The clinical value of holmium laser enucleation of the prostate in octogenarians

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.

Propensity score-matched evaluation of palliative transurethral resection and holmium laser enucleation of the prostate for bladder outlet obstruction in patients with prostate cancer

BACKGROUND

While transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) is the standard-of-care, Holmium laser enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP) is widely accepted as a size-independent method for surgical treatment of patients with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) secondary to bladder outlet obstruction (BOO). However, in an ageing society an increasing number of patients presents with BOO due to locally advanced prostate cancer. There is currently no guidelines recommendation as to the enucleation or resection technique. Therefore, we compared intraoperative performance, postoperative outcomes, and safety for palliative (p)TURP and (p)HoLEP.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective, propensity score-matched analysis of 1373 and 2705 men who underwent TURP or HoLEP for LUTS/BOO between 2014 and 2021, respectively. Patients were matched for age, prostate size and preoperative international prostate symptom score (IPSS). Patients were stratified by technique and groups were compared for perioperative parameters, safety, and functional outcomes.

RESULTS

While postoperative symptoms and urodynamic parameters improved irrespective of technique, we report significantly increased resection and enucleation times for palliative indication. For corresponding efficiency parameters, we observed a two-fold higher surgical performance (g/min) for both techniques in patients without prostate cancer. While adverse events were comparable between groups, we found a two-fold higher hemoglobin drop in palliative patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Currently, there is no standard-of-care for patients with BOO and locally advanced prostate cancer. Our data show that both TURP and HoLEP offer adequate symptom improvement and comparable safety profiles. While HoLEP is feasible even in larger prostates, both procedures become more difficult in patients with prostate cancer. Taken together, this study covers an important gap in current literature, helping urological surgeons to make evidence-based decisions for the benefit of their patients.

Comparison of the efficacy of HoLEP and TURP in the treatment of elderly benign prostatic hyperplasia patients: a retrospective study

OBJECTIVE

To prove that holmium laser prostatectomy (HoLEP) is safe and effective in the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), and is superior to transurethral prostatectomy (TURP) for elderly patients.

METHODS

We retrospectively studied 565 HoLEP patients and 76 TURP elderly patients. HoLEP patients were first divided into three groups according to their age(Under 65 years old group, 65-79 years old group and over 80 years old group), and their preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative characteristics were then compared. Secondly, the same characteristics of HoLEP and TURP patients over 80 years were compared. Chi-square test, one-way ANOVA and Fisher's exact test were used in this study.

RESULTS

Firstly, we compared HoLEP patients in different age groups and found that there was statistically significant difference in diabetes, CCVD and bladder stones, among the three groups (P<0.05).Secondlye, we compared HoLEP and TURP treatments in elderly patients (≥80 years old). The patients with HoLEP had a higher share of diabetes, CCVD and anticoagulation (P<0.05). Moreover, compared with TURP patients, HoLEP patients had shorter enucleation duration, more enucleate prostate weight, fewer hemoglobin diminutions, shorter bladder irrigation time, shorter catheter-indwelling period, and shorter hospital period (P<0.05). Although there was no difference in IPSS, Qmax and QOL between the two groups before operation (P>0.05), the difference was statistically significant, 6 months after the operation (P<0.05).

CONCLUSION

HoLEP is safe and effective for BPH patients, and is superior to transurethral TURP for elderly patients.

Preoperative Frailty Scores Predict the Early Postoperative Complications of Holmium Laser Enucleation of Prostate

Background: Frailty is a recent multidimensional concept of a contemporary growing interest for understanding the complex health status of elderly population. We aimed to assess the impact of frailty scores on the outcome and complication rate of holmium laser enucleation of prostate (HoLEP). Methods: A 7-year data of HoLEP patients in a single tertiary referral center were reviewed. The preoperative, operative, early, and late postoperative outcome data were collected and compared according to the preoperative frailty scores. Frailty was assessed preoperatively using the Modified Hopkins frailty score. Results: The study included 837 patients categorized into two groups: group I included 533 nonfrail patients (frailty score = 0), whereas group II included 304 frail patients (frailty score ≥1). The median (interquartile range) age was 70 (11) and 75 (11) years for groups I and II, respectively (<0.001). The 30-day perioperative complication rate (p = 0.005), blood transfusion (p = 0.013), failed voiding trial (p = 0.0015), and 30-day postoperative readmission (p = 0.0363) rates were significantly higher in frail patients of group II. The two groups were statistically comparable regarding postoperative international prostate symptom score (p = 0.6886, 0.6308, 0.9781), incontinence rate (p = 0.475, 0.592, 0.1546), postvoid residual (p = 0.5801, 0.1819, 0.593) at 6 weeks and 3 months, and 1-year follow-up intervals, respectively. Conclusion: In elderly patients undergoing HoLEP, the preoperative frailty scores strongly correlate with the risk of perioperative complications. Frail patients should be counseled regarding their relative higher risk of early perioperative complications although they gain the same functional profit of HoLEP as nonfrail patients.

