Morcellation Efficiency in Holmium Laser Enucleation of the Prostate: Oscillating Morcellator Outperforms Reciprocating Morcellator With no Apparent Learning Curve

Revisiting the issue of "beach balls" in holmium laser enucleation of prostate: clinical and histological characterization

PURPOSE

To clinically and histologically characterize prostatic nodules resistant to morcellation ("beach balls," BBs).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We reviewed a consecutive cohort of 559 holmium laser enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP) procedures performed between January 2020 and November 2023. The BBs group comprised 55 men (10%) and the control group comprised 504 men (90%). The clinical, intraoperative, outcome, and histologic data were statistically processed for the prediction of the presence of BBs and their influence on the perioperative course and outcome.

RESULTS

The BBs group in comparison to the controls was older (75 vs 73 years, respectively, p = 0.009) and had higher rates of chronic retention (51 vs 29%, p = 0.001), larger prostates on preoperative abdominal ultrasound (AUS) (140 vs 80 cc, p = 0.006E-16), longer operating time (120 vs 80 min, p = 0.001), higher weights of removed tissue (101 vs 60 gr, p = 0.008E-10), higher complication rates (5 vs 1%, p = 0.03), and longer hospitalization (p = 0.014). A multivariate analysis revealed that larger prostates on preoperative AUS and older age independently predicted the presence of BBs which would prolong operating time. ROC analyses revealed that a threshold of 103 cc on AUS predicted BBs with 94% sensitivity and 84% specificity. BBs were mostly characterized histologically by stromal component (p = 0.005).

CONCLUSIONS

BBs are expected in older patients and cases of chronic retention. Prostatic volume is the most reliable predictor of their presence. They contribute to prolonged operating time and increased risk of complications. The predominantly stromal composition of the BBs apparently confers their resistance to morcellation.

Mini-HoLEP (MILEP) vs HoLEP: a propensity score-matched analysis

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Minimal invasiveness improves outcome in many surgical fields including urology. We aimed to assess intraoperative performance and clinical outcome of miniaturized holmium laser enucleation of prostate (MiLEP) (22FR).

METHODS

We ran a propensity score-matched analysis among all consecutive laser enucleations of prostate performed between 9/2022 and 2/2023. It resulted in two matched comparison groups: MiLEP 22 FR (n = 40) and holmium laser enucleation of prostate (HoLEP 26 Fr) (n = 40). Statistical analysis was performed.

RESULTS

MiLEP was associated with significantly less intraoperative irrigation (20.5 L vs 15 L, p = 0.002E-3), less decrease in body core temperature (0.6°C vs 0.1°C, p = 0.003E-5), and less need for meatal dilation (25% vs 78%, p = 0.01E-3). These parameters were identified as being independent in the multivariate analysis. There was a trend toward less and a shorter period of postoperative stress incontinence (SI) for the MiLEP group compared to the HoLEP group: 15% and 42% (p = 0.01) at 1 month, 8% and 14% (p = 0.07) at 2 months, and 0 and 0.3% (p = 1) at 3 months, respectively. There were no differences in prostatic enucleation effectiveness, operative time, hospital stay, complications, and improvement in the international prostate symptom score and quality of life score.

CONCLUSIONS

MiLEP is feasible and provides better maintenance of body core temperature, reduction in amount of fluid irrigation, and decrease in need for meatal dilation without affecting effectiveness in comparison with HoLEP. MiLEP may reduce early postoperative stress incontinence, thereby shortening the recovery period.

Leiomyoma of the Prostate Treated via Holmium Laser Enucleation: A Case Report and Literature Review

Leiomyoma is a rare tumor that arises from mesenchymal cells, with few reported cases of treatment using holmium laser enucleation of the prostate. A 74-year-old man with dysuria had a mass near the bladder neck in magnetic resonance imaging; this entity was suspected to be a leiomyoma. The patient underwent holmium laser enucleation of the prostate and one lobe was removed. However, the mass was firm and morcellation was difficult to break into small pieces. Therefore, it was fragmented via trans-urethral resection and removed with a curette. The postoperative course was favorable, with a positive clinical outcome. This case highlights the efficacy of holmium laser enucleation of the prostate in the management of prostatic leiomyoma and emphasizes its importance as a viable treatment option.

Predictive factors affecting morcellation efficiency in holmium laser enucleation of the prostate

PURPOSE

To determine the factors affecting morcellation efficiency in holmium laser enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP) surgery.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Patients who underwent HoLEP surgery by a single surgeon between 2018 and 2022 were included in the study. Our primary outcome of interest in this study was morcellation efficiency. The effect of preoperative and perioperative variables on morcellation efficiency was evaluated with linear regression analysis.

