoneal surgery and in patients with neurological diseases. Few articles were concerned with treatment options.

CONCLUSION

There is a significant prevalence of non-PE EjD in the community and in association with particular disease states or as a side effect of medical or surgical interventions. There is a need to direct efforts to prevent and treat these conditions.

The efficacy and safety of silodosin in treating BPH: a systematic review and meta-analysis

PURPOSE

Pharmacological therapy is typically the first-line treatment for patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). We carried out a systematic review and meta-analysis to assess the efficacy and safety of silodosin for treating BPH.

METHODS

A literature review was performed to identify all published randomized placebo-controlled trials (RCT) of silodosin for the treatment of BPH. The search included the following databases: PUBMED, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Controlled Trail Register of Controlled Trials. The reference lists of retrieved studies were also investigated. A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted.

RESULTS

Four publications involving a total of 2,543 patients were used in the analysis, including 3 RCTs that compared silodosin with placebo and 3 RCTs that compared silodosin with tamsulosin. We found that silodosin was effective in treating BPH in our meta-analysis. Total international prostate symptom score (IPSS) (P=0.92 SWD=2.92 95% CI=2.19-3.65 the mean decrease of total IPSS was from 6.4 to 10.6), voiding symptom score, storage symptom score, and quality-of-life score indicated that silodosin was more effective than the placebo. Silodosin's efficacy is similar to that of tamsulosin (P=0.37 SWD=1.14 95% CI=0.18-2.11) in our meta-analysis. However, the incidence of abnormal ejaculation was higher in patients treated with tamsulosin therapy compared with the placebo (234/1128=20.74% 12/680=1.76% 6/736=0.82%).

CONCLUSIONS

This meta-analysis proves silodosin to be an effective and safe treatment for the relief of lower urinary tract symptom associated with BPH. Silodosin and tamsulosin were similar in terms of efficacy. The major adverse event associated with silodosin treatment was abnormal ejaculation.

Conservative management for postprostatectomy urinary incontinence

BACKGROUND

Urinary incontinence is common after both radical prostatectomy and transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP). Conservative management includes pelvic floor muscle training with or without biofeedback, electrical stimulation, extra-corporeal magnetic innervation (ExMI), compression devices (penile clamps), lifestyle changes, or a combination of methods.

OBJECTIVES

To assess the effects of conservative management for urinary incontinence after prostatectomy.

SEARCH METHODS

We searched the Cochrane Incontinence Group Specialised Register (searched 24 August 2011), EMBASE (January 1980 to Week 48 2009), CINAHL (January 1982 to 20 November 2009), the reference lists of relevant articles, handsearched conference proceedings and contacted investigators to locate studies.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Randomised or quasi-randomised controlled trials evaluating conservative interventions for urinary continence in men after prostatectomy.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Two or more review authors assessed the methodological quality of trials and abstracted data. We tried to contact several authors of included studies to obtain extra information.

MAIN RESULTS

Thirty-seven trials met the inclusion criteria, 33 amongst men after radical prostatectomy, three trials after transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) and one trial after either operation. The trials included 3399 men, of whom 1937 had an active conservative intervention.  There was considerable variation in the interventions, populations and outcome measures.  Data were not available for many of the pre-stated outcomes.  Men's symptoms improved over time irrespective of management. Adverse effects did not occur or were not reported.There was no evidence from eight trials that pelvic floor muscle training with or without biofeedback was better than control for men who had urinary incontinence after radical prostatectomy (e.g. 57% with urinary incontinence versus 62% in the control group, risk ratio (RR) for incontinence after 12 months 0.85, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.60 to 1.22) as the confidence intervals were wide, reflecting uncertainty. However, one large multicentre trial of one-to-one therapy showed no difference in any urinary or quality of life outcome measures and had narrower confidence intervals. There was also no evidence of benefit for erectile dysfunction (56% with no erection in the pelvic floor muscle training group versus 55% in the control group after one year, RR 1.01, 95% CI 0.84 to 1.20). Individual small trials provided data to suggest that electrical stimulation, external magnetic innervation or combinations of treatments might be beneficial but the evidence was limited. One large trial demonstrated that there was no benefit for incontinence or erectile dysfunction from a one-to-one pelvic floor muscle training based intervention to men who were incontinent after transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) (e.g. 65% with urinary incontinence versus 62% in the control group, RR after 12 months 1.05, 95% CI 0.91 to 1.23).In eight trials of conservative treatment of all men after radical prostatectomy aimed at both treatment and prevention, there was an overall benefit from pelvic floor muscle training versus control management in terms of reduction of UI (e.g. 10% with urinary incontinence after one year versus 32% in the control groups, RR for urinary incontinence 0.32, 95% CI 0.20 to 0.51). However, this finding was not supported by other data from pad tests. The findings should be treated with caution, as most trials were of poor to moderate quality and confidence intervals were wide. Men in one trial were more satisfied with one type of external compression device, which had the lowest urine loss, compared to two others or no treatment. The effect of other conservative interventions such as lifestyle changes remains undetermined as no trials involving these interventions were identified.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

