Clinical Considerations for Intravesical Prostatic Protrusion in the Evaluation and Management of Bladder Outlet Obstruction Secondary to Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia

17β-Estradiol, through activating the G protein-coupled estrogen receptor, exacerbates the complication of benign prostatic hyperplasia in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients by inducing prostate proliferation

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is one of the major chronic complications of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), and sex steroid hormones are common risk factors for the occurrence of T2DM and BPH. The profiles of sex steroid hormones are simultaneously quantified by LC-MS/MS in the clinical serum of patients, including simple BPH patients, newly diagnosed T2DM patients, T2DM complicated with BPH patients and matched healthy individuals. The G protein-coupled estrogen receptor (GPER) inhibitor G15, GPER knockdown lentivirus, the YAP1 inhibitor verteporfin, YAP1 knockdown/overexpression lentivirus, targeted metabolomics analysis, and Co-IP assays are used to investigate the molecular mechanisms of the disrupted sex steroid hormones homeostasis in the pathological process of T2DM complicated with BPH. The homeostasis of sex steroid hormone is disrupted in the serum of patients, accompanying with the proliferated prostatic epithelial cells (PECs). The sex steroid hormone metabolic profiles of T2DM patients complicated with BPH have the greatest degrees of separation from those of healthy individuals. Elevated 17β-estradiol (E2) is the key contributor to the disrupted sex steroid hormone homeostasis, and is significantly positively related to the clinical characteristics of T2DM patients complicated with BPH. Activating GPER by E2 via Hippo-YAP1 signaling exacerbates high glucose (HG)-induced PECs proliferation through the formation of the YAP1-TEAD4 heterodimer. Knockdown or inhibition of GPER-mediated Hippo-YAP1 signaling suppresses PECs proliferation in HG and E2 co-treated BPH-1 cells. The anti-proliferative effects of verteporfin, an inhibitor of YAP1, are blocked by YAP1 overexpression in HG and E2 co-treated BPH-1 cells. Inactivating E2/GPER/Hippo/YAP1 signaling may be effective at delaying the progression of T2DM complicated with BPH by inhibiting PECs proliferation.

Giant intravesical prostatic protrusion mimicking bladder carcinoma: Navigating diagnostic and management challenges

INTRODUCTION AND IMPORTANCE

Benign prostate hyperplasia is common condition among elderly men, but giant intravesical prostatic protrusion is rare and may be confused with bladder carcinoma.

CASE PRESENTATION

We report an unusual case of giant intravesical prostatic protrusion mimicking bladder carcinoma. A diagnosis of giant intravesical prostatic protrusion was confirmed with the assistance of cystoscopy and patient was managed by transvesical simple open prostatectomy where he had uneventfully recovery.

CLINICAL DISCUSSION

Both bladder carcinoma and benign prostate hyperplasia are more prevalent in elderly men and they all present with lower urinary tract symptoms. Ultrasound and computer tomography may all suggest bladder carcinoma. The two conditions are treated differently, and therefore having correct diagnosis is mandatory. Cystoscopy is an important investigation that can act as a tiebreaker in differentiating giant intravesical prostatic protrusion from bladder carcinoma. Transvesical simple open prostatectomy is the preferred surgical approach with good postoperative outcome.

CONCLUSION

This case report reminds urology surgeons on the possibility of having giant intravesical prostate mimicking bladder carcinoma and the importance of cystoscopy in differentiating the two. Transvesical simple open prostatectomy has promising result.

Clinical Outcomes of Intravesical Prostatic Protrusion in Patients With Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia