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.

En bloc holmium laser enucleation of prostate in octogenarians and nonagenarians: clinical characteristics and outcome

Extended longevity leads to greater numbers of elderly patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) who seek surgical solutions. We assessed the clinical characteristics and outcomes of octogenarians and nonagenarians with BPH who underwent en bloc holmium laser enucleation of prostate (HoLEP). Retrospective cohort of all consecutive HoLEP patients treated in our medical center between January 2020 and January 2023. Cohort was divided into group aged < 80 years (n = 290) and group aged ≥ 80 years (n = 77). Their demographics, presentations, indications, and outcomes were compared. Octogenarians and nonagenarians had higher rates of indwelling catheters (p = 0.00001), chronic retention (p = 0.00006), larger prostates (p = 0.03), higher American Anesthesiology Association scores (p = 0.000001), and more antiplatelet medications (p = 0.0003) at presentation. They had longer operations (median 115 vs 90 min, respectively, p = 0.0008), longer hospital stay (median 2 vs 1 day, p = 0.01E-7), a higher complication rate (17% vs 7%, p = 0.02), and a higher transitory urinary incontinence (TUI) rate (54% vs 9%, p = 0.00001). TUI was more prevalent in the older group with indwelling catheters (61% vs, 13%, p = 0.00001). The functional outcome was similar for both age groups, and all patients could void spontaneously after the procedure. En-bloc HoLEP improves urinary symptoms and quality of life in patients ≥ 80 years of age despite larger prostates, more comorbidities, and higher complications rate, compared to younger men. HoLEP bestows a significant improvement in urologic quality of life regardless of age.

Age-specific effect of transurethral holmium laser enucleation of the prostate on overactive bladder in men with benign prostatic hyperplasia: An investigation using an overactive bladder symptom score

OBJECTIVES

To investigate the age-specific effect of transurethral holmium laser enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP) on overactive bladder (OAB).

METHODS

A total of 186 consecutive patients who underwent HoLEP were included. They were divided into three groups: patients aged less than 65 years, between 65 and 74, and 75 or older. The OAB symptom score as well as other relevant variables of lower urinary tract symptoms and function were assessed before and 1, 3, 6, and 12 months after surgery. Age-specific prevalence of OAB, the proportion of resolution of OAB, and de novo OAB were evaluated.

RESULTS

The mean age of patients was 70.7 years, and the mean total prostate volume was 75.8 ml. The mean OAB symptom scores before surgery of patients aged less than 65 years, between 65 and 74, and 75 or older were 6.0, 5.2, and 5.7, respectively. At 12 months after surgery, the scores for the respective groups had significantly decreased to 2.1, 2.5, and 3.5. The prevalence of OAB based on the score in the respective groups was 45.8%, 56.9%, and 54.0% (p = .6391) preoperatively and 9.1%, 11.3%, and 15.8% at 12 months after the surgery (p = .7613). Of those with preoperative OAB, 75.0%, 79.2%, and 75.0% of the respective groups showed resolution of OAB at 12 months postoperatively (p = .9427).

CONCLUSIONS

In candidates for surgical deobstruction of benign prostatic hyperplasia, HoLEP has potential to improve OAB symptoms regardless of age.

Efficacy, Efficiency, and Safety of En-bloc vs Three-lobe Enucleation of the Prostate: A Propensity Score-matched Analysis

OBJECTIVE

To assess efficacy, efficiency, and safety in holmium laser enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP), we directly compared intraoperative performance, postoperative outcomes, and safety in the original 3-lobe enucleation technique with the more recent en-bloc method. As HoLEP is widely accepted as a size-independent method for surgical treatment of patients with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) secondary to benign prostatic obstruction (BPO), detailed understanding of its benefits is mandatory.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective, propensity score-matched analysis of 1,396 men who underwent HoLEP for LUTS/BPO between 2017 and 2020. We included 606 patients in the final analysis (en-bloc n = 303; 3-lobe n = 303), who were matched for prostate size (50 cc), age, body mass index, and preoperative international prostate symptom score. Patients were then stratified by technique, and groups were compared for perioperative parameters, safety, and short-term functional outcomes.

