Evaluating the Impact of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia Surgical Treatments on Sexual Health

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), a prevalent condition in older men, is often managed through various surgical interventions. This narrative review aims to explore the impact of these surgical treatments on sexual function, a critical aspect of patient quality of life often overlooked in BPH management. The methodology encompassed a thorough review of contemporary surgical techniques for BPH, including prostate resection, enucleation, vaporization, and minimally invasive therapies such as UroLift, Rezum, and Aquablation. Additionally, the focus was on patient-centered outcomes, with a special emphasis on sexual health following surgery. Findings reveal that, while surgical interventions effectively alleviate BPH symptoms, they often have significant repercussions in sexual function, including erectile and ejaculatory dysfunction. However, emerging techniques demonstrate potential in preserving sexual function, underscoring the need for patient-centric treatment approaches. The study highlights the complex interplay between BPH surgery and sexual health, with minimally invasive treatments showing promise in balancing symptom relief and sexual function preservation. In conclusion, the study advocates for an integrated, interdisciplinary approach to BPH treatment, emphasizing the importance of considering sexual health in therapeutic decision-making. This narrative review suggests a paradigm shift towards minimally invasive techniques could optimize patient outcomes, marrying symptom relief with quality-of-life considerations. The need for further research in this domain is evident, particularly in understanding long-term sexual health outcomes following different surgical interventions for BPH.

How can we Preserve Sexual Function after Ablative Surgery for Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia?

Our aim was to provide a narrative review regarding the prevalence, the associated pathophysiologic pathways and the potential management methods of sexual dysfunction related to ablative surgical techniques for Benign Prostatic Enlargement (BPE). Men suffering from BPE are at high risk of sexual dysfunction due to the disease itself, comorbidities, and pharmacological/surgical treatments. Transurethral resection of the prostate, as the gold standard treatment option for BPE, has historically been associated with relatively high rates of postoperative sexual dysfunction problems, mainly retrograde ejaculation but also erectile dysfunction. Ablative surgical techniques, including photoselective vaporization of the prostate (PVP), transurethral needle ablation (TUNA), Transurethral Microwave Therapy (TUMT), Convective Water Vapor Energy Ablation (Rezum®) and Aquablation®, have been proposed as treatment methods able to reduce treatment-related complications for BPE patients, including adverse effects on erectile and ejaculatory function, without compromising the efficacy rates for BPE. The neurovascular bundles can be damaged during TURP due to posterolateral capsular perforation. Ablative techniques and especially PVP theoretically seem to skip this hazard, as the distance created from the necrotic area to the capsule is generally larger compared to the distance induced after TURP. However, indirect thermal injury of erectile nerves, which could also be induced by the majority of available ablative techniques, could potentially lead to ED. Two special technical characteristics (physiological saline use for tissue ablation and real time penetration depth control) of Aquablation® could be proved beneficial with regard to the effect of the method on erectile function. In general, ablative techniques seem to have a minor impact on sexual function. However, low methodological quality characterizes most of the studies included in this review mainly due to the impossibility, in many cases, to perform blind randomization. Also, many studies did not have an erectile and ejaculatory function as primary outcomes limiting that way their statistical power to identify significant variations. Management of sexual dysfunction problems arising from ablative surgeries for BPE treatment could be divided into two levels. Firstly, intraoperatively the avoidance of manipulation of crucial structures regarding ejaculatory (bladder neck or ejaculatory ducts) and erectile function (neurovascular bundles) could possibly decrease the negative effect of these procedures on sexual function. Thus, in this direction, modifications of classic ablative techniques have been proposed resulting in encouraging outcomes regarding postoperative sexual function. Secondly, if EjD and/or ED are established, the already known treatment choices should be chosen in order for sexual function rehabilitation to be achieved. Thus, regarding ED: PDE5i daily or on-demand remains the gold standard first-line treatment choice followed by intracavernosal alprostadil injections in cases of failure, while penile prosthesis implantation must be kept as the final definitive solution when all the other methods have failed. Regarding ejaculation disorders (retrograde ejaculation or anejaculation): medical therapy with a-agonists (pseudoephedrine), sperm retrieval from the urine, bladder neck reconstruction, prostatic massage, electroejaculation, penile vibratory stimulation and surgical sperm retrieval are the available treatment options. Furthermore, high-quality studies are required to investigate the potential side effects of BPE surgery on sexual function and efficient treatment methods to manage them.