Background Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a disorder that is characterized by the hyperplasia of the cellular elements of the prostate, leading to an enlarged prostate. One of the parameters affecting urinary outflow is intravesical prostatic protrusion (IPP). It is a phenomenon wherein the enlargement of the prostate protrudes into the bladder along the plane of least resistance. This condition can lead to various clinical effects, including symptoms such as the feeling of incomplete void and weak, interrupted urine stream. Hence, investigating the potential associations between different grades of IPP and clinical urological outcomes holds crucial implications for optimizing patient care, refining risk stratification, and enhancing treatment approaches. Methodology We examined patients who were following up at the urology outpatient clinics due to BPH between June 1, 2021, and December 31, 2022. All patients included in this study were required to undergo a transabdominal prostate ultrasound. Patient records were reviewed for various factors, including demographic stratification, the presence of urine routine or culture with evidence of urinary tract infection (UTI) within the past two years, and whether patients were scheduled for surgical intervention. The radiological parameters were recorded by viewing the midsagittal and transverse ultrasound images retrospectively by two specialist radiology physicians. The parameters measured included IPP Grade, prostate volume (PV), presence of bladder stones, anatomical abnormalities (such as bladder diverticulum), and post-void volume. Results The total sample size was 184 patients. Out of these, 53 (28.8%) had IPP Grade I, 72 (39.1%) were classified as Grade II, 42 (22.8%) had Grade III, and 17 (9.2%) were categorized as Grade IV. The data collected also showed that 12 (6.5%) patients had bladder stones on ultrasound examination. Additionally, 17 (9.2%) patients had bladder diverticulum. Furthermore, when controlled for age and PV, multivariate analysis using logistic regression models to calculate the odds ratio (OR) showed that increasing IPP Grade is associated with an increased risk of developing UTIs, acute urinary retention, and the need for surgical intervention. The highest risk group of patients is IPP Grade IV, with odds ratios (ORs) of 6.8, 7.2, and 6.4 for developing UTIs, experiencing acute urinary retention, and requiring surgical intervention, respectively. Conclusions The results provide compelling evidence of the adverse relationships between higher grades of IPP and worsening urological outcomes and patient morbidity. Hence, we recommend further studies be conducted on the clinical effects of IPP and that these measurements should be considered as part of routine ultrasound prostate imaging to aid in the management of BPH cases.

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.

The prostatic middle lobe: clinical significance, presentation and management

The role of the prostatic middle lobe in the presentation and management of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is under-appreciated. Middle lobe enlargement is associated with intravesical prostatic protrusion (IPP), which causes a unique type of bladder outlet obstruction (BOO) via a 'ball-valve' mechanism. IPP is a reliable predictor of BOO and the strongest independent factor for failure of medical therapy necessitating conversion to surgical intervention. Men with middle lobe enlargement tend to exhibit mixed symptoms of both the storage and the voiding types, but symptomatology will vary depending on the degree of IPP present. Initial assessments such as uroflowmetry and post-void residual volumes are inadequate to detect IPP and could confound the clinical picture. Radiological evaluation of prostate morphology is key to assessment as it provides important prognostic information and can help with operative planning. Treatment strategies employed for BPH should consider the shape and morphology of prostate adenomata, specifically the presence of middle lobe enlargement and the degree of associated IPP.

Comprehensive Analysis of Individual Anatomical Structures for Micturition Symptoms and Maximum Flow Rate in Men With Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia/Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms

PURPOSE

Individual anatomical structural variations, including intravesical prostatic protrusion (IPP), prostatic urethral angle (PUA), prostatic urethral length, or prostatic apex shape, were correlated with micturition symptoms. We aimed to investigate the effects of these variables on micturition symptoms in men with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)/lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS).

METHODS

This observational study was based on data from 263 men with the first visit to health promotion center and without BPH/LUTS treatment between March 2020 and September 2022. A multivariate analysis was performed to determine the variables affecting total international prostate symptom score, maximum flow rate (Qmax), and voiding efficacy (postvoid residual volume to total bladder volume ratio).

RESULTS

Of 263 patients, decreasing PUA increases the severity of international prostate symptoms score (mild, 141.9°; moderate, 136.0°; severe, 131.2°; P<0.015). A multivariate analysis reported that the total international prostate symptom score was correlated with age (P=0.002), PUA (P=0.007), and Qmax (P=0.008). Qmax was negatively associated with IPP (P=0.002). In subanalysis for large prostate volume (≥30 mL, n=81), international prostate symptom score was correlated with PUA (P=0.013), Qmax was correlated with prostatic apex shape (P=0.017), and length of proximal prostatic urethra (P=0.007). IPP was not identified as a significant factor. For small prostate volume (<30 mL, n=182), age (P=0.011) and prostate volume (P=0.004) are correlated with increasing Qmax.

