Transurethral incision versus resection of the prostate for small to medium benign prostatic hyperplasia

Reoperation after surgical treatment for benign prostatic hyperplasia: a systematic review

Context

Surgical treatment is important for male lower urinary tract symptom (LUTS) management, but there are few reviews of the risks of reoperation.

Objective

To systematically evaluate the current evidence regarding the reoperation rates of surgical treatment for LUTS in accordance with current recommendations and guidelines.

Evidence acquisition

Eligible studies published up to July 2023, were searched for in the PubMed® (National Library of Medicine, Bethesda, MD, USA), Embase® (Elsevier, Amsterdam, the Netherlands), and Web of Science™ (Clarivate™, Philadelphia, PA, USA) databases. STATA® (StataCorp LP, College Station, TX, USA) software was used to conduct the meta-analysis. Random-effects models were used to calculate the pooled incidences (PIs) of reoperation and the 95% confidence intervals (CIs).

Evidence synthesis

A total of 119 studies with 130,106 patients were included. The reoperation rate of transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) at 1, 2, 3, and 5 years was 4.0%, 5.0%, 6.0%, and 7.7%, respectively. The reoperation rate of plasma kinetic loop resection of the prostate (PKRP) at 1, 2, 3, and 5 years was 3.5%, 3.6%, 5.7%, and 6.6%, respectively. The reoperation rate of holmium laser enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP) at 1, 2, 3, and 5 years was 2.4%, 3.3%, 5.4%, and 6.6%, respectively. The reoperation rate of photoselective vaporization of the prostate (PVP) at 1, 2, 3, and 5 years was 3.3%, 4.1%, 6.7%, and 7.1%, respectively. The reoperation rate of surgery with AquaBeam® at 1, 2, 3, and 5 years was 2.6%, 3.1%, 3.0%, and 4.1%, respectively. The reoperation rate of prostatic artery embolization (PAE) at 1, 2, 3, and 5 years was 12.2%, 20.0%, 26.4%, and 23.8%, respectively. The reoperation rate of transurethral microwave thermotherapy (TUMT) at 1, 2, 3, and 5 years was 9.9%, 19.9%, 23.3%, and 31.2%, respectively. The reoperation rate of transurethral incision of the prostate (TUIP) at 5 years was 13.4%. The reoperation rate of open prostatectomy (OP) at 1 and 5 years was 1.3% and 4.4%, respectively. The reoperation rate of thulium laser enucleation of the prostate (ThuLEP) at 1, 2, and 5 years was 3.7%, 7.7%, and 8.4%, respectively.

Conclusion

Our results summarized the reoperation rates of 10 surgical procedures over follow-up durations of 1, 2, 3, and 5 years, which could provide reference for urologists and LUTS patients.

Systematic review registration

https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO, identifier CRD42023445780.

Holmium Laser Enucleation of the Prostate: Modified Two-Lobe Technique versus Traditional Three-Lobe Technique-A Randomized Study

Background

Holmium laser enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP) is considered the standard endoscopic treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), but traditional HoLEP surgery will cause some postoperative complications. This study was attempted to evaluate the safety and efficacy of modified two-lobe technique versus traditional three-lobe technique of HoLEP focusing mainly on incidences of retrograde ejaculation (RE) and urinary incontinence (UI).

Methods

From March 2014 to February 2017, 191 men with BPH were randomly assigned to two groups: 97 underwent modified two-lobe technique; 94 underwent traditional three-lobe technique. All patients were followed up for 12 months. Primary outcomes were incidences of RE and UI, and secondary outcomes were international prostate symptom score (IPSS), quality of life (QOL), maximal urine flowing rate (MFR), and residual urine among the studied patients.

Results

Compared with the traditional technique, patients in the modified group had a statistically significant decrease in frequency of UI (1.03% vs 8.51%, p=0.036) and RE in the 6^th month (33.33% vs 63.64%, p=0.030) and 12^th month (13.33% vs 50%, p=0.034) and a significant increase in ejaculatory volume in the 6^th month (p=0.050) and 12^th month (p=0.003). Besides, the modified HoLEP was more beneficial to patients according to the change of QoL score at 1 month (p=0.002), 3 months (p=0.004), 6 months (p=0.026), and 12 months (p=0.015).

Conclusions

The modified two-lobe technology of HoLEP reduced the incidence of RE and UI, which improved the quality of life of the patients after surgery compared to the traditional three-lobe technology. This trial is registered with ChiCTR1800018553.