The value of the various approaches to conservative management of postprostatectomy incontinence after radical prostatectomy remains uncertain. It seems unlikely that men benefit from one-to-one pelvic floor muscle training therapy after transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP).  Long-term incontinence may be managed by external penile clamp, but there are safety problems.

Risk of erectile dysfunction and retrograde ejaculation associated with thulium laser vaporesection of the prostate for bladder outflow obstruction: a retrospective study

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to determine the incidence of erectile dysfunction and retrograde ejaculation following thulium:yttrium-aluminium-garnet (Tm:YAG) laser prostate vaporesection (ThuVaRP).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Between January 2009 and June 2010, 113 consecutive patients underwent ThuVaRP for bladder outflow obstruction. Of these, 54 (48%) were included in the study as they were able to maintain an erection for sexual intercourse prior to undergoing ThuVaRP. All patients had benign pathology and had not undergone previous bladder neck surgery. The incidence of erectile dysfunction and retrograde ejaculation was reported at a mean follow-up period of 12 months post-operatively.

RESULTS

The mean patient age was 71 years (range 46-90). The mean follow-up period was 12 months (range 4-21). 11 (20%) patients experienced worsening erectile function with 3 (6%) noticing an improvement. A total of 30 patients (56%) experienced some degree of retrograde ejaculation. 4 patients (7%) noticed an improvement in their ejaculation. Retrograde ejaculation was more common in patients with an indwelling catheter in situ for refractory urinary retention (43 vs. 17%, p = 0.04) and in diabetic patients (27 vs. 4%, p = 0.03). There was an increased trend of erectile dysfunction in men aged ≥70 years, with hypertension and with hypercholesterolaemia, but this was not significant.

CONCLUSION

Our retrospective study has demonstrated that the overall risk of erectile dysfunction and retrograde ejaculation associated with ThuVaRP is 20 and 56%, respectively.

The clinical effectiveness of transurethral incision of the prostate: a systematic review of randomised controlled trials

PURPOSE

Transurethral incision of the prostate gland (TUIP) is perceived as a less morbid surgical alternative to standard transurethral resection of the prostate gland (TURP) for treatment of symptomatic mild to moderate benign prostate enlargement (BPE). We aimed to evaluate comparative clinical effectiveness of the two procedures.

METHODS

Systematic review and meta-analysis of short- and long-term data from randomised controlled trials comparing TUIP with TURP.

RESULTS

This review considered data from 795 randomised participants across 10 RCTs of moderate to poor quality 8 of which stated an upper limit for prostate size. No difference in the degree of symptomatic improvement was seen between the two procedures. Improvement in peak urine flow rate was lower for TUIP compared to TURP whilst the rate of blood transfusion and TUR syndrome was higher after TURP. Urinary retention, urinary tract infection, strictures and incontinence did not differ between the two approaches, although clinically important differences could not be ruled-out. TUIP was associated with a shorter duration of operation and length of hospital stay but a higher re-operation rate.

CONCLUSION

TUIP and TURP appear to offer equivalent symptomatic improvement for men with mild to moderate BPE. Choosing TUIP involves a trade-off between the lower risk of peri-operative morbidity and the higher risk of subsequent re-operation.