Minimizing Sexual Dysfunction in BPH Surgery

Purpose of Review

To review the prevalence and risks of sexual dysfunction associated with current treatment options for benign prostatic hyperplasia and to characterize techniques and methods to manage postoperative sexual dysfunction-related side effects.

Recent Findings

Current surgical therapies available for the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia are associated with a substantial risk of both ejaculatory and erectile function. However, many of the novel minimally invasive treatment alternatives have demonstrated the ability to preserve postoperative sexual function to a better degree, all while providing significant relief of lower urinary tract symptoms in an equally safe and efficacious manner.

Summary

Benign prostatic hyperplasia remains a highly prevalent disease among the aging population. While surgical treatments are often necessary to relieve bothersome urinary symptoms, these procedures are associated with an increased risk of sexual dysfunction. As such, there has been an increased interest in the development of minimally invasive therapies, such as the UroLift®, Rezum®, and Aquablation®, with the hopes of achieving similar symptomatic relief while maintaining sexual function. Aside from reporting lower rates of sexual dysfunction, these procedures have also demonstrated comparable safety, durability, and efficacy to current gold standard therapies. Some procedures can even be performed in an outpatient setting, avoiding the need for general anesthesia altogether. Overall, an individualized, shared decision-making approach is necessary to determine the ideal treatment option for each patient.

A Review of Male Sexual Health and Dysfunction Following Surgical Treatment for Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia and Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Review how the various surgical treatments for benign prostatic hyperplasia and lower urinary tract symptoms impact on male sexual health and function.

RECENT FINDINGS

The interplay between benign prostatic hyperplasia and erectile function is complex, and the conditions seem linked. Most cavitating procedures to improve male voiding will degrade ejaculatory and possibly erectile function. Many of the newer minimally invasive therapies appear to preserve sexual function in the short term while sacrificing some of the voiding improvements realized with more complete removal of the prostate adenoma. Benign prostatic hyperplasia will affect the majority of men at some point in life, and surgical treatment remains an integral option for managing the associated urinary symptoms. These treatments are associated with variable rates of sexual side effects, including ejaculatory, erectile, and orgasmic dysfunction. As the impact of these treatment modalities on sexual dysfunction has become more widely acknowledged, there has been a rise in interest in modalities that minimize adverse sexual side effects. Recent studies have sought to further elucidate the relationship between surgical treatment of benign prostate hyperplasia and sexual outcomes, and a number of studies have demonstrated that treatment of benign prostate hyperplasia can actually result in improved sexual function for some patients. This work intends to review the proposed pathophysiology behind the sexual side effects resulting from the surgical treatment of benign prostate hyperplasia and review the literature regarding both established and emerging surgical techniques.

Changes in Erectile Function after Photoselective Vaporization of the Prostate with a 120-W GreenLight High-Performance System Laser: 2-Year Follow-Up

Purpose

To evaluate the impact of photoselective vaporization of the prostate (PVP) with a 120-W GreenLight high-performance system on erectile function in a 2-year follow-up study.

Materials and Methods

One hundred seventy-seven patients who underwent PVP during 2008 to 2012 were analyzed retrospectively. The patients were divided into 5 groups according to their preoperative 5-item International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-5) scores: Group I (IIEF-5: 5~7, n=28), II (IIEF-5: 8~11, n=47), III (IIEF-5: 12~16, n=43), IV (IIEF-5: 17~21, n=34), and V (IIEF-5: 22~25, n=25). The patients were assessed before surgery and 6, 12, and 24 months after the PVP. Their International Prostate Symptom Score/quality of life, maximum urinary flow rate/post-void residual urine volume, and IIEF-5 scores were measured at each visit.

Results

The mean age and presence of hypertension were significantly different among the 5 groups. Perioperative parameters and postoperative complication rates showed no statistical differences. After PVP, voiding parameters were significantly improved in all the groups and sustained during the 2-year follow-up. The postoperative IIEF-5 scores fell slightly overall, while group V showed the largest significant deterioration. In multivariate analysis, body mass index (BMI) was the only independent predictor of decreased erectile function after PVP.