Holmium Laser vs Monopolar Electrocautery Bladder Neck Incision for Prostates Less Than 30 Grams: A Prospective Randomized Trial

OBJECTIVE

To compare the efficacy and results of bladder neck incision (BNI) in bladder outlet obstruction (BOO) in men with a small prostate using holmium laser vs conventional monopolar electrocautery technique.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This study included 140 patients of BOO (prostate size ≤ 30 cc, American Urological Association (AUA) score ≥ 8, Qmax ≤ 15 mL/sec, and Schäfer grade ≥ 2) who were randomly assigned to holmium laser BNI (HoBNI) or conventional BNI (C-BNI). AUA score and Qmax were assessed preoperatively and postoperatively at 3, 6, and 12 months. At 6 months, detrusor pressure at Qmax, Schäfer grade, and postvoid residual were assessed.

RESULTS

The incidence of postoperative hematuria and blood transfusion in the C-BNI group were 4.2% and 2.8%, respectively. No patient in the HoBNI group developed hematuria or required blood transfusion. Qmax and AUA score at each follow-up, and Pdet Qmax, Schäfer grade, and postvoid residual at 6 months were comparable between two groups but showed significant improvement when compared to baseline in both the groups. At 6 months, 2.9% patients in the HoBNI group and 4.3% in the C-BNI group remained obstructed urodynamically and underwent reoperation (P > .05). The incidence of retrograde ejaculation was significantly higher in HoBNI (22.9% vs 6.1%, P -.02) CONCLUSION: Both procedures are equally efficient in relieving BOO in patients with prostate size < 30 cc and have similar success rates. The risk of postoperative hematuria is less with HoBNI because of its better hemostatic properties, but its use must be counterbalanced with significant increase in incidence of retrograde ejaculation.

Holmium laser transurethral incision of the prostate: Can prostate size predict the long-term outcome?

INTRODUCTION

We determine the impact of prostate size on the long-term outcome of holmium laser transurethral incision of the prostate (Ho-TUIP) for bladder outlet obstruction (BOO) secondary to benign prostate enlargement (BPE).

METHODS

A retrospective review of prospectively collected data was performed for patients undergoing Ho-TUIP by a single surgeon for patients presenting with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) secondary to BOO. Patients were stratified into 2 groups: Group 1 included patients with prostate ≤30 cc and Group 2 included patients with prostate >30 cc. Demographic, operative and follow-up data were recorded and analyzed. In addition, intraoperative and long-term adverse events were included.

RESULTS

In total, 82 patients underwent surgery between March 1998 and March 2013, including 9 (11%) reoperated patients. Only prostate size independently predicted reoperation after Ho-TUIP (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 95% confidence interval [CI] 7.12 [2.92-9.14], p = 0.01). The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis showed an optimal cutoff value of prostate volume of 29 cc to characterize long-term reoperation after TUIP, with area under the curve (AUC) of 0.96, sensitivity of 89.7 and specificity of 88.9. Group 1 included 51 patients and Group 2 included 31 patients. The international prostate symptoms score (IPSS) and peak flow rate (Qmax) significantly improved in both groups at different follow-up points. At the 12-month follow-up, the percent change in IPSS and Qmax were comparable between both groups. However, after 12 months, the degree of improvement in all voiding parameters was significantly higher in Group 1 (p < 0.001 at all points of follow-up). After a median follow-up of 5.3 years (range: 1-13), both groups had comparable early and late adverse events with significantly higher reoperation rate in Group 2 (3.9% vs. 22.6%, p = 0.02). Overall retrograde ejaculation was detected in 25.6% of sexually active men and it was comparable between both groups (23.5% vs. 29%, p = 0.61). On multivariable analysis, patients with prostate volume >30 cc were associated with significantly higher reoperation for BOO (aOR 95% CI 5.72 [2.83-8.14], p = 0.02), significantly higher IPSS (aOR 1.72), higher quality of life index (aOR 1.72) and lower Qmax (aOR 0.28).

CONCLUSION

Ho-TUIP is a durable, safe and efficient treatment of BOO secondary to a small-sized prostate. The long-term outcome could be improved and the re-operation rate could be minimized with appropriate selection of cases, with prostate glands no bigger than 30 cc.