Retrograde ejaculation following open ureteric reimplantation: a case report

Introduction

Retrograde ejaculation is not a recognized complication of ureteric reimplantation surgery. We describe this unusual complication in a 25-year-old man, with no other cause for his ejaculatory dysfunction.

Case presentation

A 25-year-old Caucasian man presented with left hydronephrosis ascribed to a megaureter. Following open reimplantation of the ureter, the patient developed retrograde ejaculation that did not respond to medical therapy.

Conclusion

The key result reported here is that retrograde ejaculation is a possible complication of open pelvic surgery, for which patients should receive counselling. This is relevant for both urologists and general physicians who consult relatively young men with ejaculatory difficulties.

Developing a pelvic floor muscle training regimen for use in a trial intervention

This paper explains the rationale behind the intervention used for a large multi-centred randomised controlled trial for men following transurethral resection of prostate or radical prostatectomy. It shows the content of the protocol used and explains why this particular protocol of pelvic floor muscle exercises and urge suppression techniques was chosen for men in the intervention group. The trial will evaluate whether this intervention will be effective for men with urinary incontinence and sexual dysfunction after prostate surgery. ISRCTN number: ISRCTN87696430.

Patient outcomes in the acute recovery phase following robotic-assisted prostate surgery: A prospective study

BACKGROUND

Robotic-assisted minimally invasive urologic surgery was developed to minimise surgical trauma resulting in quicker recovery. It has many potential benefits for patients with localised prostate cancer over traditional surgical techniques without taking a risk with the oncological result.

OBJECTIVES

To report the specific surgical outcomes for the first Australian cohort of patients with localised prostate cancer that had undergone robotic-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) surgery. The outcomes represent the acute (in-hospital) recovery phase and include pain, length of stay (LOS), urinary catheter management and wound management.

METHODS

Prospective descriptive survey of 214 consecutive patients admitted to a large metropolitan private hospital in Melbourne, Australia between December 2003 and June 2005. Patients had undergone RARP surgery for localised prostate cancer. Data were collected from the medical records and through interview at the time of discharge. Descriptive statistics were used to describe the frequency and proportion of outcomes. Patient characteristics were tabulated using cross tabulation frequency distribution and measures of central tendency.

RESULTS

The findings from this study are highly encouraging when compared to outcomes associated with traditional surgical techniques. Transurethral catheter duration (median 7 days (IQ range 2)) and LOS (median 3 days (IQ range 2)) were considerably reduced. While operation time (median 3.30 h (IQ range 1.07)) was marginally reduced we would expect a further reduction as the surgical team becomes more skilled.

CONCLUSION

The findings from this study contribute to building a comprehensive picture of patient outcomes in the acute (in-hospital) recovery phase for a cohort of Australian patients who have undergone RARP surgery for localised prostate cancer. As such, these findings will provide valuable information with which to plan care for patients' who undergo robotic-assisted surgery.

Persistent detrusor overactivity after transurethral resection of the prostate

Detrusor overactivity is associated with aging and benign prostatic obstruction and often causes the troublesome symptoms of urgency and urgency incontinence (overactive bladder), persistent detrusor overactivity after transurethral resection of the prostate being the cause of more than a third of poor symptomatic outcomes following surgery. Most of the evidence currently suggests that neurons of the urothelium at the bladder neck play a significant role in the genesis of detrusor overactivity. Treatment options including botulinum toxin injections and intravesical vanilloids have been studied in the treatment of persistent detrusor overactivity, but further studies are needed specifically in patients with persistent detrusor overactivity after transurethral resection of the prostate. As urodynamic studies are able to predict a proportion of postoperative failures, more widespread use is advocated by many in the routine assessment of lower urinary tract symptoms thought to be due to benign prostatic obstruction.

Bipolar transurethral resection in saline--an alternative surgical treatment for bladder outlet obstruction?

