Interstitial laser coagulation in patients with lower urinary tract symptoms from benign prostatic obstruction: treatment under sedoanalgesia with pressure-flow evaluation

Exploring the Legal Implications of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia Surgeries in the United States: A Comprehensive Analysis of Two Decades of Lawsuits

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE

The United States (US) currently faces a medical malpractice crisis, and a survey done in 2006 informed that 63% of urologists faced an average of 2.1 medical malpractice lawsuits. Surgery for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is performed by 95% of US urologists. Hence, we postulated that these procedures might be responsible for a substantial number of medical malpractice lawsuits. We examined claims related to BPH surgery in various US courts.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Data were collected from Westlaw and LexisNexis databases using the keywords "benign prostatic hyperplasia," "enlarged prostate," "surgery," and "malpractice" to search for cases from the entire US from January 2000 to December 2021. We extracted details such as the type of procedure, the plaintiff and defendant, the nature of the allegation, the alleged complications, the verdict, and the compensation amount.

RESULTS

We found 30 cases in which the most common procedure was transurethral resection of the prostate (37%), with inadequate postoperative care as the most frequent reason for claims (33%). Urologists were the most frequently processed professionals (57%). The postsurgical outcomes that resulted in lawsuits were urinary incontinence (23%), erectile dysfunction (13%), and urinary retention (13%). Interestingly, 43% of the patients were inmates. Plaintiffs won only two (7%) cases: colon perforation after interstitial laser coagulation with Indigo laser and recto-urethral fistula after transurethral microwave therapy.

CONCLUSION

Most lawsuits were related to postoperative incontinence and erectile dysfunction, with the verdict favoring the defendant in most cases. Inmates were the plaintiffs in a relatively high percentage of cases. Only two cases resulted in a plaintiff victory, wherein both cases presented unexpected and serious postsurgical complications.

Diagnostic value of urodynamic bladder outlet obstruction to select patients for transurethral surgery of the prostate: Systematic review and meta-analysis

PURPOSE

To investigate the diagnostic value of urodynamic bladder outlet obstruction (BOO) in the selection of patients for transurethral surgery of the prostate.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We systematically searched online PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases from January 1989 to June 2014.

RESULTS

A total of 19 articles met the eligibility criteria for this systematic review. The eligible studies included a total of 2321 patients with a median number of 92 patients per study (range: 12-437). Of the 19 studies, 15 conducted conventional transurethral prostatectomy (TURP), and 7 used other or multiple modalities. In urodynamic bladder outlet obstruction (BOO) positive patients, the pooled mean difference (MD) was significant for better improvement of the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) (pooled MD, 3.48; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.72-5.24; p < 0.01; studies, 16; participants, 1726), quality of life score (QoL) (pooled MD, 0.56; 95% CI, 0.14-1.02; p = 0.010; studies, 9; participants, 1052), maximal flow rate (Qmax) (pooled MD, 3.86; 95% CI, 2.17-5.54; p < 0.01; studies, 17; participants, 1852), and post-void residual volume (PVR) (pooled MD, 32.46; 95% CI, 23.34-41.58; p < 0.01; studies, 10; participants, 1219) compared with that in non-BOO patients. Some comparisons showed between-study heterogeneity despite the strict selection criteria of the included studies. However, there was no clear evidence of publication bias in this meta-analysis.

CONCLUSIONS

Our meta-analysis results showed a significant association between urodynamic BOO and better improvements in all treatment outcome parameters. Preoperative UDS may add insight into postoperative outcomes after surgical treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia.

Contrast-enhanced ultrasonography for real-time monitoring of interstitial laser thermal therapy in the focal treatment of prostate cancer

INTRODUCTION

We report a case study of the application of contrast-enhanced ultrasonography (CEUS) for intraoperative monitoring of thermal ablation of a single focus of prostate cancer.

