Transurethral surgical treatment for benign prostatic hyperplasia with detrusor underactivity: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

The efficacy of surgical treatment for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) patients with detrusor underactivity (DU) remains controversial.

METHODS

To summarize relevant evidence, three databases (PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science) were searched from database inception to May 1, 2023. Transurethral surgical treatment modalities include transurethral prostatectomy (TURP), photoselective vaporization of the prostate (PVP), and transurethral incision of the prostate (TUIP). The efficacy of the transurethral surgical treatment was assessed according to maximal flow rate on uroflowmetry (Qmax), International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), postvoid residual (PVR), quality of life (QoL), voided volume, bladder contractility index (BCI) and maximal detrusor pressure at maximal flow rate (PdetQmax). Pooled mean differences (MDs) were used as summary statistics for comparison. The quality of enrolled studies was evaluated by using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. Sensitivity analysis and funnel plots were applied to assess possible biases.

RESULTS

In this study, 10 studies with a total of 1142 patients enrolled. In BPH patients with DU, within half a year, significant improvements in Qmax (pooled MD, 4.79; 95% CI, 2.43-7.16; P < 0.05), IPSS(pooled MD, - 14.29; 95%CI, - 16.67-11.90; P < 0.05), QoL (pooled MD, - 1.57; 95% CI, - 2.37-0.78; P < 0.05), voided volume (pooled MD, 62.19; 95% CI, 17.91-106.48; P < 0.05), BCI (pooled MD, 23.59; 95% CI, 8.15-39.04; P < 0.05), and PdetQmax (pooled MD, 28.62; 95% CI, 6.72-50.52; P < 0.05) were observed after surgery. In addition, after more than 1 year, significant improvements were observed in Qmax (pooled MD, 6.75; 95%CI, 4.35-9.15; P < 0.05), IPSS(pooled MD, - 13.76; 95%CI, - 15.17-12.35; P < 0.05), PVR (pooled MD, - 179.78; 95%CI, - 185.12-174.44; P < 0.05), QoL (pooled MD, - 2.61; 95%CI, - 3.12-2.09; P < 0.05), and PdetQmax (pooled MD, 27.94; 95%CI, 11.70-44.19; P < 0.05). Compared with DU patients who did not receive surgery, DU patients who received surgery showed better improvement in PVR (pooled MD, 137.00; 95%CI, 6.90-267.10; P < 0.05) and PdetQmax (pooled MD, - 8.00; 95%CI, - 14.68-1.32; P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Our meta-analysis results showed that transurethral surgery can improve the symptoms of BPH patients with DU. Surgery also showed advantages over pharmacological treatment for BPH patients with DU.

SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION

PROSPERO CRD42023415188.

Effect of bladder outlet procedures on urodynamic assessments in men with an acontractile or underactive detrusor: A systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

To review the effect of bladder outlet procedures on urodynamic outcomes and symptom scores in males with detrusor underactivity (DU) or acontractile detrusors (AD).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of research publications derived from PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Ovid Medline to identify clinical studies of adult men with non-neurogenic DU or AD who underwent any bladder outlet procedure. Outcomes comprised the detrusor pressure at maximum flow (Pdet Qmax ), maximum flow rate (Qmax ), international prostate symptom score (IPSS), and quality of life (QoL). This study is registered under PROSPERO CRD42020215832.

RESULTS

We included 13 studies of bladder outlet procedures, of which 6 reported decreased and 7 reported improved Pdet Qmax after the procedure. Meta-analysis revealed an increase in the pooled mean Pdet Qmax of 5.99 cmH2 0 after surgery (95% CI: 0.59-11.40; p = 0.03; I2 95%). Notably, the Pdet Qmax improved in all subgroups with a preoperative bladder contractility index (BCI) <50 and decreased in all subgroups with a BCI ≥50. All studies reported an improved Qmax after surgery, with a pooled mean difference of 5.87 mL/s (95% CI: 4.25-7.49; I2 93%). Only three studies reported QoL, but pooling suggested significant improvements after surgery (mean, -2.41 points; 95% CI: -2.81 to -2.01; p = 0.007). All seven studies reporting IPSS demonstrated improvement (mean, -12.82; 95% CI: -14.76 to -10.88; p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

This review shows that Pdet Qmax and Qmax increases after surgical bladder outlet procedures in men with DU and AD. Bladder outlet procedures should be discussed as part of the shared decision-making process for this group. The evidence was of low to very low certainty.