PURPOSE

The transurethral resection in saline system uses bipolar energy for transurethral prostate resection, thus, avoiding the need for glycine irrigation and its associated complications. We compared the clinical efficacy and safety of bipolar transurethral resection in saline and of monopolar transurethral prostate resection for symptomatic benign prostate hyperplasia.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

From January 2005 to June 2006, 238 consecutive patients with symptomatic benign prostate hyperplasia were randomized into a prospective, controlled trial comparing the 2 treatment modalities. Patient demographics, operative time, hospital stay and complications were noted. Serum hemoglobin and electrolytes were determined in all patients immediately before and after the endoscopic procedure.

RESULTS

During 18 months 120 patients were randomized to the conventional transurethral prostate resection group and 118 were randomized to the transurethral resection in saline group. Patient profiles, weight of resected prostatic tissue and duration of hospitalization were similar in the 2 groups. The decrease in serum sodium and serum chloride was statistically significantly greater in the transurethral prostate resection group than in the transurethral resection in saline group (each p = 0.05). The transurethral resection in saline procedure required significantly more time (mean 56 vs 44 minutes, p <0.01). There was 1 case (0.8%) of transurethral resection syndrome in the transurethral prostate resection group but none in the transurethral resection in saline group. Postoperative bleeding did not significantly differ between the 2 groups. Clot retention was observed in 6 (5%) and 4 patients (3%) in the transurethral prostate resection and transurethral resection in saline group, respectively. Two repeat interventions were required in the transurethral prostate resection group.

CONCLUSIONS

The bipolar transurethral resection in saline system is as efficacious as monopolar transurethral prostate resection but it is safer than the latter because of the lesser decrease in postoperative hypernatremia and the smaller risk of transurethral resection syndrome. However, probably due to technical reasons, transurethral resection in saline operative time is significantly longer.

Interstitial laser coagulation in the management of lower urinary tract symptoms suggestive of bladder outlet obstruction from benign prostatic hyperplasia: long-term follow-up

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the long-term effects, including durability, of interstitial laser coagulation (ILC) in patients with symptomatic benign prostatic hyperplasia.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

In all, 49 men (median age 68 years, range 52-80) were treated with ILC; 22 men were assessed for a median (range) of 54 (46-61) months. Information on the timing and type of re-treatment were collected for the remaining patients.

RESULTS

The median (quartiles) International Prostate Symptom Score decreased from 22 (19-28) at baseline to 13 (5-21), a decrease of 41%. The peak urinary flow increased by 20% to 10.2 (8.7-12.9) mL/s. Twenty-two patients were re-treated (by any type) after ILC, giving a re-treatment rate of 50%.

CONCLUSION

There were moderate effects on voiding variables and a high re-treatment rate during the long-term follow-up after ILC. It seems reasonable that the use of ILC is restricted to selected, high-risk patients.

Conservative management for postprostatectomy urinary incontinence

BACKGROUND

Urinary incontinence is common after both radical prostatectomy (RP) and transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP). Conservative management includes pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT) with or without biofeedback, electrical stimulation, compression devices (penile clamps), lifestyle changes, extra-corporeal magnetic innervation or a combination of methods.

OBJECTIVES

To assess the effects of conservative management for urinary incontinence after prostatectomy.

SEARCH STRATEGY

We searched the Cochrane Incontinence Group Specialised Trials Register (searched 23 January 2006), MEDLINE (January 1966 to January 2006), EMBASE (January 1988 to January 2006), CINAHL (January 1982 to January 2006), PsycLIT (January 1984 to January 2006), ERIC (January 1984 to January 2006), the reference lists of relevant articles, handsearched conference proceedings and contacted investigators to locate studies.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Randomised or quasi-randomised controlled trials evaluating conservative interventions for urinary continence after prostatectomy.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

At least two review authors assessed the methodological quality of trials and abstracted data.