RESULTS

While postoperative symptoms and urodynamic parameters improved irrespective of technique, we report significantly less adverse events (Clavien-Dindo classification ≥II vs <II) for patients receiving en-bloc enucleation. Additionally, en-bloc enucleation was more efficient, that is, less than half of total laser energy (kJ), twice shorter enucleation time, and surgical performance (g/kJ/min) significantly increased 4-fold with prostate volume, compared to 3-lobe enucleation.

CONCLUSION

While HoLEP in general is a safe and effective procedure, en-bloc enucleation techniques offer better surgical performance.

Safety and efficacy of GreenLight PVP in octogenarians: evaluation of the Global GreenLight Group database

INTRODUCTION

The present study analyzes the largest international GreenLight database, the Global GreenLight Group (GGG), to evaluate the functional and safety profile of GreenLight photoselective vaporization of the prostate (PVP) in octogenarians.

METHODS

The GGG is a database comprised of patients that underwent GreenLight PVP from 2011 to 2019 performed by 8 experienced urologists at 7 international hospitals. Patients 80 years or older at the time of surgery were categorized as octogenarians. They were compared to a similar group of PVP patients below the age of 80.

RESULTS

Among 3,648 patients, 586 men were above the age of 80. Compared to patients under the age of 80, octogenarians had larger prostates (76.0 vs 71.9 ml, p = 0.02) and a lower BMI (25.6 vs 26.7, p = 0.045). Operative time was not significantly longer in octogenarians. The improvement in functional outcomes between 80-year-old patients and control patients was not significantly different at one-year follow-up, with the exception of maximum urinary flow (Q_max) that favoured younger patients (10.3 vs 12.6 ml/s, p = 0.02). The odds of transfusion were greater for older patients [OR 8.2 (95% CI 3.6-18.9, p < 0.01)], but they were not at increased risk of hematuria. Octogenarians had higher readmission rates (23.0 vs 11.9%, p < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

GreenLight PVP is a safe option in well-selected octogenarians in a cohort of patients treated by surgeons experienced with the technology. The odds of transfusion were higher in patients over 80, but the absolute risk remains low. The 30-day hospital readmission rate was higher in octogenarians.

Efficacy and safety profile of GreenLight laser photoselective vaporization of the prostate in ≥ 75 years old patients: results from the Italian GreenLight Laser Study Group

BACKGROUND

Benign Prostatic Obstruction (BPO) is the most common non-malignant urological condition among men and its incidence rise with age. Among prostate treatments, GreenLight laser seems to reduce bleeding and would be safer in the aging population.

AIMS

We aimed to compare the functional outcomes and safety profile of < 75 years old (Group A) and ≥ 75 years old (Group B) patients.

METHODS

In a multicenter setting, we retrospectively analyzed all the patients treated with GreenLight Laser vaporization of the prostate (PVP).

RESULTS

1077 patients were eligible for this study. 757 belonged to Group A (median age 66 years) and 320 to Group B (median age 78 years). No differences were present between the two groups in terms of prostate volume, operative time, hospital stay, PSA decrease over time after surgery, complications and re-intervention rate with a median follow-up period of 18 months (IQR 12-26). Nevertheless, focusing on complications, GreenLight laser PVP demonstrated an excellent safety profile in terms of hospital stay, re-intervention and complications, with an overall 29.6% complication rate in older patients and only two cases of Clavien III. Functional outcomes were similar at 12 month and became in favor of Group A over time. These data are satisfactory with a Qmax improvement of 111.7% and an IPSS reduction of 69.5% in older patients.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS

GreenLight laser photoselective vaporization of the prostate is a safe and efficient procedure for all patients, despite their age, with comparable outcomes and an equal safety profile.

[Quality of life and outcome after holmium laser enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP)]

BACKGROUND

Holmium Laser Enucleation of the Prostate (HoLEP) was established 20 years ago as an alternative to Transurethral Resection of the Prostate (TUR-P) based on improved morbidity in patients with benign prostate syndrome (BPS). HoLEP can be applied independently to almost all sizes of prostate glands and is recommended in national and international guidelines. Although the HoLEP procedure has a good reputation, many patients still prefer conservative treatment due to fears of side-effects such as pain and urinary incontinence. The aim of this study was to identify patients' feelings, fears and perception of their HoLEP treatment based on Patient-reported Outcome Measures (PROMs) via questionnaires.