Conclusions

Erectile function declined in all the groups after PVP, with the most extensive deterioration observed in patients with normal erectile function preoperatively. Preoperative BMI was the only independent risk factor for a meaningful decrease in erectile function after PVP.

Longitudinal changes in erectile function after thulium:YAG prostatectomy for the treatment of benign prostatic obstruction: a 1-year follow-up study

This study aimed to evaluate the impact of thulium:yttrium-aluminum-garnet (Tm:YAG) (RevoLix®) laser prostatectomy for the treatment of benign prostatic obstructions on erectile function (EF). A total of 208 patients who underwent Tm:YAG laser prostatectomies participated in this study. All cases were evaluated preoperatively and at 3, 6, and 12 months postoperatively using the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), quality of life (QoL) score, and the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-5) questionnaires. Patients were divided into groups A (severe erectile dysfunction [ED]), B (moderate ED), and C (mild-to-normal ED), according to their IIEF-5 scores. The median patient ages were 69, 65, and 62 years in groups A, B, and C, respectively. Significant improvements occurred in the IPSS and QoL score within the groups during the 12-month follow-up period. The IIEF-5 scores at 3 months postoperatively were lower than the preoperative scores in groups B and C. The IIEF-5 scores subsequently improved during the 12-month follow-up period. The slope of the relationship between the IIEF-5 score and the time since Tm:YAG laser prostatectomy had a ß value of 0.2210 (95% confidence interval 0.103 to 0.338, p = 0.0003); hence, each postoperative month was associated with an increase of 0.2210 in the IIEF-5 score. The IIEF-5 scores gradually increased and reached the preoperative levels by the 12-month follow-up assessment. Although the IIEF-5 score dropped significantly during the first 3 months postoperatively, it improved over the following 12 months. Tm:YAG laser prostatectomy did not impact on EF ultimately.

Impact of 160 W Greenlight laser vaporization of the prostate on erectile function: a prospective randomized controlled trial with 1-year follow-up

OBJECTIVE

Our aim was to evaluate the impact of 160 W Greenlight laser vaporization of the prostate on erectile function by the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-5) in 1-year follow-up in patients with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) caused by benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).

BACKGROUND DATA

Although high-power Greenlight laser has greatly improved the efficiency of vaporization of the prostate, the impact of it on erectile function remains uncertain.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 80 BPH patients with normal erectile function or mild erectile dysfunction (IIEF-5 ≥12) were included in this study. They were randomly assigned to two equal groups: 80 or 160 W. Both groups were compared regarding all relevant preoperative, operative, and postoperative parameters. Urinary function in terms of International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), quality of life (QOL) score, maximum flow rate (Qmax), and residual urinary volume (RUV) were evaluated at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months postoperatively. Erectile function was evaluated by IIEF-5 at 3, 6, and 12 months postoperatively.

RESULTS

Baseline characteristics of the two groups were comparable. Mean operative time was significantly shorter for the 160 W group. Urinary function in terms of IPSS, QOL, Qmax, and RUV were all significantly improved over baseline in both groups. There were no significant differences in these urinary functional parameters between the two groups at any point of follow-up. IIEF-5 scores of both groups significantly decreased at 3 months postoperatively compared with baseline, but at 6 and 12 months postoperatively, IIEF-5 score of either group increased to baseline, and was not different from baseline. At any point of follow-up, IIEF-5 scores of the two groups were comparable.

CONCLUSIONS

Greenlight laser (160 W) vaporization of the prostate will not increase the risk of impairing erectile function.

Sexual outcome of patients undergoing thulium laser enucleation of the prostate for benign prostatic hyperplasia

