The Design and Rationale of a Multicentre Randomised Controlled Trial Comparing Transperineal Percutaneous Laser Ablation With Transurethral Resection of the Prostate for Treating Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia

MRI-guided transrectal prostate laser ablation for benign prostatic hypertrophy: a retrospective cohort study

PURPOSE

To investigate whether MRI-guided transrectal laser ablation is safe and effective for the treatment of lower urinary tract symptoms caused by BPH.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This single-center retrospective cohort study evaluated men who underwent MRI-guided transrectal laser ablation for BPH between February 2017 and July 2021. Age, prostate-specific antigen, prostate volume, prior surgical BPH treatments if any, International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) and Sexual Health Inventory of Men (SHIM) were collected. The primary outcome measures assessed were change in IPSS and SHIM 6, 12 and 24 months after laser ablation and adverse events.

RESULTS

Fifty-two patients were included, having completed at least one follow-up survey. The mean patient age was 62.9 ± 5.7 years, and mean prostate volume was 80.2 ± 39.2 cc. Eighteen patients (34.6%) had received a prior BPH treatment. The IPSS scores dropped an average of 16.7 ± 7.0 (p < 0.001), 16.9 ± 7.5 (p < 0.001) and 17.1 ± 7.2 (p < 0.001) points from baseline at 6, 12 and 24 months, respectively. There was no statistically significant difference in IPSS score drop between patients who had received a prior BPH procedure and those who had not (p = 0.628). The SHIM scores showed a statistically insignificant increase at all time points. Nineteen patients (36.5%) reported a complication. There were 12 grade II complications (23%) and seven grade I complications (13.5%). There were no grade III or higher complications.

CONCLUSION

Transrectal MRI-guided focal laser ablation is safe and effective for the treatment of lower urinary tract symptoms caused by BPH, with a significant improvement in symptom severity after 2 years.

Minimally invasive techniques in quest of Holy Grail of surgical management of enlarged prostates: a narrative review

PURPOSE

Past decade has seen a renewed interest in minimally invasive surgical techniques (MISTs) for management of enlarged prostate. This narrative review aims to explore newer MIST for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) which are not yet integrated into established societal guidelines.

METHODS

We conducted a literature search across PubMed, Google Scholar, and FDA ClinicalTrials.gov databases on June 1st, 2023, to identify studies published within the past decade exploring various MISTs for BPH. Additionally, we gathered insights from abstracts presented in meetings of professional associations and corporate websites. We broadly classified these procedures into three distinct categories: energy-based, balloon dilation, and implant/stent treatments. We collected detail information about the device, procedure details, its inclusion and exclusion criteria, and outcome.

RESULTS

Our review reveals that newer energy-based MISTs include Transperineal Laser Ablation, Transurethral Ultrasound Ablation, and High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound. In the sphere of balloon dilation, Transurethral Columnar Balloon Dilation and the Optilume BPH Catheter System were gaining momentum. The noteworthy implants/stents that are on horizon include Butterfly Prostatic Retraction Device, Urocross Expander System, Zenflow Spring System, and ProVee Urethral Expander System.

CONCLUSION

The exploration of various MISTs reflects ongoing efforts to enhance patient care and address limitations of existing treatments. This review provides a bird-eye view and valuable insights for urologists and researchers seeking to navigate the dynamic landscape of MISTs in the quest for effective and minimally invasive solutions for enlarged prostates.

Transperineal laser ablation as treatment for benign prostatic obstruction: Safety, feasibility and functional outcomes-A pilot study

Background

Standard surgical treatment for lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) due to benign prostatic obstruction (BPO) requires anaesthesia and hospitalization. Transperineal laser ablation (TPLA) is a novel minimally invasive treatment for BPO, which has been performed using local anaesthetics and conscious sedation.

Objectives

The aim of this study is to assess safety, feasibility and functional outcomes of TPLA for the treatment of LUTS in men fit also for standard surgery.

Methods

This prospective, multicentre, interventional pilot study included 20 patients. Eligible patients were men ≥40 years of age, with urodynamically proven bladder outlet obstruction, a peak urinary flow of 5-15 mL/s and a prostate volume of 30-120 cc. All subjects underwent Soractelite™ TPLA using the Echolaser® X4 system. Two to four fibres were placed in the prostate, whereafter laser light induced coagulative necrosis. Twelve months of follow-up included uroflowmetry, an ultrasound of the prostate and PROMs (IPSS and IIEF).

Results

Twenty patients were treated with TPLA using local anaesthetics and optional sedation. Sixteen patients were treated in an outpatient setting, using only local anaesthetics in 12 of them; four were treated in the operating room, whereof two under general anaesthesia. No device related adverse events occurred, nor did any grade ≥3 adverse events during follow-up. Post-TPLA, 10 men continued spontaneous voiding, and 10 men developed a urinary retention treated by a temporary indwelling catheter for 15.2 ± 3.5 days. At 12 months, Qmax improved from 9.7 ± 3.5 to 14.9 ± 6.0 (p = 0.015), IPSS improved from 21.3 ± 5.2 to 10.9 ± 5.5 (p < 0.0001), QoL improved from 4.9 ± 0.9 to 1.9 ± 1.1 (p < 0.0001), IIEF-15 total score remained stable and 11/13 patients (85%) preserved antegrade ejaculation.

Conclusions

TPLA is a safe and feasible treatment for men with LUTS due to BPO. TPLA can be performed in an outpatient setting under only local anaesthetics. Functional and quality of life outcomes improved significantly at 12 months, and erectile function remained stable.