Detrusor Underactivity in Men with Bladder Outlet Obstruction

Detrusor underactivity (DU) and bladder outlet obstruction (BOO) are both common troublesome causes of lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) and often impact on quality of life simultaneously in men. This article aims to focus on DU with BOO in male patients.

METHODS

Original articles concerning DU with BOO were identified through literature research from PubMed and EMBASE database. We selected 38 articles in our review, including those concerning pathophysiology, evaluation, treatment and predictors for a successful BOO surgery for DU.

RESULTS

DU from BOO can result from several pathophysiological mechanisms. Although urodynamic study (UDS) is considered as a precise method to diagnose DU and BOO, there are some previous studies which proposed a non-invasive method to identify DU related to BOO. The treatment goal of DU is restoring bladder contractility using medication or surgery. Releasing outlet obstruction and resistance is the main strategy to restore bladder contractility when medication to directly increase bladder contractility has had limited efficacy.

CONCLUSIONS

DU from BOO is poorly understood and is largely under-researched. The etiology and pathophysiology still need to be evaluated. Effective and safe medication to restore bladder contractility is also lacking. It remains valuable to perform further research to reveal the unknown aspects of DU.

Efficacy of holmium laser enucleation of the prostate in patients with detrusor underactivity: systematic review and meta-analysis

Background

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is commonly found in the aging male. Treatment of BPH can be in form of conservative or surgical intervention. Transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) is the gold-standard treatment for BPH according to the guideline. However, there is no evidence that there is a benefit for TURP in patients with detrusor underactivity (DUA). Holmium laser enucleation (HoLEP) is theorized to have a better outcome due to its property of complete prostate enucleation. Therefore, this meta-analysis aims to determine the benefit of HoLEP for BPH patients with DUA.

Main body

We performed systematic literature searching from five databases including PubMed, Scopus, Embase, Science Direct, and Web of Science for articles up to 31 December 2020 for relevant studies. A total of five articles are eligible for this meta-analysis. A total of 2.180 subjects participated in all of the studies included. Two studies comparing patients with and without DUA that was treated with HoLEP, two studies comparing HoLEP with other surgical approaches for BPH, and one study comparing both parameters. IPSS score reduction is significantly higher in the patients with DUA (Mean Difference = 3.28, 95% CI 1.91 to 4.64, p < 0.01). Qmax and PVR are not significantly different between both groups. HoLEP also showed better improvement in IPSS and Qmax compared to TURP (IPSS: Mean Difference = -4.80, 95% CI − 7.83 to − 1.77, p = 0.002; Qmax: Mean Difference = 4.20, 95% CI 0.58 to 7.82, p = 0.02) and PVP (IPSS: Mean Difference = − 2.47, 95% CI − 4.47 to − 0.47, p = 0.02; Qmax: Mean Difference = 2.31, 95% CI 0.34 to 4.28, p = 0.02).

Conclusion

HoLEP showed better improvement in IPSS scores in patients with DUA. HoLEP can be considered to be performed in the BPH patients with DUA for better outcomes for the patients.

Impact of detrusor underactivity on the postoperative outcomes after benign prostatic enlargement surgery

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE

Previous studies suggest that men with detrusor underactivity (DUA) have less symptomatic improvement after prostate surgery than those with normal contractility, but the available data is controversial. We aim to determine the differences in functional outcomes of patients with or without DUA who underwent photovaporization of the prostate (PVP) with GreenLight™180 W XPS.

METHODS

A cohort of patients with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) who underwent PVP between 2012 and 2019 was evaluated. Patients were stratified according to bladder contractility index (BCI). DUA was defined as BCI < 100. Those with normal contractility (BCI = 100-150) were included in Group 1, and those with DUA (BCI < 100) in Group 2. Primary outcomes were symptomatic improvement defined as a reduction ≥ 4 points in the international prostate symptom score (IPSS) and a reduction of at least 1 point in the quality of life (IPSS-QoL). Complications according to the Clavien-Dindo classification were also recorded.

RESULTS

A total of 271 patients who underwent PVP with GreenLight™ and met the inclusion criteria were assessed. Group 1 included 158 patients, while Group 2 included 113 patients. Mean follow-up was 24 months. Patients with normal contractility had a median reduction of 11 points (18.9 ± 8.0 to 7.1 ± 7.0) while patients with DUA had a median reduction of 10 points (19.3 ± 6.9 to 8.6 ± 8.4) in IPSS score; these differences were not statistically significant (p = .20). Patients in Group 1 had a 1.92 higher chance of QoL improvement (OR, 1.92; 90% CI, 1.10-3.37), compared to those in Group 2. Failure to void after PVP was most frequently reported in DUA patients (OR, 2.36; 90% CI, 1.26-4.43). Sociodemographic characteristics, intraoperative complications, conversion rates, hospital stay, and urinary catheterization time were similar between groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with LUTS, regardless of their BCI, improved their symptoms after PVP according to the IPSS. However, patients with DUA were more likely not to improve their QoL after the procedure and had a higher chance of failure to void in the immediate postoperative period. An appropriate counseling process with the patient discussing possible outcomes based on these findings should be encouraged.