Evidence-based guidelines for the treatment of lower urinary tract symptoms related to uncomplicated benign prostatic hyperplasia in Italy: updated summary from AURO.it

BACKGROUND

The first Italian national guidelines were developed by the Italian Association of Urologists and published in 2007. Since then, a number of new drugs or classes of drugs have emerged for the treatment of lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) related to benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), new data have emerged on medical therapy (monotherapies and combination therapies), new surgical techniques have come into practice, and our understanding of disease pathogenesis has increased. Consequently, a new update of the guidelines has become necessary.

METHODS

A structured literature review was conducted to identify relevant papers published between 1 August 2006 and 12 December 2010. Publications before or after this timeframe were considered only if they were recognised as important milestones in the field or if the literature search did not identify publications within this timeframe. The quality of evidence and strength of recommendations were determined according to the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation framework.

MAIN FINDINGS

Decisions on therapeutic intervention should be based on the impact of symptoms on quality of life (QoL) rather than the severity of symptoms (International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) score). A threshold for intervention was therefore based on the IPSS Q8, with intervention recommended for patients with a score of at least 4. Several differences in clinical recommendations have emerged. For example, combination therapy with a 5α-reductase inhibitor plus α blocker is now the recommended option for the treatment of patients at risk of BPH progression. Other differences include the warning of potential worsening of cognitive disturbances with use of anticholinergics in older patients, the distinction between Serenoa repens preparations (according to the method of extraction), and the clearly defined threshold of prostate size for performing open surgery (>80 g). While the recommendations included in these guidelines are evidence based, clinical decisions should also be informed by patients' clinical and physical circumstances, as well as patients' preferences and actions.

CONCLUSIONS

These guidelines are intended to assist physicians and patients in the decision-making process regarding the management of LUTS/BPH, and support the process of continuous improvement of the quality of care and services to patients.

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.

Is the minimally invasive treatment as good as transurethral resection for benign prostatic hyperplasia?

Despite the development of new technologies, transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) is still considered the gold standard for surgical treatment of the benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH). In general, new minimally invasive treatments have not demonstrated better outcomes than TURP in evidence based medicine trials published to date, and should be reserved for patients who prefer to avoid surgery, who are unsuitable candidates for surgery or who no longer respond favorably to medication. TUMT and TUNA appears to be more effective than medical therapy but less effective than TURP. Both treatments can be given under topical anesthesia or local prostatic or perineal block. Efficacy of transurethral vaporization appears similar to TURP, but the studies are short-term and the glands operated on are relatively small. In patients with small prostates, the transurethral incision of the prostate can also be a good option, associated with less morbidity than TURP. Bipolar resection of the prostate is similar to TURP in effectiveness, but the data are inconclusive regarding blood loss, length of catheterization and hospital stay. Long-term comparative trials are needed to determine if the minimally invasive therapies are superior to standard TURP.

Holmium laser bladder neck incision versus holmium enucleation of the prostate as outpatient procedures for prostates less than 40 grams: a randomized trial

PURPOSE

Bladder neck incision (BNI) is a common, minimally invasive treatment option for bladder outflow obstruction in men with a small prostate. We compared BNI using the holmium:YAG laser to holmium enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP) in a prospective, randomized, urodynamically based trial.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 40 patients with urodynamic obstruction (Schafer grade 2 or greater) and a prostate of 40 gm or greater on transrectal ultrasound (TRUS) were randomized equally to holmium laser BNI (HoBNI) or HoLEP as an outpatient procedure. The outcomes assessed were operative time, catheter time and hospital time. American Urological Association and quality of life scores, and maximal urinary flow rates were measured at baseline, and 1, 3, 6 and 12 months postoperatively, while pressure flow studies and TRUS volume measurement were performed at baseline and 6 months.

RESULTS

The 2 groups were well matched for all variables at baseline. HoBNI was significantly more rapid to perform than HoLEP (p <0.001). Two patients (10%) in the HoBNI group required recatheterization compared with none in the HoLEP group. There was no significant difference in catheter time (22.9 vs 23.2 hours) or hospital time (12.3 vs 13.7 hours) between the groups. Five patients remained obstructed urodynamically at 6 months. All were in the HoBNI group and 4 of the 5 men had a prostate that was greater than 30 gm. Four of these patients required HoLEP for persistent lower urinary tract symptoms. In the remaining unoperated patients there were no significant differences in American Urological Association and quality of life scores or in the maximal urinary flow rate at each assessment. At 6 months detrusor pressure at maximal urinary flow was significantly lower (p <0.05) and TRUS volume was significantly smaller (p <0.001) in the HoLEP group There was significantly more early stress incontinence postoperatively in the HoLEP group but no bladder neck contractures were detected.

