Evaluation of Surgical Outcomes with Photoselective GreenLight XPS Laser Vaporization of the Prostate in High Medical Risk Men with Benign Prostatic Enlargement: A Multicenter Study

"Five-Step" Vaporization of the Prostate Using 180-W XPS Greenlight Laser in Patients with Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia of Large Volume: Improved Efficacy and Safety

Objective: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of 180-W XPS Greenlight laser "Five-step" photoselective vaporization of the prostate (PVP) in patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) with prostate volume (PV) > 80 mL. Background: In patients with BPH with large PV, PVP often results in bleeding, unclear visual field, additional damage, and insufficient tissue vaporization. Methods: This single-center, retrospective study enrolled patients with BPH with PV > 80 mL treated with the Five-step PVP or the Conventional PVP from January 2018 to June 2021. Comorbidities, high-risk habits, and operative parameters were analyzed and compared. The short-term functional outcomes and postoperative complications were recorded over the 24-month follow-up. Results: Two hundred eligible patients were divided into the Five-step PVP and Conventional PVP groups (n = 100 each). These groups showed no differences in comorbidities, living habits, baseline perioperative parameters, operative time, lasing time, or energy use. However, a higher energy density (3.95 [interquartile range (IQR) 3.37, 4.52] vs 3.68 [IQR 3.17, 4.20] kJ/mL) and energy-time ratio (7.23 [IQR 6.12, 8.52] vs 6.72 [IQR 5.51, 7.87] kj/min p = 0.034) were obtained in the Five-step PVP group. Subgroup analysis of patients with PV ≥120 mL showed similar results. The short-term functional outcomes were similar between the two study groups with significant improvement from baseline, but the total prostate-specific antigen levels at 1 and 6 months were lower in the Five-step PVP group. Further, incidences of intraoperative bleeding, bladder mucosa injury, postoperative hematuria, and urinary tract infection were lower in the Five-step PVP group. In the Conventional PVP group, four patients required conversion to transurethral resection of the prostate in surgery and two patients required retreatment during the 24-month follow-up. Conclusions: The 180-W XPS Greenlight laser Five-step PVP has advantages of less bleeding, high vaporization efficiency, and low rates of perioperative complications, and, therefore, it is a promising treatment to improve short-term functional outcomes for patients with BPH with large PV.

Evaluation of Current Surgical BPH Interventions for Young and Elderly Men

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Benign prostatic hyperplasia affects the quality of life of a significant number of men, especially as they age. There are continuous innovations in the surgical management of benign prostatic hyperplasia, but many of these innovations are studied in the core population of men 50-70 years of age. This review focuses on the outliers of men aged 18-50 and 70 and older.

RECENT FINDINGS

Older populations have more comorbidities, higher rates of antithrombotic medications, and advanced symptoms. Properly selected older men can safely have significant objective and subjective improvement in their symptoms. The literature was scarce when evaluating younger men; however, ejaculatory preserving techniques are promising providing improvement in symptoms and preserving ejaculation. This review demonstrates that in properly selected elderly patients, improvements in quality of life while also providing safe surgical interventions can be achieved. Ejaculatory preservation techniques demonstrate promising results, but further studies are required to elucidate true outcomes.

Procedural Intervention for Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia in Men ≥ Age 70 Years - A Review of Published Literature

Objective

We set out to review studies reporting on the use of surgical intervention to treat Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia in elderly men ≥70 years of age.

Methods

A systematic literature search was conducted using Scopus, PubMed-MEDLINE, Cochrane, and Wiley Online Library databases including studies published between January 2012 through December 2022. This 10-year interval was chosen given the recent plethora of new modalities that have entered the BPH armamentarium, many of which have been marketed as appropriate for older and high-risk patients. The following database search words were used either individually or in conjunction: "BPH", "elderly", "surgical", "ablation", "resection", "embolization", and "aging".

Results

We identified 28 studies for inclusion in this review. The pros and cons of these modalities are presented, specifically as applicable to an older and higher risk population.

Conclusion

There are a wide variety of surgical procedures available for surgically treating BPH in elderly men with varying states of health. Each of these comes with different risks and benefits, supporting that individualized approaches are important. Long-term data and further studies comparing modalities, specifically as regards the elderly and frail, would enhance our approaches to BPH treatment in this patient population.