CONCLUSION

This study presented that individual anatomical structure variations influenced the micturition symptoms according to prostate volume. To identify the major resistant factors in men with BPH/LUTS, further studies are required to investigate which components played a role in major resistant factors for micturition symptoms.

Prostatic Urethral Lift for Obstructive Median Lobes: Consistent Results Across Controlled Trial and Real-World Settings

Introduction: The evidence for prostatic urethral lift (PUL), in treating lower urinary tract symptoms/benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) in men with obstructive median lobes (OMLs), has grown. In this study, we present the first detailed comparison of outcomes between OML patients treated with PUL in controlled and real-world settings to relevant comparators (subjects treated with transurethral resection of the prostate [TURP] and sham in randomized controlled trials [RCTs]) to demonstrate similar symptom, safety, and patient experience outcomes. Materials and Methods: Symptom and safety outcomes and patient satisfaction were compared through 12 months among controlled PUL studies: BPH6 RCT (35 men randomized to TURP); L.I.F.T. pivotal RCT in subjects with lateral lobe obstruction (66 subjects randomized to sham) and MedLift, an U.S. Food and Drug Administration-approved Investigational Device Exemption (IDE) extension of the L.I.F.T. trial (45 men with OML). Symptom improvement, catheterization, and adverse event rates were compared between MedLift subjects and OML patients (n = 187) from the large real-world retrospective (RWR) study of PUL filtered on baseline characteristics to approximate the MedLift population. Results: Posttreatment, International Prostate Symptoms Score (IPSS) improvement for MedLift subjects was 170% greater compared with sham at 3 months with significantly better quality of life (QoL), Qmax, and benign prostatic hyperplasia impact index (BPHII). Compared with TURP, MedLift IPSS and QoL improved significantly better at 1 and 3 months and with superior ejaculatory function scores at all time points after PUL. IPSS, QoL, postvoid residual (PVR), and Qmax outcomes were equivalent between MedLift and RWR OML groups at 3, 6, and 12 months. RWR OML patients did not experience higher rates of overall adverse events compared with MedLift. Conclusion: Controlled and real-world outcomes confirm PUL is a safe and effective treatment for BPH patients with and without OML.

Updates on Preprocedural Evaluation and Patient Selection for Prostatic Artery Embolization

Prostatic artery embolization (PAE) is a safe and effective treatment for benign prostatic hyperplasia. Patient evaluation is a critical and important part of this growing practice. History taking should include symptoms score evaluations for lower urinary tract symptoms, erectile function, and prostatitis symptoms score. The objective evaluations commonly include measurement of prostate specific antigen, postvoid residual volume, and uroflowmetry as well as urodynamic studies in selective patients. Imaging evaluation may include computed tomography angiography or magnetic resonance angiography, elucidating prostate volume, prostate gland morphology, vasculature, and prostate cancer. With evolving knowledge on PAE, we aim to discuss patient evaluation and selection based on updated evidence and discuss specific scenarios.

Clinical Significance of Intravesical Prostatic Protrusion Index in Patients with Clinical Diagnosis of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia

Background: To investigate the clinical significance of the intravesical prostatic protrusion (IPP) index in benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) patients to clarify its diagnostic value in predicting the clinical and structural abnormalities of the prostate. Methods: In this descriptive and analytical cross-sectional study, every man older than 50 years with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS), predominantly voiding or obstructive, suggestive of BPH were included. The patients were evaluated to determine the following indices: International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) index, quality of life (QoL), prostate volume (PV) and postvoid residual urine (PVR), serum PSA level, and the maximum urinary flow rate (Qmax) obtained by uroflowmetry. Subsequently, the assessment of the IPP index was conducted by transabdominal ultrasonography. The categorization of the IPP index was done into 3 grades: grade one (below 5 mm), grade two (between 5 and 10 mm), and grade three (greater than 10 mm). Results: A significant direct correlation between the IPP and IPSS, QoL, PV, PVR, and serum PSA, as well as inversely with the Qmax, was detected before and after medical treatment. Also, the need for surgical intervention increased significantly with the IPP index. Conclusions: The IPP can be used to evaluate and predict the severity of symptoms and outcomes in patients with clinical BPH.