CONCLUSIONS

Relief of obstruction was better after HoLEP and fewer patients required recatheterization or reoperation, although more reported early postoperative stress incontinence. Catheter time, hospital time and perioperative morbidity were similar. HoBNI and HoLEP are safe and feasible as outpatient procedures in patients with a small prostate but HoBNI is more rapid to perform.

Bladder Neck Stenosis after Transurethral Resection of Prostate: Does Size Matter?

AIM

To understand the risk factors associated with the incidence of bladder neck stenosis (BNS) after transurethral prostate surgery.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed 900 patients who underwent transurethral prostate surgery over a 4-year period. The mean age of the men was 72.3 (47-94) years. The specific outcome data assessed related to BNS, including type of operation performed, resected tissue weight and history of previous surgery in the lower urinary tract.

RESULTS

29 (3.4%) patients developed BNS at a mean of 10.3 (3-33) months, with a mean resected prostatic tissue weight of 11+/-3.7 g. Four of the 29 patients with BNS were treated with bladder neck resection and re-stenosed. Fifty-four men underwent bladder neck incision for small prostates with a high bladder neck, measured by digital rectal examination and assessed cystoscopically, with no BNS. All the remaining patients from our series did not have a BNS, with a mean resected weight of 28+/-8.9 g, which is statistically greater than in the BNS group (p<0.05, unpaired t test).

CONCLUSIONS

BNS after transurethral prostate surgery is a significant problem. It is clear from our study that resection in small prostates with no sign of a high bladder neck will increase the development of BNS. Thus, small prostates should be managed by an initial bladder neck incision, even if the bladder neck is not high.

Changing therapeutic regimens in benign prostatic hyperplasia. Clinical and economic considerations

About one-quarter of men aged 50 years and older experience voiding problems due to benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Until about 10 years ago, surgery (particularly transurethral resection of the prostate) was the only effective treatment for symptomatic BPH. Over the last decade, several new treatments have been introduced. These include different types of medication (alpha-blockers and finasteride), thermotherapy, laser prostatectomy, needle ablation and vaporisation methods. The diffusion of these less invasive treatment modalities has resulted not only in a decrease in the age-adjusted surgery rates, but also in an increase of the total number of men treated for BPH. A large number of studies on clinical benefits and risks reveal that the conventional types of surgery remain the most effective treatments, whereas new interventional therapies require a shorter hospital stay and result in fewer short term complications. The efficacy of medication is lower than that of interventional treatments. Adverse effects include dizziness and orthostatic hypotension (alpha-blockers) and decreased sexual function (finasteride), but are generally mild. There is some evidence that medication and minimally invasive treatments may preclude eventual surgical treatment, but the precise effect is difficult to estimate because of differences in the study populations and the relatively short study periods. As a result of the dynamic nature of BPH treatment and the lack of long term data, the cost effects of the introduction of the various new treatments are also difficult to assess. Given the aging of the population and the growing percentage of patients with BPH for whom any type of treatment can be considered, a considerable increase of total costs can be expected. Long term prospective studies are necessary to gain insight into the most cost-effective treatment for different patient groups.

Transurethral resection or incision of the prostate and other therapies: a survey of treatments for benign prostatic obstruction in the UK

OBJECTIVE

To establish the current usage of transurethral incision of the prostate (TUIP) and other forms of treatment for benign prostatic obstruction (BPO).

METHODS

The Prostate Trial Office (PROTO) sent a survey questionnaire to all 376 consultant urologists in the UK which asked for estimates of their clinical practice in treating BPO. The survey had three principle aims: to assess the role that the determination of prostate size has in clinical practice, to determine the nature and frequency of use of a range of therapies including TUIP, and to examine the feasibility of conducting a randomized controlled trial comparing transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) and TUIP.

RESULTS

Of the 376 urologists, 349 replied (response rate 93%); most respondents used prostate size as a determinant when deciding on therapy for BPO (60%). Of their patients with BPO who were treated, 38% received surgical treatment, 33% drug therapies and 29% conservative management. Of the types of surgical treatment, the most commonly used procedure was TURP, in 79% of patients, with only 15% undergoing TUIP. When compared with TURP, TUIP tended to be used for patients with a mean prostate volume of </=25 mL. Only 6% of surgical patients were treated using minimally invasive techniques.

CONCLUSION

This survey provides some evidence that prostate size plays an important role in determining the treatment; TUIP appeared to be under-used and other minimally invasive techniques are rarely used in the UK.