RESULTS

A total of 410 patients were included in the study. The mean morcellation efficiency was 6.95±1.70 g/min. Univariable and multivariable linear regression analysis was performed to identify factors affecting morcellation efficiency. Presence of the "beach ball" effect (small, round prostatic tissue fragments that are fibrotic and difficult to morcellate), the learning curve, resectoscope sheath type, prostate-specific antigen (PSA) density, morcellated tissue weight, and the presence of prostate calcification were found to be independent predictive factors (β=-1.107, 95% CI: -1.59 to -0.55, p<0.001; β=-0.514, 95% CI: -0.85 to -0.17, p=0.003; β=-0.394, 95% CI: -0.65 to -0.13, p=0.003; β=-0.302, 95% CI: -0.59 to -0.09, p=0.043; β=0.062, 95% CI: 0.05 to 0.06, p<0.001; β=-0.329, 95% CI: -0.55 to -0.10, p=0.004; respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

This study reports that presence of the beach ball effect, the learning curve, small resectoscope sheath, PSA density, and presence of prostate calcification negatively affect morcellation efficiency. On the contrary, morcellated tissue weight has a linear relationship with morcellation efficiency.

Holmium Laser Enucleation of the Prostate Efficiency by Prostate Gland Size: Is There a Sweet Spot?

Holmium laser enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP) is one of only two AUA guideline-recommended prostate size-independent surgeries for benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH). The significant variation in gland size treated results in a wide range of enucleation and morcellation times. We sought to understand the effect of prostate size on HoLEP efficiency to better educate patients and improve operative room utilization. After IRB approval, we identified patients from 1 July 2016 to 1 January 2020 who underwent HoLEP by two endourologists. Our primary objectives were to assess the effects of increasing increments (25 g) of mean enucleated prostate tissue weight on enucleation and morcellation efficiency (g/min). One-way Kruskal–Wallis ANOVA with Dunn’s post hoc test was used, with significant p < 0.05. We included 675 HoLEPs with all comers mean tissue weight resected of 72.1 g (Range 1–448 g), energy used 110.00 kJ (10.73–340 kJ), enucleation time 48.6 min (5–151 min), and morcellation time 10.1 min (0.5–113 min). Average enucleation efficiency increased with increasing prostate size categories (e.g., <25 g–0.48 g/min, >325 g–3.91 g/min) (K-W ANOVA p = 0.004, Dunn’s post hoc p = 0.004). The combined average enucleation and morcellation efficiency was ≥5 g/min between 55 and 271 g. Inefficiency for cases <55 g was driven by enucleation, while >271 g case inefficiency was driven by morcellation. Increasing tissue weight at the time of HoLEP is associated with a linear relationship of increasing enucleation and decreasing morcellation efficiencies.

Perioperative Outcomes of Holmium Laser Enucleation of the Prostate: A Systematic Review

INTRODUCTION

The aim of the study was to systematically review the literature and describe perioperative complications of holmium laser enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP), including the Clavien-Dindo classification of surgical complications.

METHODS

All English language publications on HoLEP were evaluated. We followed the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analyses) guidelines to evaluate PubMed®, Scopus®, and Web of Science™ databases from January 1, 1998, to June 1, 2020.

RESULTS

Fifty-seven studies were included, for a total of 10,371 procedures. We distinguished between intra-, peri-, and postoperative complications. Overall, the rate of complications is 0-7%. Intraoperative complications include incomplete morcellation (2.3%), capsular perforation (2.2%), bladder (2.4%), and ureteric orifice (0.4%) injuries. Perioperative complications include postoperative urinary retention (0.2%), hematuria and clot retention (2.6%), and cystoscopy for clot evacuation (0.7%). Postoperative complications include dysuria (7.5%), stress (4.0%), urge (1.8%), transient (7%) and permanent (1.3%) urinary incontinence, urethral stricture (2%) and bladder neck contracture (1%).

CONCLUSIONS

HoLEP is a safe procedure, with a satisfactory low complication rate. The most common reported perioperative complications are not severe (Clavien-Dindo classification grades 1-2). Further randomized studies are certainly warranted to fully determine the predictor of surgical complications in order to prevent them and improve this technique.

Morcellation After Endoscopic Enucleation of the Prostate: Efficiency and Safety of Currently Available Devices

CONTEXT

Although several studies have compared different morcellators and enucleation techniques for the management of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), there is sparse literature on morcellation, so further experimental and clinical research is required for its optimization.

OBJECTIVE

To critically appraise the contemporary literature on prostate morcellation and to evaluate the safety and efficiency of currently available morcellators for endoscopic enucleation of the prostate (EEP) in the context of BPH.

EVIDENCE ACQUISITION

A comprehensive review of the English and French literature relevant to prostate morcellation was performed using the PubMed-MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, and Wiley Online Library database from 1998 to 2020 using PICOS (patient population, intervention, comparison, outcome, and study design) criteria.

EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS

We retrieved 26 studies involving 5652 patients treated with a morcellator that were eligible for data extraction and analysis. The mean patient age was 67.4 (range 61.4-72.8) yr. The weighted mean efficiency of Piranha, VersaCut, and DrillCut morcellators was 5.29, 3.95, and 5.3 g/min, respectively. Several approaches, such as en bloc, two-lobe, inverse, and improved techniques, may increase morcellation efficiency and safety. The lowest weighted mean rate of bladder wall injury was 1.24% for Piranha, followed by 1.98% for DrillCut, and 5.23% for VersaCut, while the VersaCut morcellator had the lowest weighted mean rate of device malfunction at 0.74%, compared to 2.07% for Piranha and 7.86% for DrillCut.

CONCLUSIONS

All three morcellators are efficient and safe for prostatic morcellation after EEP. Further development of devices and techniques may improve the efficiency and safety profile of morcellation. To increase safety, surgeon expertise, technical equipment, and patient characteristics should be considered. Therefore, interdisciplinary exchange of knowledge and further technological innovations are strongly encouraged.

PATIENT SUMMARY

We reviewed the safety and efficacy of devices called morcellators. These devices cut tissue into small pieces that are easier to remove from the body, and are used during laser surgery for benign enlargement of the prostate. Three morcellators are currently available on the market and are comparable in safety and efficacy.

Holmium laser enucleation of the prostate for very large benign prostatic hyperplasia (≥ 200 cc)

PURPOSE

Patients presenting with prostate gland sizes greater than 200 cc pose a unique surgical challenge to both patients and surgeons. The objective of this study is to critically assess the efficacy and risks associated with performing holmium laser enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP) on glands ≥ 200 cc.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Using a prospective maintained database, all consecutive benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) patients with gland size ≥ 200 cc who underwent HoLEP were included. We reported patient preoperative, intraoperative, postoperative outcomes and complications. Subgroup analysis of outcomes was stratified by gland sizes 200-299 cc and ≥ 300 cc. Univariate analysis using Kruskal-Wallis and Fisher exact test was performed to compare the two groups.

RESULTS

There were 88 patients with a mean preoperative gland size of 255.9 cc (200-770 cc). Mean operative (171 vs 182 min) and enucleation time (77 vs 83 min) were not different between the two subgroups (200-299 cc vs ≥ 300 cc). Enucleation efficiency was greater for glands ≥ 300 cc (2.6 cc/min vs 2.0 cc/min, p = 0.04). Morcellation time was longer in the ≥ 300 cc group (74.5 min vs 46.8 min, p = 0.021). Mean length of stay was 1.8 ± 1.2 days and catheter duration was 2.6 ± 2.7 days. 1 (1.1%) patient required retreatment of BPH at last follow-up. The main limitation of this study is the retrospective data analysis.

CONCLUSIONS

Holmium laser enucleation for prostate glands volume > 200 cc is feasible with minimal morbidity. These data further reinforce the size independence success of this procedure for BPH.

[Endoscopic enucleation of the prostate]

The spectrum of surgical procedures for the minimally invasive treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) has significantly increased over the last two decades. The simple suprapubic prostatectomy (subtotal prostatectomy, SP) has largely lost relevance in current practice. On the other hand, transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) has been further standardized and potentially made safer by the introduction of the bipolar technique and low-pressure systems.Transurethral (endoscopic) enucleation techniques (endoscopic enucleation of the prostate, EEP) are increasingly competing with the current gold standard TURP and are replacing SP for treatment of larger adenomas. This approach is especially related to the rapid development of laser technology, which has sustainably changed the face of modern BPH treatment in a similar way to stone therapy. This has been incorporated in the clinical patient management, clinical studies and standardization of numerous surgical techniques that are systematically described in this article. Additionally, efforts have also been made to use other energy sources, such as bipolar current in EEP. With respect to scientific objectivity, high-quality clinical trials are regularly published which further strengthen the position of EEP.

The effect of prostatic tissue density on the perioperative outcomes of Holmium laser enucleation of prostate (HoLEP): a pilot study

PURPOSE

To evaluate the effect of prostate tissue density (PTD) on perioperative Holmium laser enucleation of prostate (HoLEP) outcomes.

METHODS

Two hundred fourteen patients underwent HoLEP between December 2016 and August 2018 (group 1: PTD < 1 g/mL and group 2: PTD ≥ 1 g/mL). Enucleation time (ET), morcellation time (MT), total operation time (TOT), total laser energy (TLE), efficiency of laser (EL), efficiency of enucleation (EE), efficiency of morcellation (EM), enucleation rate (ER), and enucleated tissue weight (ETW) were recorded.