More Than Detection of Adenocarcinoma - Indications and Findings in Prostate MRI in Benign Prostatic Disorders

BACKGROUND

 Multiparametric MRI of the prostate has become a fundamental tool in the diagnostic pathway for prostate cancer and is recommended before (or after negative) biopsy to guide biopsy and increase accuracy, as a staging examination (high-risk setting), and prior to inclusion into active surveillance. Despite this main field of application, prostate MRI can be utilized to obtain information in a variety of benign disorders of the prostate.

METHODS

 Systematic bibliographical research with extraction of studies, national (German) as well as international guidelines (EAU, AUA), and consensus reports on MRI of benign disorders of the prostate was performed. Indications and imaging findings of prostate MRI were identified for a) imaging the enlarged prostate, b) prostate MRI in prostatic artery embolization, c) imaging in prostatitis and d) imaging in congenital anomalies.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS

 Different phenotypes of the enlarged prostate that partly correlate with severity of symptoms are discussed. We provide an overview of the different types of prostatitis and possible imaging findings, highlighting abscesses as a severe complication. The most common congenital anomalies of the prostate are utricular cysts, whereas anomalies like aplasia, hypoplasia, and ectopia are rare disorders. Knowledge of indications for imaging and imaging appearance of these conditions may improve patient care and enhance differential diagnosis.

KEY POINTS

  · Current guidelines do not implement indications for mpMRI apart from prostate carcinoma.. · MRI can distinguish different anatomical phenotypes of prostatic enlargement.. · Prostatic artery embolization represents a valuable treatment option in cases of symptomatic benign prostatic enlargement.. · Different forms of prostatitis exist and may mimic prostate carcinoma in MRI.. · MRI can be used to evaluate anatomical prostate anomalies..

CITATION FORMAT

· Oerther B, Sigle A, Franiel T et al. More Than Detection of Adenocarcinoma - Indications and Findings in Prostate MRI in Benign Prostatic Disorders. Fortschr Röntgenstr 2022; DOI: 10.1055/a-1719-1463.

A Systemic Review and Meta-analysis of Transabdominal Intravesical Prostatic Protrusion Assessment in Determining Bladder Outlet Obstruction and Unsuccessful Trial Without Catheter

CONTEXT

Urodynamic study (UDS) provides the most objective assessment of bladder outlet obstruction (BOO) but is impractical to be recommended routinely in outpatient services. Intravesical prostatic protrusion (IPP) had been described to obstruct urinary flow by creating an anatomical ball-valve effect, but there remains a lack of pooled evidence that can objectively correlate with BOO in benign prostatic hyperplasia.

OBJECTIVE

To update the current evidence on the predictive role of IPP in determining BOO and unsuccessful trial without catheter (TWOC).

EVIDENCE ACQUISITION

A comprehensive literature search was performed to identify studies that evaluated IPP in diagnosing UDS-determined BOO and TWOC. The search included the PubMed/MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library up to January 2021. An updated systemic review and meta-analysis was performed.

EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS

A total of 18 studies with 4128 patients were examined. Eleven studies with 1478 patients examined the role of IPP in UDS-determined BOO. The pooled area under the curve (AUC) was 0.83 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.79-0.86), and at a cut-off of >10 mm, the sensitivity (Sn) and specificity (Sp) were 0.71 (95% CI: 0.61-0.78) and 0.77 (95% CI: 0.68-0.84), respectively. The probability-modifying plot revealed positive and negative likelihood ratios of 3.34 (95% CI: 2.56-4.36) and 0.35 (95% CI: 0.26-0.45), respectively. Seven studies with 2650 patients examined IPP in predicting unsuccessful TWOC, with a pooled AUC of 0.74 (95% CI: 0.70-0.84), with Sn of 0.51 (95% CI: 0.43-0.60) and Sp of 0.79 (95% CI: 0.73-0.84) at an IPP cut-off of >10 mm. Five studies compared prostate volume (PV) and IPP and revealed a lower AUC of PV at 0.71 (95% CI: 0.67-0.75), which was an inferior parameter in diagnosing BOO (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

This systemic review provided evidence that IPP is a reliable clinical parameter that correlates strongly with underlying BOO and unsuccessful TWOC.