Treating LUTS in Men with Benign Prostatic Obstruction: A Review Article

Benign prostatic obstruction (BPO) is a prevalent condition that affects men, primarily toward their old age. The condition is often accompanied by lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS), which can significantly impair a patient's quality of life and lead to other medical complications. Accurate diagnosis of BPO is essential for effective management of complications secondary to BPO, and treatment plans should be tailored patients, and occasionally according to surgeon experience. As such, this literature review aims to analyze the current available data on male LUTS secondary to BPO by providing a comprehensive overview of relevant studies, as well as the surgical and medical management guidelines from the Canadian Urological Association (CUA), American Urological Association (AUA), and European Association of Urology (EAU). By synthesizing the existing literature, this review purports to summarize the current body of knowledge surrounding BPO and male LUTS, and support healthcare providers in making informed decisions about the management of male LUTS secondary to BPO, ultimately improving patient outcomes and quality of life.

Greenlight laser (XPS-180watt) prostatectomy for treatment of benign prostate obstruction, Pursuit of durability

Objectives

To report 5-year outcomes, need and predictors of retreatment post greenlight laser photoselective vaporization (GL.PVP) and vapo-enucleation (GL.PVEP), as long-term data on safety and efficacy of GL.PVP and GL.PVEP and on the prostate using XPSTM system are still pending.

Patients and methods

Primary outcome was the need for retreatment (medical treatment and reintervention) for recurrent BOO. Time-to-event (retreatment) analysis, perioperative events, change in the urinary outcome measures at different follow-up visits, early and late complications and PSA kinetics were reported.

Results

Between September 2014 and April 2017, 248 patients underwent GL/XPS procedures. GL.PVP and GL.PVEP were carried out for 157 (63.3%) and 91 (36.7%) patients with mean prostate sizes of 60 ± 18 and 100 ± 22 cc, respectively. After a mean duration of 62 ± 9-month follow-up, overall retreatment rate (medical and interventional) was 23% (57 patients). It was comparable between both GL.PVP and GL.PVEP cases: 38 (24.2%) and 19 (20.9%) patients, P = 0.5, respectively. Significantly more surgical reintervention rate was reported after GL.PVP compared to GL.PVEP (P = 0.03). In retreatment group, more intraoperative bleeding (P = 0.02), early postoperative hematuria (P = 0.03), higher median preoperative PSA (P = 0.02) and less postoperative one-year percent PSA reduction (P = 0.02) were detected. Lower postoperative one-year percent PSA reduction independently predicts retreatment with a cut-off point of 64.2% (58.2% sensitivity, 73.4% specificity, AUC 0.647, 95% CI 0.52-0.76).Median (range in months) time to event was 20 (1-60) for all cases and 13.5 (1-42) and 30 (18-60), P = 0.7, for GL.PVP and GL.PVEP groups, respectively.

Conclusion

Greenlight laser XPS is an effective, durable and versatile tool in treating benign prostatic obstruction. Durability of the outcome is predictable with more postoperative PSA reduction.

GreenLight photovaporization of the prostate in high-medical-risk patients: an analysis of the Global GreenLight Group (GGG) database

PURPOSE

We sought to characterize the adjusted outcomes of GreenLight photoselective vaporization of the prostate (PVP) in high-medical-risk (HMR) patients using data from the largest international database.

METHODS

Data were obtained from the Global GreenLight Group (GGG) database which pools data of eight high-volume, experienced surgeons, from a total of seven international centers. Eligible study participants underwent GreenLight PVP using the XPS-180 W system between 2011 and 2019. HMR patients were defined as patients with ASA III or greater and were compared to non-HMR patients. Analyses were adjusted for patient age and prostate volume.

RESULTS

In the HMR group, patients on average were older and had smaller prostates than the non-HMR control group. Compared to non-HMR patients, transfusions occurred more frequently (2.6% vs. 0.14%, p < 0.01) and the odds of readmission were elevated [OR 2.0, (95% CI 1.4-2.8, p < 0.01)] among HMR patients. Twelve months postoperatively, HMR patients experience greater improvement in QoL than the control group [+ 0.54 (95% CI 0.07-1.0, p = 0.02)]. PVR also decreased 93.1 ml more in HMR than in non-HMR patients after 12 months (95% CI 33.6-152.6, p < 0.01).