MATERIAL UND METHODS

During the time period from June to December 2020, 152 consecutive patients were treated by HoLEP due to BPS and were interviewed based on questionnaires right after their surgical treatment and 3 months later concerning their satisfaction as well as micturition and continence. Based on a written informed consent, 112 patients were included in the study, and a complete 3-month follow-up was available for 88 patients.

RESULTS

The mean volume of enucleated prostate tissue was 62.1 [g] and the mean prostate volume estimated pre-operatively (trans-rectal ultrasound) was 83.1 [cm3]. Overall patient-reported satisfaction with the hospital stay including surgical treatment was 94.6%; after 3 months it was 91.8%. Concerning micturition, 76.5% of the patients reported satisfaction after surgery and 80.4% were satisfied after 3 months. Urinary incontinence was reported in 8.3% initially and in 9.1% after 3 months. Positive answers to questions concerning the quality of life index [L] were obtained in 62.1% initially and their number increased to 85.7% after 3 months. The share of negative answers decreased from 11.7% after surgery to 3.4% within the 3-month follow-up.

DISCUSSION

HoLEP is a well-established treatment of BPS with lower side-effects compared with TUR-P according to the literature. To address doubts and misgivings, it is important to perform surveys on subjective patient satisfaction after the surgical procedure and over time. The high patient satisfaction could help future patients and the urologists treating them to establish the indication for HoLEP treatment earlier in order to avoid severe LUTS or catheterization.

Correlation Between Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia/Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms and Renal Function in Elderly Men Aged 80 Years and Older

Purpose

To investigate the relationship between benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)/lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) and renal function in elderly men aged 80 years and older.

Patients and Methods

We selected 389 elderly men aged 80-97 years with BPH/LUTS hospitalized at The Second Division of General Geriatrics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, between July 2018 and July 2020. In the cross-sectional study, patients were divided into the treatment (233 patients) and non-treatment (156 patients) groups based on whether they received treatment for BPH/LUTS. In the prospective self-case-control study, we included 129 of the non-treatment group patients who received oral BPH/LUTS medication and completed the 6-month outpatient follow-up. We compared prostate indicators and renal function in the cross-sectional study and baseline and after-treatment data in the prospective self-case-control study. Multiple linear regression analysis was performed for risk factors affecting renal function before and after BPH/LUTS treatment.

Results

In the cross-sectional study, renal function was significantly better in the treatment group than in the non-treatment group. In the subgroup analysis of the prospective self-case-control study, renal function significantly improved after treatment among patients with hypertension and those with chronic kidney disease (CKD) 3a, but not in the entire cohort. Multivariable linear regression analysis showed that hypertension (β=2.06, 95% CI 0.40 to 3.71) and CKD 3a (β=17.16, 95% CI 15.53 to 18.79) were independent risk factors for creatinine differences before and after treatment, whereas hypertension (β=-2.27, 95% CI -3.65 to -0.89), CKD 3a (β=-11.93, 95% CI -13.29 to -10.58), and baseline prostate volume (β=-0.11, 95% CI -0.20 to -0.02) were independent risk factors for estimated glomerular filtration rate differences before and after treatment.

Conclusion

Treatment for moderate and severe BPH/LUTS can improve renal function in elderly patients with hypertension or CKD 3a.

B-TURP versus HoLEP: Peri-Operative Outcomes and Complications in Frail Elderly (>75 y.o.) Patients: A Prospective Randomized Study

Background: The aim of this study was to compare the peri-operative and functional results between trans-urethral resection of the prostate (TURP) and holmium laser enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP) in the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) associated with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) in middle-old patients. Materials and Methods: This prospective single-center study included patients over 75 years old treated with B-TURP or HoLEP for BPH associated with LUTS with prostate volume (PV) <100 mL. Primary endpoints were the intra-operative blood loss, percentage of loss of hemoglobin, blood transfusion, complications, and the comparison of functional outcomes. All patients were evaluated at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months of follow-up. Results: Overall, 96 patients undergoing HoLEP and 104 B-TURP were eligible and enrolled for the study. Post-operative results showed statistically significant differences between the two groups, all in favor of HoLEP group, specifically in terms of removed prostate tissue, PV reduction rate, hemoglobin values at 24 h, hemoglobin loss, operative time, length of hospitalization, days of catheterization, and urinary flow rates. There was no significant difference in terms of postvoid residual urine volume, perioperative complication, blood transfusion, International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), and IPSS quality of life scores. Conclusions: In middle-old patients, the HoLEP technique represents a prostate size-independent treatment option with a more favorable safety profile defined by less bleeding, lower blood transfusions, and a significantly lower hemoglobin drop than B-TURP.

