Thermo-expandable prostatic stents for bladder outlet obstruction in the frail and elderly population: An underutilized procedure?

Prostatic stents: a systematic review and analysis of functional outcomes and complication rate

BACKGROUND

This review aims to identify and summarize the current literature on the use of prostatic stents or nitinol devices as minimally invasive techniques for the management of lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) resulting from benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).

METHODS

A comprehensive search of the literature was conducted until October 2023. Only original articles written in English were considered for inclusion. This review has been registered in PROSPERO (registration number CRD42023474884).

RESULTS

Thirty-eight articles were included (2618 patients). Generally, the risk of bias was deemed as high or very high. The most frequently investigated stents were the UroLume, followed by the Memokath/Memotherm. The mean age was 72.01 ± 5.6 years, with a mean prostate volume of 48.27 ± 12.8 cc and a mean urethral length of 40.53 ± 9.16 mm. Surgeries were usually performed under local anesthesia. The rates of catheter-free status and complications were 85.2% and 30.83%, respectively. The primary complications included urinary tract infections (17.2%), followed by calcifications (12.6%), irritative symptoms (12.2%), and acute urinary retention (10.4%). During a follow-up period of 12 months, the failure rate intended as stent removal or repositioning was 14.8%. The International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) showed an overall improvement of 9.85 points. The mean improvement in maximum flow rate and post-void residual volume were 6.62 ml/sec and 147 ml, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Prostatic stents remain an efficient choice for addressing obstructive symptoms from BPH, offering the advantage of being performed under local anaesthesia, relieving symptoms with good functional outcomes and a low incidence of major complications. Prospective studies are needed to corroborate these results.

Thermo-expandable intraprostatic nitinol stents in the treatment of bladder outlet obstruction: a consecutive case series

OBJECTIVE

In high-risk patients, prostatic stents may alleviate obstruction at the prostate level. Since 2020 we have used thermo-expandable intraprostatic nitinol stents. Here we document outcomes through the first years with the procedure.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

We reviewed  patients who had undergone stent treatment between May 2020 and October 2023. Patient and procedural data, urinary symptoms, complications and side effects were recorded. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize outcomes and we evaluated predictors of success and complications using robust multiple regression analyses.

RESULTS

We included 52 consecutive patients with a median age of 82 years (range 71-96) and a median Charlson Comorbidity Index of 6 (3-11). Forty-seven men used indwelling catheters, two used clean intermittent catheterization, and three had severe lower urinary tract symptoms. Stents were placed under general anesthesia, sedation, and local anesthesia in 39, 4, and 9 men, respectively. The median treatment time was 14 min (range 8-40). One complication, in the form of an infection requiring IV antibiotics, occurred. Subsequently, 45 men (87%) were able to void spontaneously without bothersome symptoms. After a median of 11 (2-44) months, 8 men had their stents removed due to recurring symptoms. This gives an overall success rate of 37/52 patients (71%). No predictors of success or complications were identified.

CONCLUSIONS

Thermo-expandable intraprostatic nitinol stents demonstrate a high success rate with a low risk of complications and may serve as an alternative to permanent or intermittent catheterization for men who are unable or unwilling to undergo flow-improving surgery.

Fournier's gangrene after insertion of thermo-expandable prostatic stent for benign prostatic hyperplasia: A case report

BACKGROUND

Thermo-expandable urethral stent (Memokath 028) implantation is an alternative treatment for older patients with lower urinary tract symptoms and benign prostatic obstruction. Following prostatic urethral stent implantation, minor complications such as urinary tract infection, irritative symptoms, gross hematuria, and urethral pain have been observed; however, there are no reports of life-threatening events. Herein, we report a critical case of Fournier's gangrene that occurred 7 years after prostatic stenting.

