Laparoscopic simple prostatectomy versus robot-assisted simple prostatectomy for large benign prostatic hyperplasia: a systematic review and meta-analysis of comparative trials

Laparoscopic simple prostatectomy (LSP) and robot-assisted simple prostatectomy (RASP) are important approaches for large benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), though it is still unclear which is superior. This study aimed to perform a pooled analysis to compare the safety and efficacy profiles of LSP and RASP. We systematically searched the databases of Science, PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library database for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and non-RCTs, comparing LSP to RASP. The principal outcomes included perioperative, functional and complications variables. The results are presented as odds ratio (OR) or weighted mean difference (WMD) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) of dichotomous and continuous variables. Five comparative trials involving 1928 patients were included. RASP demonstrated a shorter length of hospital stay compared to LSP (WMD 1.20 days, 95% CI 0.09, 2.32; p = 0.03). However, there was no difference between the two groups regarding operative time, estimated blood loss, catheterization time and complications. Moreover, RASP had a higher maximum flow rate (Q_max) (WMD - 2.15 mL/s, 95% CI - 3.75, - 0.55; p = 0.0009) and comparable international prostate symptom score (IPSS) and sexual health inventory (SHIM) in men with LSP. The results of this study demonstrated that RASP offered comparable efficacy and safety to LSP, while maintaining a superior perioperative and functional profile. However, treatment selection should also be based on the availability and experience of the operator.

Laparoscopic simple prostatectomy vs bipolar plasma enucleation of the prostate in large benign prostatic hyperplasia: a two-center 3-year comparison

PURPOSE

To compare surgery outcomes and safety of button bipolar enucleation of the prostate vs laparoscopic simple prostatectomy in patients with large prostates (> 80 g) in a two-center cohort study.

METHODS

All patients with lower urinary tract symptoms due to benign prostatic enlargement (Prostate volume > 80 cc) undergoing button bipolar enucleation of the prostate (BTUEP) or laparoscopic simple prostatectomy (LSP) in two centers were enrolled. Data on clinical history, physical examination, urinary symptoms, uroflowmetry and prostate volume were collected at 0, 1, 3 6, 12, 24 and 36 months. Early and long-term complications were recorded.

RESULTS

Overall, 296 patients were enrolled. Out of them, 167/296 (56%) performed a LSP and 129/296 (44%) performed a BTUEP. In terms of efficacy both procedures showed durable results at three years with a reintervention rate of 8% in the LSP group and of 5% in the BTUEP group. In terms of safety, BTUEP and LSP presented similar safety profiles with a 9% of transfusion rate and no major complications.

CONCLUSION

LSP and BTUEP are safe and effective in treating large-volume adenomas with durable results at three years when performed in experienced centers.

Holmium laser enucleation versus laparoscopic simple prostatectomy for large adenomas

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study is to compare Holmium laser enucleation of the prostate with another minimally invasive technique, the laparoscopic simple prostatectomy.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We compared outcomes of a series of 40 patients who underwent laparoscopic simple prostatectomy (n=20) with laser enucleation of the prostate (n=20) for large adenomas (>100 grams) at our institution. Study variables included operative time and catheterization time, hospital stay, pre- and post-operative International Prostate Symptom Score and maximum urinary flow rate, complications and economic evaluation. Statistical analyses were performed using the Student t test and Fisher test.

RESULTS

There were no significant differences in patient age, preoperative prostatic size, operating time or specimen weight between the 2 groups. Duration of catheterization (P=.0008) and hospital stay (P<.0001) were significantly less in the laser group. Both groups showed a statistically significant improvement in functional variables at 3 months post operatively. The cost utility analysis for Holmium per case was 2589 euros versus 4706 per laparoscopic case. In the laser arm, 4 patients (20%) experienced complications according to the modified Clavien classification system versus 5 (25%) in the laparoscopic group (P>.99).

CONCLUSION

Holmium enucleation of the prostate has similar short term functional results and complication rates compared to laparoscopic simple prostatectomy performed in large glands with the advantage of less catheterization time, lower economic costs and a reduced hospital stay.