PATIENT SUMMARY

In this review, we comprehensively reviewed all the literature to date on evaluating the clinical utility of intravesical prostatic protrusion (IPP). We have demonstrated that IPP correlates strongly with urodynamic study (UDS)-determined bladder outlet obstruction and failure of trial without catheter (TWOC). Outpatient IPP measurement is a quick, inexpensive, and reproducible clinical parameter that can determine the severity of benign prostatic hyperplasia. The clinical role of IPP in predicting failure of TWOC selects patients who are best treated with aggressive surgical approaches rather than conservative medical therapies. More importantly, IPP can facilitate the discriminatory use of invasive UDS, reserved for patients with a strong suspicion of concomitant detrusor abnormalities.

Intravesical Prostatic Protrusion and Prognosis of Non-Muscle Invasive Bladder Cancer: Analysis of Long-Term Data over 5 Years with Machine-Learning Algorithms

We aim to investigate the significance of intravesical prostate protrusion (IPP) on the prognosis of non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) after the transurethral resection of bladder tumors (TURBT). For newly diagnosed NMIBC, we retrospectively analyzed the association between prognosis and IPP for at least a 5-year follow-up. A degree of IPP over 5 mm in a preoperative CT scan was classified as severe. The primary endpoint was recurrence-free survival, and the secondary endpoint was progression-free survival. The machine learning (ML) algorithm of a support vector machine was used for predictive model development. Of a total of 122 patients, ultimately, severe IPP was observed in 33 patients (27.0%). IPP correlated positively with age, BPH, recurrence, and prognosis. Severe IPP was significantly higher in the recurrence group and reduced in the recurrence-free survival group (p = 0.038, p = 0.032). Severe IPP independently increased the risk of intravesical recurrence by 2.6 times. The addition of IPP to the known oncological risk factors in the prediction model using the ML algorithm improved the predictability of cancer recurrence by approximately 6%, to 0.803. IPP was analyzed as a potential independent risk factor for NMIBC recurrence and progression after TURBT. This anatomical feature of the prostate could affect the recurrence of bladder tumors.

Correlation of Intravesical Prostatic Protrusion in Benign Prostate Hyperplasia and Residual Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms After Surgery: A Systematic Review

Context: Intravesical prostatic protrusion (IPP) is a potential candidate for the initial evaluation of patients with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS). Intravesical prostatic protrusion is also known to predict the outcome of trials without a catheter and medical treatment outcomes and to determine bladder outlet obstructions. Objectives: This study aimed to determine whether IPP influences the residual LUTS after surgery in patients with benign prostate hyperplasia who have undergone prostate surgery. Evidence Acquisition: An online database search was conducted regarding the prognosis of postoperative benign prostate hyperplasia patients with intravesical prostatic protrusions. The selected databases comprised PubMed, ScienceDirect, EBSCO, and Cochrane Library. Randomized controlled trial, cohort, or case control studies that were written in English or Bahasa and published up until November 2020 were included. We reviewed postoperative outcomes, including subjective symptoms, based on the International Prostate Symptom Score and objective signs, such as Qmax and post voiding residue. Results: Our initial database search yielded 143 papers. After exclusion from abstract screening, seven papers were considered for full-text analysis. Five of these studies showed higher preoperative intravesical prostatic protrusion within successful postoperative outcomes. Some studies showed that patients with significant intravesical prostatic protrusions had more significant International Prostate Symptom Score decrements. However, two studies demonstrated that intravesical prostatic protrusion was not a significant prognostic factor. Conclusions: Most studies suggested that intravesical prostatic protrusion can predict better post-surgery lower urinary tract symptom outcomes. Further research using information about the risk of bias in ultrasound examination and more homogeneous surgical techniques and considering the duration of patients’ illness before they receive surgical management is needed.

Ultrasonographic Features of Hypertrophic Interureteral Cristae in Transabdominal and Transrectal Ultrasonography

PURPOSE

The aim of this study was to determine the value of transrectal ultrasound in the definitive diagnosis of hypertrophic interureteral cristae and to provide a definitive diagnostic basis for clinical treatment.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

When the patient's bladder fills moderately, the ultrasound physician uses the transabdominal ultrasound probe to examine the patient's bladder and prostate carefully, focusing on bilateral ureterovesical portals, a cord-like hyperechoic structure visible between the bilateral ureterovesical portals. For further detailed observation, transrectal probe was used to measure the size of Hypertrophic Interureteral Cristae and describe the shape and internal echo. After the examination, the residual urine volume of bladder was measured after one-time urination.