Detrusor underactivity influences the efficacy of TURP in patients with BPO

PURPOSE

To investigate the effect of detrusor underactivity on the efficacy of TURP in patients with benign prostate obstruction.

METHODS

A retrospective study of 350 patients with benign prostate obstruction who underwent TURP was carried out. Different degrees of bladder outlet obstruction were grouped by the bladder outlet obstruction index. ROC curves were used to calculate the optimal cut-off point for the bladder contractility index used to divide the DU patients into mild DU and severe DU patients. The effect of DU on the efficacy of TURP in benign prostate obstruction patients was studied by comparing the subjective and objective parameters preoperatively and 3 months postoperatively between severe DU, mild DU and non-DU benign prostate obstruction patients in two obstruction groups (20 ≤ BOOI < 40 and BOOI ≥ 40).

RESULTS

According to the ROC curve, the optimal cut-off point for the bladder contractility index was 82; thus, 69 patients were considered mild DU patients (82 ≤ BCI < 100), 67 patients were considered severe DU patients (BCI < 82), and 214 patients were considered non-DU patients (BCI ≥ 100). Both the postoperative subjective and objective parameters of the non-DU, mild DU and severe DU patients significantly improved in two obstruction groups. However, in the 20 ≤ BOOI < 40 group, the successful improvement rates for the IPSS, IPSS-S, IPSS-V, QoL and fQmax in the severe DU patients were only 38.2%, 38.2%, 44.1%, 41.2% and 38.2%, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Patients with varying degrees of benign prostate obstruction can benefit from TURP, but for patients with severe DU in the 20 ≤ BOOI < 40 group, TURP should be considered only after deliberation.

Management of greenlight laser plus transurethral resection of prostate for elderly men

The study is aiming to evaluate the treatment safety and efficacy of greenlight laser photovaporization of the prostate (PVP) combined with transurethral electrovaporization resection (TUVP) for elderly (≥ 70 years) men with lower urinary tract symptoms due to benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH/LUTS) with a large prostate volume (≥ 80 mL). One hundred twelve BPH/LUTS patients treated with PVP were divided into 2 groups according to prostate volume (PV), the outcomes of the 2 groups were assessed at 12 months after the operation. Patients in the PV ≥ 80 group (n = 51) had a higher level of maximum detrusor pressure (Pdet.max) than those in the PV < 80 group (n = 61) (97.14  ±  36.68 vs 70.70 ± 32.55, P < .001). Pdet.max level of the 2 groups was significantly decreased at the end of follow-up. International Prostate Symptom Score questionnaires (IPSS) score, maximum flow rate (Qmax), and residual urine volume (PVR) were significantly improved in comparison to the preoperative status (P < .001). PVP combined with TUVP can significantly improve outcomes (IPSS, Qmax, PVR) and is a safe and effective technique for elderly BPH/LUTS patients with a large prostate volume.

Current pharmacological and surgical treatment of underactive bladder

Generally accepted guidelines are not yet available on the management of underactive bladder (UAB). Although the natural history of UAB is still not fully understood, observation may be an acceptable management option in patients with tolerable lower urinary tract symptoms and little risk of upper urinary tract damage. If needed, scheduled and double voiding may be recommended as an effective and safe add-on therapy. Parasympathomimetics have been widely used for the management of UAB, but the evidence does not support clinical benefit. The efficacy of alpha-blockers has also not yet been clearly demonstrated. However, selective alpha-blockers may help to enhance voiding efficiency and to decrease possible upper tract damage. Sacral neuromodulation is a surgical option for nonobstructive UAB approved by the Food and Drug Administration. However, the response rate of test stimulation is not high and the efficacy of permanent implants does not always coincide with that of test stimulation. Although surgery to reduce outlet resistance may be a viable option in UAB with presumed obstruction, surgery seems to have little role in those without obstruction. Latissimus dorsi detrusor myoplasty has shown promising results in restoring voluntary voiding in selected patients. The procedure requires a multidisciplinary team approach of urologists and plastic reconstructive experts. In summary, current treatments of UAB remain unsatisfactory. The multifactorial nature of UAB pathogenesis complicates the appropriate management for each patient. Future research to establish a more clinically relevant definition of UAB will be required to open new era of UAB management.