Treatment of patients with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) secondary to benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) may affect the quality of sexual function and ejaculation. The effect of new surgical procedures, which are currently available to treat BPH, on erection and ejaculation, has been poorly studied. This study aimed to assess the effect of thulium laser enucleation of the prostate (ThuLEP) on sexual function and retrograde ejaculation in patients with LUTS secondary to BPH. We performed a prospective study in 110 consecutive patients who had undergone ThuLEP to analyze changes in sexual function and urinary symptoms. To evaluate changes in erection and ejaculation, and the effect of urinary symptoms on the quality of life (QoL), five validated questionnaires were used: the ICIQ-MLUTSsex, MSHQ-EjD, International Index of Erectile Function 5, International Prognostic Scoring System (IPSS) questionnaire, and QoL index of the intraclass correlation coefficients. Patients also underwent IPSS and flowmetry to assess the outcome of flow. Patients were evaluated before surgery and 3–6 months after ThuLEP, whereas those with previous abdominal surgery were excluded. The patients’ mean age was 67.83 years. Postoperative urinary symptoms improved after surgery. No significant differences in erectile function before and after surgery were observed. As compared with other techniques described in the literature, the percentage of patients with conserved ejaculation increased by 52.7% after ThuLEP. ThuLEP positively affects urinary symptoms and their effect on the QoL of patients as assessed by questionnaire scores. While endoscopic management of BPH (e.g. transurethral resection of the prostate) causes retrograde ejaculation in most patients, those who undergo ThuLEP have conserved ejaculation and erectile function.

Best laser for prostatectomy in the year 2013

Lasers have come a long way in the management of benign prostatic hyperplasia. Over last nearly two decades, various different lasers have been utilized for prostatectomy. Neodymium: yttrium-aluminum-garnet laser that started this journey, is no longer used for prostatectomy. Holmium laser can achieve transurethral enucleation of the prostatic adenoma producing a fossa that can be compared with the fossa after Freyer's prostatectomy. Green light laser has a short learning curve, is nearly blood-less with good immediate results. Thulium laser is a faster cutting laser while diode laser is a portable laser device. Often laser prostatectomy is considered as a replacement for the standard transurethral resection of prostate (TURP). To be comparable, laser should reduce or avoid the immediate and long-term complications of TURP, especially bleeding and need for blood transfusion. It should also be safe in the ever increasing patient population on antiplatelet and anticoagulant drugs. We need to take stock of the situation and identify, which among the present day lasers has stood the test of time. A review of the literature was performed to see if any of these lasers could be called the “best laser for prostatectomy in 2013.”

The volume of prostate can impact the male sexual function following photoselective vaporization of the prostate: results of a prospective analysis of 128 patients with 2-year follow-up

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the impact of the male sexual function following photoselective vaporization of the prostate treatment in different volume of prostates.

METHODS

One hundred and twenty-eight consecutive patients with active sexual ability who underwent prostate vaporization with the green light laser during 2009-2011 were enrolled. We divided all patients into two groups group I (<70 ml, n = 58) and group II (≥ 70 ml, n = 70) according to the volume of prostate. Two group patients were assessed by International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-5) preoperatively and at 1, 3, 6, 12, and 24 months. We measured the IPSS, QoL, Q max, PRV PSA at the baseline, postoperation and every visit. IIF-5 questionnaires were also collected in every visit.

RESULT

One hundred and twenty-eight patients were under successful operations. In the 1, 3, 6, 12 and 24 months, main parameters following operation such as Q max PRV IPSS and QoL scores had significant improved compared to baseline. However, the group II was better than group I in every visits. As the 6, 12 and 24 months of questionnaires, group II had less IIEF scores than group I. To evaluate the adverse sexual outcomes of IIEF-5 lists, the erectile dysfunction and overall unsatisfied scores of group II were much more than group I in 6-24-month visits.

CONCLUSION

The larger volume of prostate (≥ 70 ml) following PVP treatment has negative influence on sexual function in the long term (more than 6 months). The adverse sexual outcomes were significant increased after PVP in the prostate with more than 70-ml volume.

Update on the sexual impact of treatment for benign prostatic hyperplasia

There is an established link between lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) caused by benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and erectile dysfunction (ED). The medical and surgical management of LUTS can affect erectile function (EF), cause ejaculatory dysfunction (EjD) or affect libido. This article will review the effects of these therapies on sexual function.