RESULTS

Hypertrophic interureteral cristae was a trilinear structure with a "high-low-high" echo. All the 33 patients had bladder wall thickening. In 9 cases of overfilling of bladder, there were slightly dilated ureterovesical portals at both ends of hypertrophic interureteral cristae. Thirty cases of benign prostatic hyperplasia, 11 patients who had undergone prostate hyperplasia surgery, 26 cases with different degrees trabecular and reticular hyperplasia of bladder wall, there were 9 cases with bladder diverticulum and 23 cases with mild hydronephrosis.

CONCLUSIONS

Transrectal ultrasound can confirm the diagnosis of Hypertrophic Interureteral Cristae.

Impact of median lobe on urinary function after robotic prostatectomy

BACKGROUND

Enlarged median lobes (ML) can be technically challenging, particularly during bladder-neck dissection, and may affect urinary functional outcomes of robotic radical prostatectomy (RARP). If known, the impact of potentially larger bladder necks on continence and chronic obstruction on postoperative urinary symptoms might aid patient counseling. We assessed the impact of intraoperatively identified median lobes (ML) on urinary function.

METHODS

We reviewed our prospective RP database from 2013 to 2020. AUA symptoms scores (AUA-SS) were assessed preoperatively and at 1, 3, and 6 months. We compared patients with and without ML (NoML). Bladder-neck sparing was routine to avoid reconstruction.

RESULTS

Of 663 patients who completed AUA-SS questionnaires at all time points, 202 (30%) had ML. There were no significant differences in demographics, PSA, or clinical stage. Only two patients in ML and one in NoML group required bladder-neck reconstruction (1.2% and 0.2%). There was no immediate or long-term difference in continence rates between groups. Baseline mean AUA-SS was higher in ML patients and showed more improvement postoperatively (-5.5 vs. -3.6, p < .05) with greatest improvement in ML patients with severe preoperative symptoms (-15.1). There was no difference in AUA-SS between groups by 6 months.

CONCLUSIONS

The presence of enlarged ML does not increase the risk of incontinence after RARP and it appears that ML patients have greater improvements in postsurgical urinary functions. Preoperative diagnosis of ML and lower urinary tract symptoms assessment could be helpful in counseling patients undergoing RARP regarding their expected postoperative urinary outcomes.

Effect of Median Lobe Enlargement on Early Prostatic Artery Embolization Outcomes

PURPOSE

To evaluate outcomes after prostatic artery embolization (PAE) in patients with severe intravesical prostatic protrusion (IPP).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This was a retrospective, single health system, 2-hospital study from April 2015 to December 2018 of 54 patients who underwent elective PAE procedures (age mean 67.5 years; standard deviation [SD] 8.5). The cohort had a mean ellipsoid prostate volume of 100.1 cm³ (SD 56.7), a mean baseline International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) of 18.7 (SD 8.2), a mean baseline quality of life (QOL) score of 4.1 (SD 1.4), and a median follow-up of 38 days (range 10-656 days). Outcomes including IPSS and QOL score reduction (where a lower QOL score indicates an improvement in QOL), and clinical success were compared between severe (≥10 mm) and nonsevere (<10 mm) IPP patients. A linear regression model was used to examine the impact of IPP on these outcomes.

RESULTS

No significant differences in patient characteristics were found between nonsevere (n = 17) and severe (n = 37) IPP patients. Both cohorts showed IPSS reduction (nonsevere 6.0, P = .0397; severe 8.2, P < .0001) and QOL score reduction (nonsevere 1.0, P = .102; severe 2.0, P < .0001). No significant differences in IPSS or QOL score reduction were found between the cohorts (P = .431 and P = .127). Linear regression found that baseline IPP was not a significant contributor to the outcomes (IPSS: R² = .5, P < .0001; IPP: P = .702; QOL: R² = .5, P = .0003; IPP: P = .108).

CONCLUSIONS

There were no significant differences in early outcomes in PAE between patients with severe and nonsevere IPP.