CONCLUSION

We found that GreenLight PVP is safe and effective in improving functional outcomes in higher-risk patients with severe systemic disease compared to their lower-risk counterparts. Though absolute risks remain low, GreenLight PVP is associated with higher odds of transfusion and readmission in the high-risk cohort. The findings of our study reaffirm current guidelines that propose PVP as a viable treatment option for HMR patients.

Greenlight laser photoselective vaporization vs open simple prostatectomy: long-term functional outcomes after treatment of large volume prostates (> 80 cc)

PURPOSE

To compare long-term outcomes between photoselective vaporization (PVP) and Open simple prostatectomy (OSP) for prostates > 80 cc.

METHODS

Men operated either by PVP or OSP for BPH > 80 cc were included in two expert centres. Functional and uroflowmetric outcomes were assessed pre- and postoperatively. Data were collected prospectively in the PVP group and retrospectively in the OSP group and compared at long-term follow-up. Complications and re-intervention rates were used as main outcomes.

RESULTS

332 men underwent surgery: 132 PVP were performed in a fist expert-centre and 200 OSP were performed in a second one with a median follow-up of 54 and 48 months, respectively. Mean Prostate volume was similar between OSP and PVP group (119 vs 116 cc). Major complications were more common in the OSP group (12.5 vs 1.5%, p < 0.001). At long-term follow-up, Qmax was higher and PVR was lower (p < 0.05) in the OSP group. IPSS score was similar between groups (p = 0.45) but the Qol was better in the OSP group (0.9 vs. 1.6; p < 0.05). There were more re-interventions in the PVP group compared to OSP (15.2 vs. 0%, p < 0.005).

CONCLUSION

PVP is a good alternative for prostates > 80 cc particularly for fragile patients as it is associated with a lower complication rate. At long-term follow-up, IPSS was similar between groups, but Qol was better in the OSP group. Patients treated by PVP should be informed that they could require reoperation in 15% of the cases.

[Surgical and interventional management of benign prostatic obstruction: Guidelines from the Committee for Male Voiding Disorders of the French Urology Association]

OBJECTIVE

The aim of the Male Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms Committee (CTMH) of the French Urology Association was to propose an update of the guidelines for surgical and interventional management of benign prostatic obstruction (BPO).

METHODS

All available data published on PubMed® between 2018 and 2020 were systematically searched and reviewed. All papers assessing surgical and interventional management of adult patients with benign prostatic obstruction (BPO) were included for analysis. After studies critical analysis, conclusions with level of evidence and French guidelines were elaborated in order to answer the predefined clinical questions.

RESULTS/GUIDELINES

Offer a trans-uretral incision of the prostate to treat patients with moderate to severe lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) with a prostate volume<30cm³, without a middle lobe. TUIP increases the chances of preserving ejaculation. Propose mono- or bipolar trans-urethral resection of the prostate (TURP) to treat patients with moderate to severe LUTS with a prostate volume between 30 and 80cm³. Vaporization by Greenlight™ or by bipolar energy can be offered as an alternative to TURP. Offer a Greenlight™ laser vaporization to patients at risk of bleeding. Offer endoscopic prostate enucleation to surgically treat patients with moderate to severe LUTS as an alternative to TURP and open prostatectomy (OP). Minimally invasive prostatectomy is an alternative to OP in centers without access to adequate endoscopic procedures. Embolization of the prostatic arteries may be offered in the event of a contraindication or refusal of surgery for prostates with a volume>80cm³. Prostatic uretral lift is an alternative in patients interested in preserving their ejaculatory function and with a prostate volume<70cm³ without a middle lobe. Aquablation and Rezum™ are under evaluation and should be offered in research protocols.

CONCLUSION

Major changes in surgical management of BPO have occurred and aim at reducing morbidity and improving quality of life of patients.

Multicenter experience with photoselective vaporization of the prostate on men taking novel oral anticoagulants

Objective

Photoselective vaporization of the prostate (PVP) is a widely performed surgical procedure for benign prostatic obstruction. This approach has become particular favoured for men on anti-platelet and anticoagulation agents such as clopidogrel and warfarin but there is minimal published experience in the setting of novel oral anticoagulants (NOACs). This study was to examine the perioperative outcomes in men on NOACs undergoing PVP, with particular reference to perioperative morbidity.

Methods

A retrospective analysis of PVP datasets was undertaken from three centres in Sydney (Australia), Toulouse (France) and Boston (USA). Subjects who had been treated whilst on NOACs without discontinuation or bridging were identified. Perioperative outcomes and treatment parameters were examined and morbidity recorded according to Clavien-Dindo (CD) classification.