Evaluation of the Effect of Photoselective Vaporization of the Prostate on Sexual Function in a Prospective Study: A Single Center Experience of 150 Patients

Abstract Background and Purpose: Photoselective vaporization of the prostate (PVP) has emerged as a minimally invasive alternative to transurethral resection of the prostate for treatment of benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH) with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS). Very few prospective studies have addressed the effect of PVP on sexual function. We performed this prospective study to assess the short-term effect of PVP on erectile function in patients who present with LUTS secondary to BPH. Patients and Methods: There were 150 consecutive patients who presented with LUTS secondary to BPH who underwent PVP and who were enrolled prospectively in this study. Patients were categorized in two groups: Group A, International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) ≥19; group B, IIEF <19. PVP was performed by using an 80 W GreenLight laser. Patients preoperative, perioperative, and follow-up data were recorded. Erectile function was assessed preoperatively and postoperatively at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months using IIEF-5. In follow-up, Ultrasonography of the kidneys, ureters, and bladder for residual prostate and postvoid residual urine, uroflowmetry, kidney function tests, and urine culture were performed at each visit. Cystoscopy was performed at 3 months. Data were analyzed statistically. Results: The two patient groups were comparable in their preoperative and perioperative data. Both groups showed improvement in International Prostate Symptom Score, maximum flow rate, quality of life, and decrease in postvoid residual urine at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months with no statistical significance. IIEF-5 scores in Group A, however, were 21.1, 19.2, 17.1, 16.2, and 16.1, respectively, at preoperative, postoperative month 1, 3, 6, and 12, respectively (P=0.02). IIEF-5 scores in Group B were 13.2, 12.1, 11.3, 11.2, and 10.9, respectively, at preoperative, postoperative month 1, 3, 6, and 12, respectively (P=0.45). Conclusions: In patients with normal preoperative erectile function, PVP resulted in significant decrease in EF up to follow-up of 1 year. In patients with preoperative ED, however, PVP did not significantly decrease EF.

Serial Changes in Sexual Function Following Holmium Laser Enucleation of the Prostate: A Short-term Follow-up Study

Purpose

To evaluate the serial changes in sexual function in the short-term period after holmium laser enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP) for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and to investigate whether a change in each domain of the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) is associated with improvement of micturition.

Materials and Methods

Thirty-eight potent men who underwent HoLEP and in whom complete 12-month follow-up data on the IIEF were available were included in this retrospective study. All patients underwent a baseline evaluation for BPH. The surgical outcome was evaluated at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months postoperatively by use of the International Prostate Symptom Score, IIEF, and uroflowmetry.

Results

The mean age and body mass index of the patients was 64.5±6.2 years and 24.2±2.6 kg/m², respectively. Mean total prostate volume and transitional zone volume were 48.8±18.8 ml and 24.2±16.1 ml, respectively. Most IIEF domain scores showed a slight decrease at 1, 3, and 6 months after surgery but recovered to the baseline or showed a marginal but nonsignificant increase at 12 months postoperatively compared with baseline. Orgasmic function and the overall sexual satisfaction domain score remained slightly reduced up to 12 months postoperatively. There was no significant correlation between improvement of micturition and change in sexual function throughout the follow-up period after surgery.

Conclusions

Although HoLEP achieves significant improvements in micturition, overall sexual function decreases slightly in the early postoperative period, but recovers to the baseline at 12 months postoperatively. Our data suggest that changes in sexual function after HoLEP are not associated with improvement of micturition.

EAU guidelines on laser technologies

CONTEXT

The European Association of Urology (EAU) Guidelines Office has set up a guideline working panel to analyse the scientific evidence published in the world literature on lasers in urologic practice.

OBJECTIVE

Review the physical background and physiologic and technical aspects of the use of lasers in urology, as well as current clinical results from these new and evolving technologies, together with recommendations for the application of lasers in urology. The primary objective of this structured presentation of the current evidence base in this area is to assist clinicians in making informed choices regarding the use of lasers in their practice.

EVIDENCE ACQUISITION

Structured literature searches using an expert consultant were designed for each section of this document. Searches were carried out in the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and Medline and Embase on the Dialog/DataStar platform. The controlled terminology of the respective databases was used, and both Medical Subject Headings and EMTREE were analysed for relevant entry terms. One Cochrane review was identified.

EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS

Depending on the date of publication, the evidence for different laser treatments is heterogeneous. The available evidence allows treatments to be classified as safe alternatives for the treatment of bladder outlet obstruction in different clinical scenarios, such as refractory urinary retention, anticoagulation, and antiplatelet medication. Laser treatment for bladder cancer should only be used in a clinical trial setting or for patients who are not suitable for conventional treatment due to comorbidities or other complications. For the treatment of urinary stones and retrograde endoureterotomy, lasers provide a standard tool to augment the endourologic procedure.