MAIN RESULTS

Seventeen trials met the inclusion criteria, fifteen trials amongst men after radical prostatectomy (RP), one trial after transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) and one trial after either operation. There was considerable variation in the interventions, populations and outcome measures. The majority of trials in this area continue to be of moderate quality, although more recent studies have been of higher quality in terms of both randomization and blinding. Data were not available in all the trials for many of the pre-stated outcomes. Confidence intervals have tended to be wide except for the more recent studies, and it continues to be difficult to reliably identify or rule out a useful effect. There were several important variations in the populations being studied. Therefore the decision was made by the review authors to separate in the analysis the men having the intervention as prevention (whether administered before or after operation, to all men having surgery) or as treatment (postoperatively to those men who did have urinary incontinence), as well as separating those treated with TURP or RP. Amongst seven treatment trials of postoperative PFMT for urinary incontinence after RP, one trial suggested benefits, whereas the estimates from the others were consistent with no effect. There was clinical and statistical heterogeneity, precluding meta-analysis. There was no clear reason for this heterogeneity. Trials of preventative PFMT started pre or post-operatively also showed heterogeneity: only one large trial favoured PFMT but the data from the others were conflicting. Analysis of other conservative interventions such as transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation and anal electrical stimulation, or combinations of these interventions were inconclusive. There were too few data to determine treatment effects on incontinence after TURP. The findings should continue to be treated with caution, as most studies were of poor to moderate quality. With respect to other management, men in one trial reported a preference for one type of external compression device compared to two others or no treatment. The effect of other conservative interventions such as lifestyle changes remains undetermined as no trials involving these interventions were identified. Men's symptoms tended to improve over time, irrespective of management.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

The value of the various approaches to conservative management of postprostatectomy incontinence remains uncertain. Long-term incontinence may be managed by external penile clamp, but there are safety problems.

The Pattern and Progression of Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms after Transurethral Prostatectomy Compared with Those Seen in the General Population

OBJECTIVES

Men undergoing transurethral prostatectomy (TURP) often have some level of residual symptoms after this operation. Reliance on symptom scores to assess outcomes means there is relatively little information on the exact pattern of such symptoms. The aim of this study was to describe the pattern, progression, and associated bother of lower urinary tract symptoms after TURP.

METHODS

Detailed information on urinary symptoms, prostatectomy status, and associated bother was obtained from a randomly selected sample of community-dwelling men by using a postal questionnaire. Rates of individual urinary symptoms in the postprostatectomy population were calculated, and compared with those in the background population and those in secondary care.

RESULTS

Of 7640 men who responded, 422 had undergone prostatectomy. Symptom levels remained significantly higher in the postoperative group than the background population, with 19.4% experiencing four or more symptoms on a weekly basis. The pattern of symptoms was similar to that seen in the general population. Men in the post-TURP group experienced greater levels of bother when symptom level (odds ratio: 2.69; 95%CI, 1.80-4.01) was controlled. Both symptom and bother, however, were significantly lower than those in people referred for secondary care treatment of their symptoms.

CONCLUSIONS

Men with a previous prostatectomy still report high levels of urinary symptoms and appear to experience greater levels of bother from these symptoms than men in the general population.

Sexual function after transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP): results of an independent prospective multicentre assessment of outcome

OBJECTIVES

The influence of surgical treatment of bladder outlet obstruction on sexual function is uncertain and available evidence is conflicting. Transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) causes retrograde ejaculation, but its effect on erectile function is controversial. We have prospectively investigated the influence of TURP on erectile and ejaculatory function.

METHODS

Between January 2000 and January 2005, 11 hospitals in Switzerland informed the Verein Outcome (VO), an independent institution specialising in outcome measurements in the Swiss health care system, about patients scheduled for TURP. VO obtained the Danish Prostate Symptom Score (DAN-PSS) including the sexual function domain (DAN-PSSsex) before and 4 mo after surgery and compared the respective scores.

RESULTS

Data from 1014 patients were evaluated. Mean patient age was 69 yr. DAN-PSSsex questionnaires were returned by 988 patients before and 642 patients after TURP; 722 (73.1%) and 474 (73.8%) of the patients, respectively, stated that they were still sexually active. The mean erectile function score improved insignificantly from 1.66 to 1.47 (p=0.11), the mean ejaculatory function score worsened from 1.27 to 2.34 (p<0.00) and the mean discomfort on ejaculation score improved from 0.37 to 0.29 (p=0.10) before and after TURP, respectively.