CASE SUMMARY

An 81-years-old man with benign prostatic hyperplasia (volume, 126 ccs; as measured by transrectal ultrasound) had undergone insertion of a thermo-expandable urethral stent (Memokath 028) as he was unfit for surgery under general anesthesia. However, the patient had undergone a suprapubic cystostomy for recurrent acute urinary retention 4 years after the insertion of prostatic stent (Memokath 028). We had planned to remove the Memokath 028; however, the patient was lost to follow-up. The patient presented to the emergency department 3 years after the suprapubic cystostomy with necrotic changes from the right scrotum to the right inguinal area. In digital rectal examination, tenderness and heat of prostate was identified. Also, the black skin color change with foul-smelling from right scrotum to right inguinal area was identified. In computed tomography finding, subcutaneous emphysema was identified to same area. He was diagnosed with Fournier's gangrene based on the physical examination and computed tomography findings. In emergency room, Fournier's gangrene severity index value is seven points. Therefore, he underwent emergent extended surgical debridement and removal of the Memokath 028. Broad-spectrum intravenous antibiotics were administered and additional necrotic tissue debridement was performed. However, the patient died 14 days after surgery due to multiorgan failure.

CONCLUSION

If Memokath 028 for benign prostatic hyperplasia is not working in older patients, its rapid removal may help prevent severe complications.

Six novel minimally invasive therapies for benign prostatic hyperplasia

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is the most common cause of lower urinary tract symptoms in men. When drug treatment is ineffective or conventional surgery is not suitable, novel minimally invasive therapies can be considered. These include prostatic urethral lift, prostatic artery embolisation, water vapor thermal therapy, Aquablation-image guided robotic waterjet ablation, temporary implantable nitinol device and prostatic stents. These novel therapies can be performed in outpatient setting under local anesthesia, with shorter operative and recovery times, and better protection of ejaculatory function and erectile function. General conditions of the patient and advantages and disadvantages of the each of these therapies should be fully considered to make individualized plans.

The Butterfly: A Novel Minimally Invasive Transurethral Retraction Device for Benign Hypertrophy of the Prostate

INTRODUCTION

The Butterfly Prostatic Retraction device is a novel transurethral implant designed to dilate the prostatic urethra and treat lower urinary tract symptoms. We assessed its safety, efficacy and impact on urinary flow, ejaculation, and quality of life.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We included 64 men, treated for benign prostate hyperplasia for at least 1 year. All patients had Qmax≤ 13 mL/s and IPSS >12. Insertion of the device was performed via cystoscopy. Follow-up visits were performed at 2 weeks, 1, 3, 6, and 12 months and included uroflowmetry, IPSS, QoL, and sexual function questionnaires. Cystoscopy was performed on 3 and 12 months.

RESULTS

Patients age was 50-83 years. 28 patients completed a 1-year follow-up with an intact device. Mean Qmax improved by 2 mL/s (25%), IPSS median drop was 10 points (40%), and QoL score was 1.5 points (38%). Sexually active patients reported antegrade ejaculation. On cystoscopy, gradual coverage of the devices with urethral mucosa was observed. In 1 patient, the device was repositioned. In 19 patients, the device was removed. 12 patients returned to alpha-blocker therapy and 7 patients underwent TURP. One patient developed a bulbar urethral stricture.

CONCLUSIONS

We demonstrated feasibility and good tolerability of the Butterfly device.

Frailty and benign prostatic hyperplasia: The thrilling underlying impact

Background: World population is aging. The number of individuals aged over 65 are expected to be 71 million only in the US. 43% of this population will be men. Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), defined as the benign neoplasm of the prostate gland affects 8% of men by their forties, but 90% of men over 90 years old. Lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) can be caused by an enlarged prostate, and it seems to be associated more with older and frailer individuals. Methods: The purpose of this study is to review the potential interplay between frailty syndrome and benign prostatic hyperplasia. A thorough MEDLINE/PubMed non-systematic literature review was conducted from 1990 to March of 2022. The terms used for the search were “frailty and benign prostatic hyperplasia” and “low muscle mass and benign prostatic hyperplasia”. Results: It seems that, frailty poses a negative impact on the prognosis of patients with BPH, as it is associated with increased incidence of LUTS. In addition, frailty seems to be a strong predictor concerning surgical procedure failure and mortality following invasive procedures for BPH. Prostatic stent placement on the other hand appears to be the ideal solution for frail patients. Conclusions: BPH has a strong association with frailty and increasing age.