Toxicity and outcomes after external beam irradiation for prostate cancer in patients with prior holmium laser enucleation of the prostate: Early experience

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVES

Holmium laser enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP) is commonly performed in patients with significant bladder outlet obstruction. However, there are few reports on the toxicity of external beam irradiation (RT) for prostate cancer in patients after prior HoLEP. In this study, we evaluate the side effects and treatment outcomes of RT after HoLEP.

MATERIALS/METHODS

Eighteen patients who had HoLEP and subsequently received RT for prostate cancer were included. Data collected included patient and disease characteristics, urinary function, and radiation dose. Acute and late urinary (GU) and gastrointestinal (GI) side effects were evaluated. Disease control and survival rates were calculated using Kaplan-Meier method.

RESULTS

Median follow-up was 18 months (range: 4-46 months). Median prostate volume was 107 ml before HoLEP and 24 ml after HoLEP. Median International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) was 17 (range: 5-32) before HoLEP. Median decline in IPSS score after HoLEP was 7 (range: -2-21). On uroflow study, peak flow rate, and post-void residual were significantly improved after HoLEP. After radiation, peak flow rate and average flow rate showed a decline but remained significantly improved compared to pre-HoLEP measurements. Maximum acute Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE) adverse events were 12 grade 1 and 3 grade 2 for GU, and 3 grade 1 for GI, respectively. Maximum late adverse events were 13 grade 1 and 2 grade 2 for GU, and all grade 0 for GI, respectively. At last follow-up, there were 8 grade 1 and 1 grade 2 late GU, and 3 grade 1 late GI adverse events, respectively. There was no significant increase in urinary incontinence after RT compared to before RT. The 18-month biochemical control, local control, distant control rates were 78%, 94%, and 80%, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients who received RT as definitive treatment for prostate cancer after prior HoLEP had low risk of serious acute and late side effects. HoLEP can be safely performed and should be considered in patients with significant bladder outlet obstruction and large prostate volume before RT.

Outcomes of octogenarians undergoing holmium laser enucleation of prostate

PURPOSE

Holmium laser enucleation of prostate (HoLEP) is an effective surgical procedure in men with BPH. Due to the increase in the use of medical therapy for BPH related lower urinary symptoms more octogenarians are presenting in a delayed fashion with significant symptoms and urinary retention. We evaluate the feasibility and safety of octogenarians undergoing HoLEP.

METHODS

We performed a retrospective review of HoLEPs at our institution from July 2018 to December 2019. Patients were stratified into two groups based on age: < 80 and ≥ 80.

RESULTS

A total of 458 patients were identified, with 74 (16.2%) ≥ 80. In patients ≥ 80, prostate volume was higher (p < 0.0005), there was a higher rate of antiplatelet/anticoagulation (p = 0.029) use, and a lower rate of alpha-blocker use (p = 0.0016). As expected, ASA scores which correlate with increasing number of concomitant diseases were greater in the ≥ 80 cohort (p = 0.016). There was no significant difference in intraoperative complications (p = 0.14), 90 day complication (p = 0.34), readmission rates (p = 0.425) or emergency room visits between groups (p = 0.15).

CONCLUSIONS

Despite higher medical comorbidities and increased rates of anticoagulation in octogenarians, there is no increase in operative or postoperative complication rates. Age alone should not be used as exclusion criteria for HoLEP.