CONCLUSIONS

In benign prostatic obstruction (BPO), laser vaporisation, resection, or enucleation are alternative treatment options. The standard treatment for BPO remains transurethral resection of the prostate for small to moderate size prostates and open prostatectomy for large prostates. Laser energy is an optimal treatment method for disintegrating urinary stones. The use of lasers to treat bladder tumours and in laparoscopy remains investigational.

The relationship between photoselective vaporization of the prostate and sexual function

Although transurethral resection of the prostate remains the gold standard treatment of lower urinary tract symptoms that are refractory to medical therapy, photovaporization of the prostate (PVP) has become a popular alternative. Early PVP studies have been encouraging, but insufficient data exist regarding the effects of PVP on long-term sexual function. This article analyzes the published data and briefly reviews the literature. The studies on PVP are heterogeneous, and other than one that showed a decreased International Index of Erectile Function score after PVP, all the studies analyzed the population at large and did not focus on preoperatively potent patients. Further well-conducted and prospective studies are needed to confirm the impact of PVP on erectile function.

Long-term results of surgical techniques and procedures in men with benign prostatic hyperplasia

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is one of the most common conditions associated with the aging male. Surgical management of lower urinary tract symptoms attributed to BPH has progressed over time as urologic surgeons search for more innovative and less invasive forms of treatment. Transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) has long been the "gold standard" to which all other forms of treatment are compared. There are several different methods of surgical treatment of BPH, including whole gland enucleation/intact removal, vaporization, and induction of necrosis with delayed reabsorption as well as hybrid techniques. As with any form of surgical intervention, long-term results define success. Long-term follow-up consists of examining overall efficacy with attention to associated adverse events. TURP has the luxury of the longest follow-up, while less invasive forms of treatment starting to acquire long-term data. There are several surgical options for BPH; newer methods do show promise, while the "gold standard" continues to demonstrate excellent surgical results.

Benign prostatic hyperplasia and prostate cancer: an overview for primary care physicians

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and prostate cancer (CaP) are major sources of morbidity in older men. Management of these disorders has evolved considerably in recent years. This article provides a focused overview of BPH and CaP management aimed at primary care physicians. Current literature pertaining to BPH and CaP is reviewed and discussed. The management of BPH has been influenced by the adoption of effective medical therapies; nonetheless, surgical intervention remains a valid option for many men. This can be accomplished with well-established standards such as transurethral resection of the prostate or with minimally invasive techniques. Prostate cancer screening remains controversial despite the recent publication of two large clinical trials. Not all prostate cancers necessarily need to be treated. Robot-assisted prostatectomy is a new and increasingly utilised technique for CaP management, although open radical retropubic prostatectomy is the oncological reference standard. The ageing of the population of the developed world means that primary care physicians will see an increasing number of men with BPH and CaP. Close collaboration between primary care physicians and urologists offers the key to successful management of these disorders.

Does Greenlight HPS(™) laser photoselective vaporization prostatectomy affect sexual function?

PURPOSE

We evaluate the impact of GreenLight High-Performance System (HPS™) laser photoselective vaporization prostatectomy (PVP) on sexual function after treatment of lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) secondary to benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We prospectively evaluated our initial single surgeon experience with GreenLight HPS™ laser PVP. All patients had American Urological Association Symptom Score (AUASS), Sexual Health Inventory for Men (SHIM), maximum flow rate (Qmax), and postvoid residual (PVR) determinations. Transurethral PVP was performed using a 120W GreenLight HPS™ side-firing laser system. AUASS, SHIM, Qmax, and PVR were evaluated 1, 4, 12, 24, and 52 weeks postsurgery. Wilcoxon signed rank test and the Student t-test were used to assess the changes from baseline.