RESULTS

The mean ages of the groups 1, 2 were 61.36±5.92 and 63.1±7.52 years, respectively. TOT (76.4 vs 86.21 min), ET (69.18 vs 79.94 min), EE (0.80 vs 0.91 g/min), and ETW (55.8 vs 70.23 g) were not significantly different between the two groups. However, the MT was longer in group 2 (11.27 ± 8.57 min and 7.22 ± 5.46 min, p = 0.0001). Furthermore, EM was higher in group 1 (9.81 ± 5.61 g/min and 7.45 ± 4.14 g/min, p = 0.0003). The EL and TLE were similar in both groups. PTD positively correlated with MT (ρ = 0.272, p = 0.0005) and negatively correlated with EM (ρ = - 0.315, p = 0.0001). No correlations were identified between the PTD and EL or EE.

CONCLUSIONS

PTD is a factor that influences the HoLEP on perioperative outcomes. The PTD particularly affects the morcellation phase of the surgery. Patients with higher PTD will have a longer duration of MT and lesser EM. Future studies with the use of different imaging methods will give insight into the duration and difficulty of the HoLEP.

A Novel Technique of Morcellation Using a Pneumovesicum After Holmium Laser Enucleation of the Prostate in Complicated Situations: Our Initial Experience and Tips

Purpose

To describe our initial experience with a novel method of adenoma retrieval using a pneumovesicum (PNV) after Holmium laser enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP).

Methods

From January 2016 to April 2018, a total of 93 consecutive patients treated with HoLEP were enrolled in this study. For tissue morcellation, we used the PNV morcellation technique for an initial series of 21 patients and the conventional technique (Lumenis VersaCut) for a consecutive series of 72 patients. We compared efficiency and safety between the novel technique and the traditional technique. Subgroup analysis was performed to assess the effectiveness of the current technique in the large prostate (>70 mL).

Results

There were significant differences in mean age and prostate volume between the 2 groups. However, there were no significant differences in the baseline characteristics and preoperative parameters in the subgroup analysis of large prostates (>70 mL). The mean morcellation efficiency was higher (8.50±1.94 minutes vs. 1.76±0.45 minutes, P<0.05) and the time of morcellation (7.81±1.25 minutes vs. 34.04±11.14 minutes, P<0.05) was shorter in the PNV group. Moreover, there were no significant differences between groups in hospitalization period (2.62±1.10 days vs. 2.90±1.26 days, P=0.852) and any other postoperative events, including recatheterization, reoperation, clot retention, and urethral stricture (P-value range, 0.194–0.447). In the PNV group, there were some cases of procedure-related complications, including postoperative extravesical leakage (5th case), clot retention (8th case), and recatheterization (9th case).

Conclusions

This method has a higher tissue retrieval efficacy, with the advantage of excellent visibility compared to conventional morcellation. The current method can be applied when a transurethral morcellator is out of order or cannot be used.

DrillCutTM vs VersaCutTM prostate tissue morcellation devices after holmium laser enucleation: A prospective, randomized controlled trial

INTRODUCTION

We aimed to compare efficacy, safety, and cost of disposables of the DrillCut^TM morcellator with the VersaCut^TM morcellator after holmium laser enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP).

METHODS

After obtaining ethical approval, consecutive patients undergoing HoLEP for symptomatic benign prostatic hyperplasia were randomized to have their enucleated prostates morcellated by either Karl Storz^® DrillCut^TM or Lumenis^® VersaCut^TM morcellators. All procedures were performed by two experienced urologists. Patients' demographics and perioperative data were recorded. Both morcellators were compared for their safety, efficacy, and cost-effectiveness.

RESULTS

Eighty-two patients were included in the study (41 per each arm). Both groups were comparable in terms of age, preoperative prostate size (114 vs. 112 mL; p>0.05), enucleation time (95.3 vs. 91.7 minutes; p>0.05), and morcellation time (22.6 vs. 17.3 minutes; p>0.05). The DrillCut^TM was associated with significantly lower morcellation rate when compared with the VersaCut^TM (3.6 vs. 4.9 g/min; p= 0.03). In terms of safety, there was no significant difference between both morcellators in complication rates (2.4% vs. 7.3 %; p=0.1). However, there was one case of bladder perforation requiring exploration with the VersaCut^TM. The DrillCut^TM was associated with significantly higher cost of disposables when compared with the VersaCut^TM ($247.5 vs. $160.9; p<0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

Despite the small sample size, the DrillCut™ was associated with lower morcellation rate when compared with the VersaCut^TM. However, this difference may not be clinically significant. Although both morcellators were comparable in their safety, the DrillCut^TM was associated with higher cost of disposables when compared with the VersaCut^TM.