METHODS

A patient presented with biopsy-proven, solitary-focus, low-risk prostate cancer and was recruited into a clinical trial of interstitial laser thermal focal therapy. Multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was used to locate the single dominant focus, and photothermal ablation was performed at the tumour site under the guidance of transrectal ultrasonography. Transrectal CEUS using systemic bolus injections of the intravascular contrast agent Definity was performed immediately before, several times during and on completion of therapy. Lesions observed on CEUS were compared with treatment effect as measured by tissue devascularization on 1-week gadolinium (Gd)-enhanced MRI.

RESULTS

Baseline images showed CEUS contrast-agent signal throughout the prostate. During and after treatment, large hypocontrast regions were observed surrounding the treatment fibres, indicating the presence of an avascular lesion resulting from photothermal therapy. Lesion size was found to increase during the delivery of thermal energy. Lesion size measured using CEUS (16 x 11 mm) was similar to the 7-day lesion measured using Gd-enhanced T(1)-weighted MRI.

CONCLUSION

Focal therapy for prostate cancer requires both complete treatment of the dominant tumour focus and minimal morbidity. The application of CEUS during therapy appears to provide an excellent measure of the actual treatment effect. Hence, it can be used to ensure that the therapy encompasses the whole target but does not extend to surrounding critical structures. Future clinical studies are planned with comparisons of intraoperative CEUS to Gd-enhanced MRI at 7 days and whole-mount pathology samples.

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.

A Clinical Outcomes and Cost Analysis Comparing Photoselective Vaporization of the Prostate to Alternative Minimally Invasive Therapies and Transurethral Prostate Resection for the Treatment of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia

PURPOSE

We critically evaluated the clinical outcomes and cost characteristics of alternative procedural treatment options for symptomatic benign prostatic hyperplasia.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

An outcomes and cost analysis was performed for benign prostatic hyperplasia treatments, including photoselective vaporization, microwave thermotherapy, transurethral needle ablation, interstitial laser coagulation and transurethral resection. Clinical outcomes were measured by the percent improvement in American Urological Association/International Prostate Symptom Score, the maximum uroflowmetry rate and quality of life score. An economic simulation model was constructed to estimate the expected cost of benign prostatic hyperplasia procedural therapies from a payer perspective. The model included costs of initial treatment, followup care, adverse events and re-treatment. Sensitivity and threshold analyses tested the impact of changing model inputs on base case results.

RESULTS

Ablative therapies showed better improvement in symptom score, flow rate and quality of life score compared to thermotherapy procedures. Photoselective vaporization resulted in the largest beneficial changes in American Urological Association/International Prostate Symptom Score, the maximum uroflowmetry rate and the quality of life score at all time points evaluated, followed by transurethral resection and then interstitial laser coagulation. The estimated cost was lower for photoselective vaporization than for any other procedural option at any interval studied. Sensitivity analyses indicated that the results of baseline analyses were robust to reasonable changes in clinical and economic inputs to the model.

CONCLUSIONS

Compared to alternative treatment options photoselective vaporization of the prostate is a clinically efficacious and cost-effective treatment for symptomatic benign prostatic hyperplasia.

Interstitial laser coagulation for management of benign prostatic hyperplasia: Long-term follow-up

AIM

We evaluated the long-term results of transurethral interstitial laser coagulation in the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) with up to 9 years of follow up at the Kurashiki Central Hospital and determined the patient characteristics that predict a favorable outcome.

METHODS

From December 1993 to May 1997, a total of 82 patients were enrolled in the present study. Subjective and objective voiding parameters were collected from medical records and a self-administered questionnaire was sent to the patients. Kaplan-Meier plots were constructed to assess the risk of retreatment.