CONCLUSION

The results confirm that TURP has no negative influence on the quality of erections measured by self-assessment questionnaires. The loss of ejaculatory function is significant and is associated with considerable bother. However, three of four patients undergoing TURP are still sexually active and the surgery has no influence on this ratio.

Analysis of prognostic factors regarding the outcome after a transurethral resection for symptomatic benign prostatic enlargement

AIMS

To identify preoperative predictive variables regarding treatment outcomes following transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) of patients with symptomatic benign prostatic enlargement (BPE).

METHODS

A retrospective study was conducted in 384 patients of 1,397 men who had undergone TURP for symptomatic BPE. All the patients had completed the evaluation of International Prostate Symptom Score (I-PSS), and quality of life (QOL) index, and had undergone full urodynamics before the surgery. Outcomes were assessed at 12 months after surgery. The association between baseline variables and the improvement in outcome variables was statistically analyzed.

RESULTS

Preoperative urodynamic abnormalities included bladder outlet obstruction (BOO) in 315 (82.0%), detrusor underactivity in 91 (23.7%), and detrusor overactivity (DO) in 160 (41.7%). Multivariate analysis showed that the presence of DO and a higher degree of BOO were both associated with postoperative improvement both in I-PSS and the QOL. The initial level of storage symptoms correlated with an improvement in the QOL.

CONCLUSIONS

The association between those variables obtained by preoperatively performed urodynamic analysis and the degree of improvement in lower urinary tract symptom and QOL following TURP was statistically elucidated in a large number of patients with symptomatic BPE. A higher degree of baseline BOO positively predicts the postoperative improvement in I-PSS and QOL, while the baseline DO negatively predict it.

Silodosin, a new alpha1A-adrenoceptor-selective antagonist for treating benign prostatic hyperplasia: results of a phase III randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind study in Japanese men

OBJECTIVE

To verify the efficacy and safety of the new alpha1A-adrenoceptor-selective antagonist silodosin compared with tamsulosin and placebo in patients with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) associated with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study was conducted at 88 centres in Japan. Men aged > or = 50 years with an International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) of > or = 8, a quality-of-life (QoL) score of > or = 3, a maximum urinary flow rate (Qmax) of < 15 mL/s, a prostate volume of > or = 20 mL and a postvoid residual urine volume of < 100 mL were eligible for enrolment. Patients were randomized to receive silodosin 4 mg twice daily, tamsulosin 0.2 mg once daily, or placebo, for 12 weeks. The primary endpoint was the change in IPSS from baseline. Safety was assessed by adverse events, physical examination, vital signs and laboratory tests.

RESULTS

In all, 457 patients were randomized (silodosin 176, tamsulosin 192 and placebo 89). The change in the total IPSS from baseline in the silodosin, tamsulosin and placebo groups was -8.3, -6.8 and -5.3, respectively. There was a significant decrease in the IPSS vs placebo in the silodosin group from 1 week. In the early-stage comparison, silodosin showed a significant decrease in IPSS vs tamsulosin at 2 weeks. The change in QoL from baseline was -1.7, -1.4 and -1.1 in the silodosin, tamsulosin and placebo groups, respectively; silodosin showed a significant improvement in the QoL score vs placebo. In the subgroup of patients with severe symptoms (IPSS > or = 20) silodosin also gave a significantly better improvement than placebo (-12.4 vs -8.7). The incidence rates of adverse events and drug-related adverse events were, respectively, 88.6%, 82.3% and 71.6% and 69.7%, 47.4% and 36.4%, respectively. The most common adverse event in the silodosin group was abnormal ejaculation, which occurred more often in the silodosin than in the tamsulosin group (22.3% vs 1.6%). However, only five men (2.9%) discontinued treatment for abnormal ejaculation.

CONCLUSION

Silodosin was generally effective in the absence of obtrusive side-effects. This study suggests that silodosin is clinically useful for treating LUTS associated with BPH.

Terazosin in the treatment of premature ejaculation: a short-term follow-up

AIM

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the efficacy of terazosine in patients with premature ejaculation and lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS), after excluding other sexual disorders and chronic prostatitis.

