The Learning Curves for Laser Application in Urology Procedures: Review of the Literature

Residency Surgical BPH Training Paradigms from MIST to HOLEP

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a common medical condition of older men that often requires medical or surgical therapy. Surgical options for BPH have grown exponentially over the last two decades. The numerous options and/or lack of access to them can make it challenging for new trainees to gain proficiency. We examine the literature for available BPH surgical simulators, learning curves, and training pathways.

RECENT FINDINGS

Each BPH surgical therapy has a learning curve which must be overcome. There is an abundance of TURP simulators which have shown face, content, and construct validity in the literature. Similarly, laser therapies have validated simulators. Newer technologies do have available simulators, but they have not been validated. There are strategies to improve learning and outcomes, such as having a structured training program. Simulators are available for BPH surgical procedures and some have been implemented in urology residencies. It is likely that such simulation may make urologists more facile on their learning curves for newer technologies. Further studies are needed. Future directions may include integration of simulator technology into training pathways that include surgical observation and proctorship.

Benign prostatic hyperplasia: Who will benefit from surgical intervention? A single center experience

BACKGROUND

To evaluate the pre-operative factors affecting clinical response to prostate surgery in men with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In this prospective cohort study, 172 patients who underwent surgical intervention for BPH (either as open prostatectomy (n = 78) or monopolar-trans-urethral resection of prostate (n = 94) from February 2017 to October 2019 were consecutively enrolled. Pre-operative conventional three-lumen urodynamic study and transabdominal sonography were performed for all patients to determine peak flow rate (Qmax), detrusor pressure at the peak flow rate (PdetQmax), post-void residual volume (PVR), presence of detrusor overactivity (DO), prostate volume and median lobe size, and bladder wall thickness with empty and full bladder. Uroflowmetry and cystoscopy were performed during follow-up, whenever indicated. Successful surgical outcome was defined as subjective satisfaction of the patient and a Qmax of more than 15 ml/s on post-operative uroflowmetry.

RESULTS

At 1-year follow-up, complete resolution of lower urinary tract syndrome (LUTS) was detected in 138 (80.2%) patients; however, 21 (12.2%) still had pure obstructive LUTS, 9 (5.2%) had pure storage LUTS, and 4 (2.3%) were still suffering from both storage and obstructive LUTS. After performing multivariable analysis, shorter duration of pre-operative medical treatment and higher pre-operative bladder contractility index (BCI) were found to be independent predictors of successful surgery (p = 0.012 and p < 0.001, respectively). Results of the ROC curve analysis showed that a preoperative BCI level more than 90.95 and pre-surgical medical treatment duration less than 14.45 months have the most specificity and sensitivity to predict the success of surgical outcome. We also observed that the probability of recovery decreased considerably over time following surgery.

CONCLUSION

Shorter duration of pre-operative medical treatment and increased pre-operative BCI can independently predict favorable outcome of BPH surgery. These factors could be used for better patient management and appropriate planning and consultation before BPH surgery.