RESULTS

The mean follow-up period was 48.4 months (range, 3-108 months). A total of 59 patients (72%) did not need any additional treatment at 12 months and 30 patients (37%) did not require additional treatment during the entire follow-up period. A total of 29 patients (35%) were retreated during follow-up. Transurethral prostate resection (TURP) was performed in 18 patients (22%). The remaining 11 patients (13%) were offered additional pharmacotherapy. The minimum and median retreatment-free durations were 3 and 14 months, respectively. Seven patients died and 17 were lost to follow-up. Men aged 71 years or older had greater likelihood of requiring retreatment than those younger than 71 years (P = 0.0397). No significant differences were noted in the other baseline characteristics. Among postoperative parameters, a rate of decrease of the International Prostate Symptom Score of the patient of lower than 60% and a rate of decrease in patient quality of life of lower than 50% at 3 months were associated with greater likelihood of retreatment (P = 0.0083 and P = 0.0006, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

Interstitial laser coagulation is effective for the treatment of BPH. Good long-term results and an acceptably low retreatment rate render this modality an effective alternative to TURP, especially for younger patients. Short-term improvement of subjective symptoms was predictive of favorable long-term outcome.

Interstitial laser coagulation versus transurethral resection of the prostate for benign prostatic enlargement--a prospective randomized study

OBJECTIVE

Interstitial laser coagulation (ILC) of the prostate is a minimally invasive method for treating symptomatic benign prostatic enlargement (BPE). We performed a prospective randomized study to compare the clinical outcomes of ILC and transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP).

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Between December 1997 and February 2000, 38 patients with moderate-to-severe symptomatic BPE were included in the study. Seven were subsequently excluded due to intercurrent disease or protocol violation and the remaining 31 were randomized to either TURP (n=11) or ILC (n=20). A suprapubic tube was inserted in all ILC-treated patients, and ILC was performed as an outpatient procedure when feasible. Data were recorded preoperatively and at 3-month and 1-year follow-up. The assessment parameters were International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), uroflow, prostate volume determined by means of transrectal ultrasound and postvoid residue.

RESULTS

At 1-year follow-up, uroflowmetry indicated a more pronounced increase in peak urinary flow rate (Qmax) in the TURP patients than in the ILC subjects (p<0.02). Differences in postvoid residue, IPSS and prostate volume between the two treatments could not be evaluated due to the small number of patients in each group. Postoperative urinary tract infections occurred in 13 ILC patients but in only one TURP subject, and catheterization was done for 24 days after ILC and for 2 days after TURP. The study was ended prematurely due to the prolonged postoperative catheterization and the high rate of urinary tract infections in the ILC patients.

CONCLUSIONS

At 1-year follow-up, the increase in Qmax was smaller in the ILC subjects than in the TURP patients. The ILC subjects had comparatively more postoperative urinary tract infections and more prolonged postoperative catheterization than the TURP patients.

Interstitial Laser Coagulation Treatment of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia: Is It to Be Recommended?

PURPOSE

To update the clinical data on the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) by interstitial laser coagulation (ILC).

MATERIAL AND METHODS

In addition to recent review articles, original papers published during the last 2 years were surveyed. The focus was on prospective, particularly randomized, trials and on those with long-term follow-up.

RESULTS

Interstitial laser coagulation is feasible, although considerable variability is observed in the results. Operative complications are minimal, but the postoperative catheterization time is relatively long. Irritative symptoms can last for a long time, and the rate of urinary infections is as high as 35%. There also is significant variability in the urodynamic results. The technique seems to be more effective in patients with mild bladder outlet obstruction at baseline. The retreatment rate at 1 year is as high as 15%, and higher rates, as much as 40%, are described at 3 years. When compared in a randomized fashion with transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP), the postoperative period is shorter after TURP and the retreatment rate (early and late) is higher after ILC.

CONCLUSIONS

Interstitial laser coagulation is superior to TURP in terms of operative morbidity, but postoperative morbidity is higher after ILC. Long-term durability has not been properly documented, and randomized studies show a higher retreatment rate after ILC than after TURP. The technique is recommended for those patients with bleeding disorders necessitating an interventional therapy.

Combination of interstitial laser coagulation and transurethral resection of the prostate: ex vivo evaluations

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the combination of interstitial laser coagulation (ILC) and transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) in an ex vivo model. Perioperative bleeding is still regarded as the main complication of conventional TURP. The minimally invasive procedure ILC and the highly effective TURP seem to be a promising concept to improve hemostasis.