GreenLight laser photoselective vaporization of the prostate for treatment of benign prostate hyperplasia/lower urinary tract symptoms in patients with different post-void residual urine

The purpose of this study is to assess the safety and efficacy of GreenLight laser photoselective vaporization of the prostate (PVP) for the treatment of benign prostate hyperplasia/lower urinary tract symptoms (BPH/LUTS) in patients with different post-void residual urine (PVR). BPH/LUTS patients treated with PVP from January 2014 to January 2016 were enrolled in the present study. All patients were divided into PVR > 50, 50 ≤ PVR < 400, and PVR ≥ 400 ml groups, and standard general and urological methods for BPH/LUTS were carried out. PVP surgery was performed, and the follow-up outcome was investigated 6 months after surgery. A total of 429 patients were included, and there were no significant differences in comorbid diseases or habits among the three groups. The maximum urinary flow rate (Qmax) differed significantly among the groups (P < 0.001), while patients in the PVR < 50 ml group had higher maximum detrusor pressure (Pdet.max) level than the other two groups (P < 0.001). Patients in 50 ≤ PVR < 400 (P < 0.001) and PVR ≥ 400 (P < 0.001) ml groups were more likely to develop detrusor underactivity than those in the PVR < 50 ml group. All patients were treated with PVP, and there were no severe complications requiring rehospitalization or reoperation except nine designed re-treatments. Follow-up data of 387 patients were available. Significant improvement in outcome parameters (International Prostate Symptom Score [IPSS], Qmax, and PVR) was observed in comparison with baseline measurements for the three groups. PVP significantly improved the IPSS, Qmax, and PVR in patients with different PVR; PVP is a safe and effective procedure for BPH/LUTS patients.

The challenges in the diagnosis of detrusor underactivity in clinical practice: A mini-review

Objective

To review the current definitions, terminology, epidemiology and aetiology of detrusor underactivity (DU), with specific attention to the diagnostic criteria in use. In addition, we address the relation and the overlap between DU and bladder outlet obstruction (BOO). In this mini-review, we hope to help identify DU patients and facilitate structured clinical evaluation and research.

Methods

We searched the English literature using ScienceDirect and PubMed for relevant articles. We used the following terms: ‘detrusor underactivity’, ‘underactive bladder’, ‘post voiding residual’, ‘post micturition residual’, ‘acontractile bladder’, ‘detrusor failure’, and ‘detrusor areflexia’.

Result

DU is one of the most common conditions causing lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS). Unfortunately, it is also the most poorly understood bladder dysfunction with scant research. To our knowledge there is no clear definition and no non-invasive method to characterise this important clinical condition. DU may result from the normal ageing process; however, it has multiple aetiologies including neurogenic and myogenic dysfunction. In many cases the symptoms of DU are similar to those of BOO and it usually requires invasive urodynamic study (UDS) for diagnosis to differentiate the two diagnoses. A number of diagnostic tests may be used including: UDS testing, the Schafer pressure/flow nomogram, linear passive urethral resistance relation, Watts factor, and the bladder contractility index. Of these, UDS testing is the most practical as it determines both the maximum urinary flow rate and the pressure exerted by the detrusor muscle relative to the maximal flow of urine, allowing for precise characterisation of detrusor function.

Conclusion

Currently, the diagnosis of DU is based on invasive urodynamic parameters as defined by the International Continence Society in 2002. There is no consensus for the definition of DU prior to 2002. As there is significant overlap between the symptoms of DU and BOO, it is difficult to diagnose DU clinically.

Neurogenic Causes of Detrusor Underactivity

Detrusor underactivity (DU) is a poorly understood dysfunction of the lower urinary tract which arises from multiple etiologies. Symptoms of DU are non-specific, and a pressure-flow urodynamic study is necessary to differentiate DU from other conditions such as overactive bladder (OAB) or bladder outlet obstruction (BOO). The prevalence of DU ranges from 10-48%, and DU is most prevalent in elderly males. The pathophysiology underlying DU can be from both neurogenic and non-neurogenic causes. In this article, we review the neurogenic causes of detrusor underactivity, including diabetic bladder dysfunction, spinal cord injury, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease, cerebrovascular accident, traumatic brain injury, and Fowler's syndrome. As knowledge about the underlying causes of DU advances, there have been several potential therapeutic approaches proposed to help those who suffer from this condition.