Results

There were a total of 20 subjects who had undergone PVP whilst NOACs had been continued during the perioperative period. The mean age was 77±6.5 years. The mean prostate volume, energy utilization and vaporisation time was 94±56 mL, 301±211 kJ, and 35±21 min respectively. The mean postoperative duration of catheterization and duration of hospitalization was 2.2±2.4 days and 2.4±2.4 days respectively. There was a single episode of urinary tract infection and four subjects required re-catheterisation for non-hematuric retentions.

Conclusions

This study supports the safety of men on NOACs undergoing PVP. Whilst this study represents the largest experience of PVP in these men, larger studies are necessary to confirm the safety of PVP in this group of men undergoing BPH-related surgery.

Functional outcomes and safety of GreenLight photovaporization of the prostate in the high-risk patient with lower urinary tract symptoms due to benign prostatic enlargement

AIMS

Photovaporization of the prostate (PVP) with GreenLight Laser is a surgical treatment for lower urinary tract symptoms. It is considered safe in elderly patients with comorbidities, however, the evidence is inconclusive. The objective of this study is to evaluate the efficacy and safety outcomes of PVP according to the American Society of Anesthesiologists Physical Status (ASAPS).

METHODS

A cohort of 675 patients who underwent PVP between 2012 and 2018 was evaluated. Patients were classified according to their ASAPS as low (I and II) and high risk (III and IV). Surgical characteristics and improvement of symptoms and Quality of Life (QoL) were evaluated.

RESULTS

The median age of high-risk group was higher than low-risk group. The high-risk group had more history of anticoagulation, antiaggregation, urinary catheterization, urinary retention and urethral stricture. Longer times of hospitalization (23.7 [interquartile range {IQR} = 18.9-41.35] vs 21.8 hours [IQR = 18.7-26.6], P = .008) and catheterization (19.55 [IQR = 15.6-35.57] vs 17.67 hours [IQR = 14.76-22.5], P = .004) were found in the high-risk group. Conversion and bleeding control were not different between groups. In the follow-up, improvement of International Prostate Symptoms Score (IPSS) and QoL was significant in all patients when compared before and after surgery scores (P < .001). There were no difference between groups for QoL, however, IPSS was lower for the low-risk group (8 [IQR = 4-14.5] vs 5 [2-12], P = .001).

CONCLUSION

PVP with GreenLight Laser is a safe and efficient procedure for all patients despite their comorbidities, with comparable middle-term outcomes which makes it a standard treatment for the entire aging population, improving their QoL.

GreenLight Laser for benign prostatic hyperplasia

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

GreenLight photoselective vaporization (GL-PV) is now established in the treatment of benign prostatic enlargement. The present review outlines the available technical armamentarium and summarizes the current best evidence on functional and safety outcomes. Moreover, future technical developments and refinements are presented.

RECENT FINDINGS

GL-PV has evolved to be the most commonly performed procedure, second to conventional transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) for surgical management of benign prostatic obstruction (BPO). On the basis of the data published in the randomized controlled Goliath study, GL-PV with 180-W technology is noninferior in terms of functional outcomes compared with TURP considering short and intermediate follow-up with a complication-free rate of around 80% after 24 months.The ongoing push towards high-power lasers can be explained by their more effective tissue ablative effect, leading to shorter operating times. Comparative analysis between high-power and low-power laser systems demonstrated similar retreatment rates and most institutions are, therefore, now performing 180-W GL-PV.Performed as an outpatient procedure, GL-PV is cost-effective with a low hospital re-admission rate. Plasma kinetic vaporization of the prostate (PKVP) has recently emerged as a potential contender in the field; also GreenLight enucleation of the prostate (GreenLEP) might be even more effective than GL-PV.

SUMMARY

GL-PV appears to be a well tolerated surgical alternative for patients suffering from BPO. Long-term follow-up data from 120-W and 180-W laser systems are still pending. Potential competitors have recently been brought to the market and further trials and long-term data will show, whether GL-PV will stand the test of time. Regardless of technical specifications, surgeon's experience remains essential to achieve good functional and safety outcomes.