METHODS

Isolated blood-perfused porcine kidneys were used to determine hemostatic efficacy of different interstitial laser procedures (neodymium:yttrium-aluminum-garnet [Nd:YAG], 1064 nm; and holmium:YAG [Ho:YAG], 2100 nm) in combination with conventional TURP. Bleeding could thus be quantified in relation to tissue ablation for the different techniques. Additionally, the specimens were evaluated histologically.

RESULTS

A combination of Nd:YAG ILC, followed by TURP, resulted in significantly (P <0.001) reduced bleeding compared with TURP alone for a standardized ablation volume of 16 cm(3) of perfused kidney tissue (5.1 mL/min versus 24.1 mL/min). Similarly, significantly (P <0.001) better hemostasis was demonstrated with the combination of Ho:YAG ILC compared with TURP alone (4.8 mL/min versus 24.1 mL/min). The differences between the two laser procedures were not significant. The histologic examinations revealed significantly larger coagulation zones for the groups pretreated with Nd:YAG ILC or Ho:YAG ILC compared with TURP alone.

CONCLUSIONS

ILC before conventional TURP leads, ex vivo, to a significantly superior hemostasis compared with TURP alone. The hemostatic effects of Nd:YAG and Ho:YAG laser treatments seem comparable.

Cost-effectiveness of new treatments for benign prostatic hyperplasia: results of a randomized trial comparing the short-term cost-effectiveness of transurethral interstitial laser coagulation of the prostate, transurethral microwave thermotherapy and standard transurethral resection or incision of the prostate

OBJECTIVES

To compare the short-term cost-effectiveness of ILC and TUMT with that of transurethral resection or incision of the prostate in patients with symptomatic benign prostatic hyperplasia.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

One hundred and eighteen patients were randomized to ILC, TUMT and TUR-P/TUI-P in 2:2:1 fashion. The use of resources within the first 6 months of follow-up were measured and the cost of treatment for each patient were calculated. A few parameters, primarily related to the time spent by the staff, were measured only in a subgroup of patients. A cost-effectiveness analysis was performed based on the average calculated cost and change in I-PSS found in each group. For costly resources a sensitivity analysis was performed.

RESULTS

At 6 months the cost was lowest in the TUMT group and highest in the ILC group. The cost-effectiveness ratio (C/E) was 763 DKK/point reduction in I-PSS in the control group and 1.200 and 938 in the ILC and TUMT group, respectively. An incremental analysis demonstrated that TUR-P/TUI-P dominated ILC. In a similar comparison of the TUMT and the TUR-P/TUI-P group an incremental ratio of 170 DKK/extra point of reduction in I-PSS was found in the TUR-P/TUI-P group.

CONCLUSION

In the short-term TUMT and TUR-P has comparable cost-effectiveness. TUR-P was slightly more effective than TUMT, but the cost was also slightly higher. In our set-up of ILC the short-term cost-effectiveness of ILC was inferior to that of TUR-P. Conclusions should be made with caution, since the follow-up at present is short.

Interstitial laser coagulation combined with minimal transurethral resection of the prostate for the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia

BACKGROUND

Transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) represents the gold standard in the surgical treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). However, this method still has significant morbidity mainly associated with irrigation fluid absorption and blood loss.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A combination of interstitial laser coagulation (ILC) with limited TURP was established to reduce specific risks of transurethral resection and was applied in 41 patients with bladder outlet obstruction caused by BPH. In these patients, a subtotal resection of the prostate was not possible because of anesthesiologic risk factors. After insertion of a suprapubic catheter, ILC was performed under visual control using an Nd:YAG laser followed by resection of the bladder neck or the median lobe. Isotonic carbohydrate solution with 1% ethanol was used for irrigation, and irrigation fluid uptake was quantified by measurements of the ethanol concentration in the patients' exhaled breath. Additional measures such as blood loss, need for blood transfusions, and operative time were evaluated.