METHODS

A total of 90 patients with premature ejaculation and LUTS were enrolled to the study after excluding sexual disorders, prostatitis and benign prostatic hyperplasia. The patients were divided into two groups. Sixty patients in group 1 were treated with terazosine 5 mg daily for a month. Patients were followed monthly and questioned for their ejaculation problem. The results were classified as cure, improvement and ineffective. If patients showed improvement and ineffectiveness, the treatment was continued with 10 mg daily for the following month. Group 2 was included 30 patients, and placebo was applied for a month. At the end of this period, in patients who did not show any improvement, terazosine 10 mg was started.

RESULTS

In the treatment group, at the 1st month follow-up, 21 patients (35%) were cured, 20 (33.3%) showed improvement. In 19 (31.7%) patients, the treatment was ineffective. In group 2, 9 (30%) patients showed improvement and the rest had no-changes after one-month follow up. There was statistically significant difference between two groups (Pearson chi2 test = 0.000). Later, terazosine 10 mg was given to the patients in group 2 and to the patients who showed improvement or unsuccessful result with terazosine 5 mg. With terazosine 10 mg, 10 (14.5%) patients were cured, 29 (42.2%) patients were improved. Finally, terazosine treatment in patients with premature ejaculation was found to be effective in 60 patients (66.7%).

CONCLUSION

Alpha blockers seem to be physiological medical agents in the treatment of premature ejaculation since ejaculation is under sympathetic control. Moreover, these agents are effective in lower urinary tract and they should be used in patients with premature ejaculation and lower urinary tract symptoms.

Impact on Sexual Function of Holmium Laser Enucleation Versus Transurethral Resection of the Prostate: Results of a Prospective, 2-Center, Randomized Trial

PURPOSE

We compared the impact of HoLEP and TURP on sexual function.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Between January 2002 and January 2003, 120 patients with a mean age +/- SD of 65.2 +/- 7.1 years who had benign prostatic hyperplasia were enrolled in this 2-center, prospective, randomized study. A total of 60 patients with a mean age of 65.25 +/- 6.9 years underwent HoLEP (group 1) and 60 with a mean age of 64.18 +/- 7.2 years underwent TURP (group 2). Patients were assessed before surgery, and at 12 and 24-month followup visits. Subjective symptoms were scored by the International Prostate Symptom Score, the International Prostate Symptom Score quality of life question, IIEF, 10 nonvalidated general assessment questions, physical examination, serum prostate specific antigen and transrectal ultrasonography.

RESULTS

A total of 32 patients (53.3%) in group 1 and 31 (51.6%) in group 2 reported various degrees of erectile dysfunction before surgery according to the IIEF-EF score. Differences between preoperative and postoperative orgasmic domain scores in each group were significant (p <0.001). A slight but not significant increase in the mean IIEF-EF domain score was reported in each group at postoperative assessments without any difference between the 2 surgical approaches. According to general assessment question analysis the prevalence of subjectively reported postoperative retrograde ejaculation was significantly higher than at baseline assessment in the 2 groups with no differences between the 2 surgical procedures.

CONCLUSIONS

TURP and HoLEP significantly lowered the IIEF orgasmic function domain with no differences between techniques. This was caused by retrograde ejaculation. Marginal, nonsignificant erectile function improvement was reported after surgery in the 2 groups.

Predictives regarding outcome after transurethral resection for prostatic adenoma associated with detrusor underactivity

OBJECTIVES

To elucidate the predictive factors regarding the treatment outcomes after transurethral resection of the prostate for symptomatic benign prostatic enlargement with detrusor underactivity.

METHODS

A retrospective study was conducted in 190 patients with detrusor underactivity of 1397 men who had undergone transurethral resection of the prostate. All patients had completed the International Prostate Symptom Score and quality-of-life (QOL) questionnaires and had undergone a full urodynamic analysis before surgery. The outcomes were assessed at 3 and 12 months postoperatively using the International Prostate Symptom Score, QOL score, and peak urinary flow rate. The association between the baseline variables and improvement in the outcome variables was analyzed statistically.