RESULTS

Seventy-two patients completed 52 weeks of follow-up, having a median age of 69 (45-89) years. The median prostate volume was 62 (21-263) mL. Median AUASS improved significantly from 23 to 8, 6, 5, 5, and 4 (P < 0.05) at 1, 4, 12, 24, and 52 weeks, respectively. Median SHIM changed from 15 to 12, 16, 19, 16, and 17 during the follow-up period (P = 0.032, 0.427, 0.074, 0.081, and 0.259). Minimum change (0 ± 5) in SHIM occurred in 85.5%, 90.5%, 78.8%, 77.5%, and 73.7% of patients; 11.3%, 6.3%, 6.0%, 4.8%, and 7.0% of patients had deterioration of erectile function (SHIM reduction >5); and 3.2%, 3.2%, 15.2%, 17.7%, and 19.3% of patients had improvement of erectile function (SHIM increase >5). Incidence of new-onset retrograde ejaculation was 30%.

CONCLUSION

GreenLight HPS™ laser PVP appears to not have a detrimental effect on erectile function.

Sexual impact of treatment of lower urinary tract symptoms associated with benign prostatic hyperplasia

Lower urinary tract symptoms associated with benign prostatic hyperplasia (LUTS/BPH) and the treatment of these conditions are commonly associated with sexual dysfunction. The effects on sexual function of common medical and surgical therapies used in the treatment of LUTS/BPH are reviewed. Also discussed is the emerging use of phosphodiesterase inhibitors in the treatment of LUTS/BPH.

Complications of laser prostatectomy: a review of recent data

INTRODUCTION

Laser techniques for the treatment of bladder outlet obstruction (BOO) due to benign prostate enlargement (BPE) have emerged as an alternative to transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) and open prostatectomy (OP).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A Medline search over the past 4 years was performed to assess the safety, intra- and postoperative morbidity of various laser techniques.

RESULTS

Data on holmium laser enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP) show the highest grade of evidence with two meta-analyses available and prove the low intra- and postoperative morbidity with reproducible long-term results. Photoselective vaporization of the prostate (PVP) with the Greenlightlaser (potassium titanyl phosphate, KTP or lithium borate, LBO) is characterized by excellent haemostatic properties in patients with or without oral anticoagulation. Long-term results show a reoperation rate comparable with TURP; however, there is a lack of randomized trials. Various types of diode lasers with different wavelengths are available for laser vaporization; despite their favourable haemostatic properties, a higher invasion depth seems to result in necrosis of the tissue leading to a higher rate of reoperation. Thulium-laser resection of the prostate shows promising intra- and postoperative morbidity, but data are limited and initial results need to be confirmed in large-scale trials.

CONCLUSION

In summary, HoLEP- and KTP-, or LBO-laser vaporization of the prostate are the most mature techniques of laser prostatectomy and treatment alternatives to TURP and OP, whereas the clinical value and durability of procedures with diode laser systems and the thulium laser need to be confirmed in high-quality prospective RCTs.

A prospective study on the association between lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) and erectile dysfunction: results from a large study in elderly Chinese in Southern China

INTRODUCTION

Although many cross-sectional studies have been conducted on the association between lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) and erectile dysfunction (ED), no studies were prospective in Asia. Aim. The relationship between LUTS and ED is examined using a prospective cohort of 2000 Chinese men.

METHODS

Baseline and 4-year data from a large prospective cohort study of 2000 Chinese elderly men were analyzed. A total of 1,736 subjects were included in the current analysis after excluding those with history of bladder or prostate cancer, or urological surgery, and those who used alpha blockers or anti-androgen.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

LUTS were measured at baseline by the International Prostatic Symptom Score and ED was measured using one question on impotence at the end of 4 years.

RESULTS

A dose-response relationship was observed for the relationship between baseline severity of LUTS and severity of ED at follow-up with those who had more severe LUTS at baseline with an increased odds of having more severe ED (odd ratio [OR] = 1.86, confidence interval [CI]: 1.16-2.97 for mild LUTS at baseline; OR = 2.95, CI: 1.81-4.81 for moderate LUTS at baseline; and OR = 3.82, CI: 2.00-7.27 for severe LUTS at baseline). Other baseline factors that were statistically significantly associated with ED included body mass index (OR = 1.13, CI: 1.01-1.26), hypertension (OR = 1.30, CI: 1.02-1.65) and diabetes (OR = 1.44, CI: 1.07-1.93).

CONCLUSION

The presence of LUTS is associated with ED with more severe LUTS being associated with higher degree of ED in men.