RESULTS

The operations were performed without major complications with a mean operative time of 35 +/- 11 minutes for the entire procedure. An irrigation fluid uptake of 9 +/- 32 mL and no TUR syndrome were observed. The mean blood loss was minimal with a change in the hemoglobin of -1.3 +/- 1.1 g/dL and no need for blood transfusions.

CONCLUSION

These results demonstrate that ILC with subsequent minimal TURP is an applicable method in the surgical treatment of BPH with reduction of blood loss and of the risk of TUR syndrome. This procedure may help to reduce the morbidity of TURP, especially in high-risk patients.

Transurethral needle ablation for treatment of lower urinary tract symptoms associated with benign prostatic hyperplasia: outcome after 1 year

PURPOSE

The aims of the study were to evaluate short-term effects on lower urinary tract symptoms and uroflowmetry and assess side effects of transurethral needle ablation of the prostate (TUNA).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Twenty-six men with a median age 68 years (range 53-77 years) were evaluated with symptom scores and voiding parameters before and at 3 and 12 months after TUNA. All treatments were performed in the outpatient department using topical anesthesia supplemented with sedoanalgesia.

RESULTS

The International Prostate Symptom Score had decreased from 21.2 to 10.5 at 12 months postoperatively. Peak urinary flow was 10.9 mL/sec at baseline and was elevated to 13.7 mL/sec after 12 months. Residual urine volumes were unchanged. Postoperative urinary retention developed in 71% of the patients and had a mean duration of 6.3 (range 1-34) days. Postoperative perineal pain was noted by about half of the patients for the first 1 to 2 weeks. Painkillers were frequently used to reduce postoperative pain.

CONCLUSIONS

Transurethral needle ablation is a safe procedure suitable for the outpatient clinic. After short-term follow-up, statistically and clinically significant effects were observed on symptoms and uroflow. Long-term follow-up is mandatory to define the future role of this therapy.

Lasers for median lobe hyperplasia

Laser treatment encompases a variety of techniques using different laser wavelengths, application systems, and surgical techniques to achieve contrasting tissue effects such as incision, resection, vaporization, or coagulation. Many studies have proven the clinical efficacy of the various laser techniques for the treatment of benign prostatiuc hyperplasia, including randomized studies versus transurethral prostatectomy (TURP). Recently, long-term follow-up of up to 5 years has demonstrated the durability of the results, although in some of the studies, retreatment rates were higher than after TURP. Median lobes were never seen as a contraindication for treatment in the laser based procedures. Technically, laser treatment techniques such as side-firing transurethral coagulation, contact- and free-beam laser vaporization, interstitial laser coagulation, and the holmium laser-based resection and enucleation are fully suitable for treatment of median lobes. Surprisingly, no studies focussing specifically on laser treatment of median lobes have been published.

Holmium and interstitial lasers for the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia: a laser revival

With the introduction of the side-firing neodymium:yttrium-aluminum-garnet laser in the early 1990s laser prostatectomy became a widely used treatment for benign prostatic hyperplasia. However, because of prolonged postoperative catheterization times, the lack of immediate effect, and severe postoperative dysuria, many urologists became disinterested in this procedure. Recently, as a result of advances in laser technology, namely, the holmium laser and interstitial laser prostatectomy, interest in lasers for the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia has been rekindled. This paper will review published reports over the past year regarding these relatively new treatments.

The use of lasers in benign prostatic enlargement

This article reviews the laser techniques available for the treatment of lower urinary tract symptoms. Early data on short-term mortality, morbidity, complication rates, and outcome are available, but information on cost-effectiveness, long-term outcome, and patient preference are as yet unavailable. In the 8 years since laser methods became popular it has become clear that substantial and variably durable flow and symptomatic responses are achieved that do not quite match transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP). Less immediate physiologic stress is balanced by a delay before full response. Same-day surgery may be possible, but an extended period of catheterization may be necessary. Laser methods remain an option for treatment and are particularly applicable to the less fit man. Whether men will choose a less effective but less invasive treatment option for symptom relief is not yet obvious. Limited early data suggest the holmium laser technique most closely approaches the gold standard.