Ultrasound-guided SoracteLite™ transperineal laser ablation (TPLA) of the prostate for the treatment of symptomatic benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH): a prospective single-center experience

PURPOSE

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of ultrasound-guided transperineal laser ablation (TPLA) in patients with symptomatic BPH.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

From January 2020 to January 2022, 63 prospectively enrolled patients underwent TPLA with a 1064-nm continuous-wave diode laser (EchoLaser, Elesta SpA). Primary endpoints were the change in IPSS, QoL, Q_max, PVR and prostate volume at 3 and 12 months.

RESULTS

At 3 months, IPSS improved from 20.8 ± 7.4 to 11.0 ± 6.6 (p < 0.001), QoL from 4.7 ± 1.4 to 1.5 ± 1.2 (p < 0.001) and Q_max from 8.6 ± 3.5 mL/s to 13.2 ± 5.7 mL/s (p = 0.083). PVR decreased from 124.8 ± 115.4 mL to 43.6 ± 53.6 mL (p < 0.001), and prostate volume decreased from 63.6 ± 29.7 mL to 45.6 ± 21.8 mL (p = 0.003). At 12 months, IPSS improved from 20.8 ± 7.4 to 8.4 ± 5.9 (p < 0.001), QoL from 4.7 ± 1.4 to 1.2 ± 0.8 (p < 0.001), and Q_max from 8.6 ± 3.5 mL/s to 16.2 ± 4.3 mL/s (p = 0.014). PVR decreased from 124.8 ± 115.4 mL to 40.6 ± 53.6 mL (p = 0.003), and prostate volume decreased from 63.6 ± 29.7 mL to 42.8 ± 14.2 mL (p = 0.071). Transient complications consisted of two patients with prostatic abscess (Clavien-Dindo grade IIIa) and one patient with orchitis (Clavien-Dindo grade II).

CONCLUSIONS

TPLA for symptomatic BPH provides clinical benefits at 3 and 12 months, and the treatment is well tolerated.

Transperineal Laser Ablation for Benign Prostatic Enlargement: A Systematic Review and Pooled Analysis of Pilot Studies

Transperineal laser ablation (TPLA) of the prostate is a new minimally invasive treatment option in men with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) due to benign prostatic enlargement (BPE). The aim of this systematic review was to investigate the efficacy and safety of TPLA in the management of BPE. The primary outcomes were the improvement in urodynamic parameters (maximum urinary flow (Q_max) and postvoiding residue (PVR)) and LUTS relief, assessed using the IPSS questionnaire. The secondary outcomes were the preservation of sexual and ejaculatory functions, assessed with the IEEF-5 and MSHQ-EjD questionnaires, respectively, and rates of postoperative complications. We reviewed the literature for prospective or retrospective studies evaluating the use of TPLA in the treatment of BPE. A comprehensive search in PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and ClinicalTrials.gov was performed for English language articles published between January 2000 and June 2022. Pooled analysis of the included studies with available follow-up data for the outcomes of interest was additionally performed. After screening 49 records, six full-text manuscripts were identified, including two retrospective and four prospective non-comparative studies. Overall, 297 patients were included. All the studies independently reported a statistically significant improvement, from baseline, in Q_max, PVR, and IPSS score at each timepoint. Three studies additionally demonstrated that TPLA did not affect sexual function, reporting no change in the IEEF-5 score, and a statistically significant improvement in MSHQ-EjD score at each timepoint. Low rates of complications were recorded in all the included studies. Pooled analysis showed a clinically meaningful improvement in both micturition and sexual outcomes mean values at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months of follow-up, compared with baseline. Transperineal laser ablation of the prostate for the treatment of BPE showed interesting results in pilot studies. However, higher level and comparative studies are needed to confirm its efficacy in relieving obstructive symptoms and preserving sexual function.

Transperineal Laser Ablation of the Prostate (TPLA) for Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms Due to Benign Prostatic Obstruction

We aimed to review the current evidence on surgical and functional outcomes of Transperineal Laser Ablation for LUTS due to BPH. A comprehensive review of the English-language literature was performed using the MEDLINE and Web of Science databases until 1 August 2022, aiming to select studies evaluating TPLA for the treatment of LUTS due to BPH. Additional records were found from Google Scholar. Data were extracted and summarized in Tables. An appropriate form was used for qualitative data synthesis. Seven studies were included in the review, with all being single arm, non-comparative studies. In all studies, functional outcomes were evaluated with uroflowmetry parameters and validated questionnaires, showing a promising effectiveness at short- and mid-term follow-up. There is a lack of standardized pathways for preoperative assessment of patients suitable for TPLA, and even the technique itself has been reported with a few nuances. A good safety profile has been reported by all the authors. Although promising results have been reported by different groups, selection criteria for TPLA and few technical nuances regarding the procedure were found to be heterogeneous across the published series that should be standardized in the future. Further research is needed to confirm these findings.

Analysis of Risk Factors and Nursing Strategies for Postoperative Hemorrhage of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia

This study is to investigate the risk factors analysis and nursing strategies for postoperative bleeding of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Totally, 240 BPH patients after surgical excision admitted to Hengshui People's Hospital between January 2019 and January 2020 were recruited. Of the 240 BPH patients, 20 had postoperative bleeding, accounting for 8.3% of all enrollments. Risk factors for postoperative bleeding included large prostate, diabetes, hypertension, urinary tract infection within 1 week before surgery, and the absence of epidural analgesia pumps. There were 87 patients receiving routine nursing (routine group) and 153 patients receiving routine nursing plus hemorrhage prevention care (study group). The study group had fewer cases of postoperative bleeding than the routine group. The influencing factors of postoperative bleeding in patients with prostatic hyperplasia include systemic and local factors, and corresponding hemorrhage prevention care should be performed based on the principle of evidence-based care to reduce the risk of postoperative bleeding.