RESULTS

Preoperative urodynamic abnormalities included bladder outlet obstruction in 58.9% and detrusor overactivity (DO) in 32.1%. Multivariate analysis suggested that the initial level of storage symptoms, as well as the QOL score, were predictive of an improvement in the QOL. Postoperative improvement in symptoms and QOL was consistently influenced by the presence of DO before surgery. The baseline degree of bladder outlet obstruction, as well as patient age, consistently influenced the improvement in the peak urinary flow rate.

CONCLUSIONS

In selected patients with benign prostatic enlargement associated with detrusor underactivity, greater baseline storage symptom scores and the presence of DO were negative predictive factors for QOL improvement. Baseline DO was also predictive of poorer improvement in the subjective symptoms after transurethral resection of the prostate. A greater degree of baseline bladder outlet obstruction positively predicted for postoperative peak urinary flow rate improvement, and patient age predicted negatively for it.

Adrenergic drugs for urinary incontinence in adults

BACKGROUND

Adrenergic drugs have been used for the treatment of urinary incontinence. However, they have generally been considered to be ineffective or to have side effects which may limit their clinical use.

OBJECTIVES

To determine the effectiveness of adrenergic agonists in the treatment of urinary incontinence in adults.

SEARCH STRATEGY

We searched the Cochrane Incontinence Group specialised trials register (searched 9 March 2005) and the reference lists of relevant articles.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Randomised or quasi-randomised controlled trials in adults with urinary incontinence which included an adrenergic agonist drug in at least one arm of the trial.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Two reviewers independently assessed eligibility, trial quality and extracted data. Data were processed as described in the Cochrane Reviewers' Handbook.

MAIN RESULTS

Twenty-two eligible randomised trials were identified, of which 11 were crossover trials. The trials included 1099 women with 673 receiving an adrenergic drug (phenylpropanolamine in 11 trials, midodrine in two, norepinephrine in three, clenbuterol in another three, terbutaline in one, eskornade in one and Ro-115-1240 in one). No trials included men. The limited evidence suggested that an adrenergic agonist drug is better than placebo in reducing the number of pad changes and incontinence episodes, as well as improving subjective symptoms. In two small trials, the drugs also appeared to be better than pelvic floor muscle training, possibly reflecting relative acceptability of the treatments to women but perhaps due to differential withdrawal of women from the trial groups. There was not enough evidence to evaluate the use of higher compared to lower doses of adrenergic agonists nor the relative merits of an adrenergic agonist drug compared with oestrogen, whether used alone or in combination. Over a quarter of women reported adverse effects. There were similar numbers of adverse effects with adrenergics, placebo or alternative drug treatment. However, when these were due to recognised adrenergic stimulation (insomnia, restlessness and vasomotor stimulation) they were only severe enough to stop treatment in 4% of women.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

There was weak evidence to suggest that use of an adrenergic agonist was better than placebo treatment. There was not enough evidence to assess the effects of adrenergic agonists when compared to or combined with other treatments. Further larger trials are needed to identify when adrenergics may be useful. Patients using adrenergic agonists may suffer from minor side effects, which sometimes cause them to stop treatment. Rare but serious side effects, such as cardiac arrhythmias and hypertension, have been reported.

Quality of Life in Sexually Active Men with Symptomatic Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia

Quality of life (QOL), sexuality in particular, has become an important consideration in treatment decisions for men with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) related to benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). To determine the impact of these conditions on sexual function and QOL in older men, this article provides a review of clinical data on the relationship between sexual dysfunction and symptom severity, effective clinical assessment, treatment options, and the influence of current therapies on sexual function and QOL. The various symptoms of BPH can adversely affect sexual functioning and therefore QOL. Moreover, there may be a direct association between symptom severity and sexual dysfunction that may affect QOL.Patients base their decisions regarding treatment choices for BPH more on anticipated relief of lower urinary tract symptoms and improved QOL (including sexual functioning) than on improvements in physical measures. Although medications and surgery may relieve LUTS, sexual dysfunction is a common adverse result. Newer pharmacological interventions such as specific alpha-adrenergic blocking agents like tamsulosin may help improve sexual function and QOL in men with symptomatic BPH.