Safety and Efficacy of Laser Enucleation of the Prostate in Elderly Patients - A Narrative Review

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a common health condition in aging men resulting in lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) and low quality of life (QoL). We aimed to review studies on laser enucleation of the prostate (LEP) due to LUTS in elderly patients (>65 years) comparing different age groups, particularly considering functional outcomes, safety, and perioperative complications. A comprehensive search was conducted using the PubMed-MEDLINE, Web of Science, Wiley Online Library and Cochrane Library databases over the last 10 years until 7 October 2021 with the following search terms solely or in combination: “laser enucleation”, “prostate”, “laser prostatectomy”, “aging”, “elderly patients”, “older patients” and “age”. We identified 12 articles for inclusion in our analysis. Five studies focussed mainly on holmium laser enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP), one compared HoLEP to other laser prostatectomy procedures, two studies examined thulium laser enucleation of the prostate (ThuLEP), and two studies focused on GreenLight laser, one study focussed on potassium-titanyl-phosphate (KTP) laser, and another study compared laser prostatectomy to transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP). These studies showed that LEP improved IPSS, Qmax and QoL compared to baseline regardless of age; no significant difference was reported among age groups. Although ASA scores and anticoagulation/antiplatelet therapy rates are higher in elderly patients, studies revealed no significant difference in perioperative complication rates between age groups. Laser enucleation of the prostate is an effective and safe procedure in elderly patients, resulting in good functional outcomes, low morbidity, and few perioperative complications.

The impact of preoperative lower urinary tract symptoms medication on the functional performance of holmium laser enucleation of the prostate

Introduction

Medical treatment of lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) secondary to benign prostatic obstruction (BPO) targets prostate size, to prevent disease progression, and prostate smooth muscle tone for rapid relieve of LUTS. Holmium laser enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP) is a size-independent method for surgical treatment of LUTS/BPO in medication-refractory patients and offers durable long-term results with reduced perioperative morbidity. As up to 50% of patients receive medical treatment for LUTS/BPO prior to surgery, we analyzed the impact of alpha-blockers and 5-alpha reductase inhibitors (5-ARI) on outcomes and perioperative morbidity in patients undergoing HoLEP for LUTS.

Material and methods

We retrospectively gathered data of 1,057 patients, who underwent HoLEP for LUTS/BPO from 2013–2018, and divided patients into group 1 (no medication), group 2 (α-blockers), and group 3 (5-ARI and α-blockers). Perioperative parameters, short-term functional outcomes and safety were assessed and statistical analysis was performed using SPSS V26.0 software.

Results

Even though preoperative LUTS profile was significantly different between groups, all patients improved significantly after HoLEP, irrespective of preoperative LUTS medication. Median improvement of IPSS was 9, 8 and 7 points, of Q_max was 10, 12 and 9.5 ml/s, with significant improvement of quality of life (QoL) and reduction of post-void residual volume (PVR) for groups 1–3, respectively, 30 days after surgery. With only 4.0% (42/1,057) of patients experiencing a Clavien-Dindo grade ≥II complication, there was no difference in prevalence of perioperative complications between groups (p = 0.943).

Conclusions

Although preoperative LUTS medication does not impair efficacy of HoLEP with acceptable perioperative morbidity, the time gap between medical therapy and surgical treatment may favor an earlier response.

Holmium laser enucleation of the prostate: A truly size-independent method?

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the impact of prostate size on functional outcomes and perioperative morbidity, we analyzed patients undergoing holmium laser enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP) for lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS). As LUTS secondary to benign prostatic obstruction (BPO) are a chronic progressive disease, prevalence and prostate size increase with age. HoLEP is a size-independent method for surgical treatment of LUTS/BPO and can be offered in medication-refractory patients with durable long-term results and reduced perioperative morbidity.

METHODS

We retrospectively collected data of 852 patients who underwent HoLEP for LUTS secondary to BPO between 2014-2018. Patients were divided into group 1 (≤60 cc), group 2 (>60 < 120 cc), group 3 (≥120 cc). Perioperative parameters, safety and short-term functional outcomes were assessed and analyzed.

RESULTS

Patients in group 3 were significantly older and showed a significantly higher median prostate-specific antigen level. Perioperative parameters, such as enucleation time and morcellation time significantly differed in favor of smaller prostate sizes, while enucleation and morcellation speed showed favorable results for larger prostate sizes. Larger prostates ≥120 cc showed a significantly higher postoperative drop in hemoglobin. However, patients did not differ in postoperative functional outcomes or Clavien-Dindo grade ≥II complications (4.8% of all patients [41/852]). There was no difference in perioperative complications between all groups (P = 0.760).

CONCLUSION

While larger prostates take significantly longer to operate on, postoperative functional outcomes show no difference between all sizes. In conclusion, HoLEP is a size-independent and effective method for surgical treatment of LUTS/BPO in prostates ≥30 cc.