[Palliative long-term urinary bladder drainage: the uro-geriatric point of view]

A serious voiding disorder or urinary incontinence represent indications for long-term catheterization of the urinary bladder. Treatment by a transurethral or suprapubic bladder catheter for life-long bladder drainage is accompanied by technical short-term complications and long-term sequelae. The mortality risk associated with inserting a suprapubic catheter is approximately 2% due to an incorrect bladder puncture. Long-term consequences of life-long bladder drainage are hematuria, infection, spasms, stone formation, obstruction, catheter loss, risk of falls and automanipulation especially in cognitively impaired persons. These constitute frequent reasons for emergency treatment or hospitalization. Further problem areas are dependency on caregivers to perform the catheter change and dermal problems in the area of the fistula stoma. To what extent this limits the quality of life of those affected remains unclear up to now. The acute complications and the long-term consequences of life-long bladder drainage make careful decision-making necessary after other therapeutic options have failed, are not appropriate or not desired.

[Surgical treatment of BPO: Standard and innovations]

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE

Surgical management of benign prostatic hyperplasia has dramatically changed in the recent years towards higher proportion of endoscopic treatment and fewer perioperative complications. Nevertheless the question of urinary and sexual quality of life after surgical treatment remains partially unresolved with a high proportion of retrograde ejaculation after conventional surgical treatments. Therefore mini-invasive alternatives to conventional surgery have been proposed. The objective of this literature review was to provide an overview of the alternatives to monopolar TURP currently available in France.

MATERIAL AND METHOD

A non-systematic review of the scientific literature was conducted from the PubMed database to retrieve the most relevant scientific publications. A first research was cross-referenced with the results of literature reviews already published and enriched by the authors of this review. A synthesis is proposed for each alternative technique mentioning its level of clinical development, but also its potential advantages and disadvantages compared to conventional surgical techniques.

RESULTS

The quality of life of patients after surgical or interventional management has become the main priority of urologists since the risks of perioperative complication have been reduced by the use of laser or bipolar endoscopic techniques. Thanks to the development of minimally invasive alternatives that are better and better evaluated by randomized trials versus interventional simulation and conventional surgical treatment, more personalized care is possible. Patients' expectations and their individual risk factors can thus be placed at the center of the therapeutic decision and the preoperative information.

CONCLUSION

The surgical and interventional management of LUTS due to BPH has evolved to lower perioperative morbidity with the help of numerous technological developments. Mini-invasive alternatives to standard treatment have also been proposed in order to improve the quality of postoperative sexual life. These alternatives provide significant improvement in LUTS that remains lower than after conventional treatments. Somme of these alternative are also not fully supported by clinical trials, which should urge urologists to act with caution when proposing these alternatives in daily clinical practice.

Perioperative Changes and Progress in Photoselective Vaporization of the Prostate with GreenLight XPS 180 W System: A Single Center Experience

PURPOSE

The study aimed to evaluate progression of GreenLight-XPS 180 W photoselective vaporization of the prostate (GL-XPS) with respect to effectiveness, efficacy, and safety over time at a tertiary referral high volume center.

METHODS

The retrospective study included 375 men who underwent GL-XPS for symptomatic benign prostate obstruction (BPO) between June 2010 and February 2015. Primary outcome measurements were operation time (OT; min) and effective laser time (LT; min of OT) analyzed with regard to prostatic volume (PV; mL) (group 1 <40 mL up to 4 >80 mL in 20 mL steps) and the year of surgery (2010-2015).

RESULTS

The median age was 72 years (range 64-79), the median PV was 58 mL (range 33-98) and the median PV increased from 42 mL in 2012 to 80 mL in 2015. The OT and LT clearly correlated with the PV, being doubled for glands of median 95 mL compared to median 30 mL while the applied laser energy per LT likewise steadily increased. Overall, both OT and LT could be significantly reduced each year by 37% (OT; p < 0.05) and 36% (LT; p < 0.05) within 5 years. The hospital stay (days) and catheterization time (days) remained constant, without any changes over time. The overall complication rate (Clavien-Dindo >2) ranged from 36 to 15% between 2010 and 2015. The pre (median 22 + 4) and postoperative International Prostate Symptom Score-Quality of Life (median 5 + 1) showed a sufficient reduction in symptomatic BPO.

CONCLUSION

GL-XPS is a safe and effective surgical method for symptomatic BPO. Our single center experience showed a significant improvement of both OT and effective LT within 5 years whilst maintaining stable low complication rate and high patient satisfaction.