The Rise of Polymeric Microneedles: Recent Developments, Advances, Challenges, and Applications with Regard to Transdermal Drug Delivery

The current scenario of the quest for microneedles (MNs) with biodegradability and biocompatibility properties is a potential research area of interest. Microneedles are considered to be robust, can penetrate the skin's deep-seated layers, and are easy to manufacture, and their applications from the clinical perspective are still ongoing with standard escalation. This review paper focuses on some of the pivotal variants of polymeric microneedles which are specifically dissolvable and swell-based MNs. It further explores the drug dissolution kinetics and insertion behavior mechanisms with an emphasis on the need for mathematical modeling of MNs. This review further evaluates the multifarious fabrication methods, with an update on the advances in the fabrication of polymeric MNs, the choice of materials used for the fabrication, the challenges in polymeric MN fabrication, and the prospects of polymeric MNs with applications pertinent to healthcare, by exclusively focusing on the procurable literature over the last decade.

Translation of Polymeric Microneedles for Treatment of Human Diseases: Recent Trends, Progress, and Challenges

The ongoing search for biodegradable and biocompatible microneedles (MNs) that are strong enough to penetrate skin barriers, easy to prepare, and can be translated for clinical use continues. As such, this review paper is focused upon discussing the key points (e.g., choice polymeric MNs) for the translation of MNs from laboratory to clinical practice. The review reveals that polymers are most appropriately used for dissolvable and swellable MNs due to their wide range of tunable properties and that natural polymers are an ideal material choice as they structurally mimic native cellular environments. It has also been concluded that natural and synthetic polymer combinations are useful as polymers usually lack mechanical strength, stability, or other desired properties for the fabrication and insertion of MNs. This review evaluates fabrication methods and materials choice, disease and health conditions, clinical challenges, and the future of MNs in public healthcare services, focusing on literature from the last decade.

Are all procedures for benign prostatic hyperplasia created equal? A systematic review on post-procedural PSA dynamics and its correlation with relief of bladder outlet obstruction

PURPOSE

To evaluate and provide a comprehensive literature review of Prostate specific antigen (PSA) dynamics after various surgical procedures for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).

METHODS

A thorough PubMed database search was performed over last 30 years including terms "PSA" and various surgical procedures for BPH. PSA nadir after various procedure was evaluated. The post-operative improvement in International Prostate Symptom Score, maximum void rates and post-void residue after surgeries were recorded. An indirect correlation was made between PSA nadir and outcome of various BPH surgical procedures.

RESULTS

Enucleation procedures like simple prostatectomy and endoscopic enucleation of prostate (EEP) produced maximum drop in PSA level after surgery and were associated with the highest improvement in post-operative parameters. The PSA nadir following resection techniques like transurethral resection of prostate and Holmium laser resection of prostate and vaporization technique was variable and less robust when compared to EEP. Newer techniques like Aquablation, Rezum, Urolift, Prostate artery embolization and Temporary implantable nitinol devices (iTIND) produce relatively less reduction in PSA and lesser percentile improvement in post-operative parameters.

CONCLUSIONS

Various surgical procedures for BPH result in varying PSA nadirs level. Enucleation procedures and simple prostatectomy produce the most drastic and sustained decrease in PSA. There is a possible indirect evidence suggesting that the level of PSA nadir corresponds closely with the degree of post-operative improvement and durability of the procedure. Establishing the new PSA nadir at 3-6 months after the procedure is recommended as a part of routine surveillance for prostate cancer in eligible patients.

A state-of-art review on the preservation of sexual function among various minimally invasive surgical treatments for benign prostatic hyperplasia: Impact on erectile and ejaculatory domains

There is a strong association between benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)/lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) and sexual dysfunction. While transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) is considered the standard BPH treatment, it is however associated with a high rate of erectile and ejaculatory dysfunctions. Over the past decade, new and novel minimally invasive BPH therapies have been shown to improve various parameters of voiding domains while minimizing adverse sexual effects. These minimally invasive BPH therapies can be largely be divided into those with cavitating technology (Rezum, Histotripsy, Aquablation), intra-prostatic injections (Botulinum neurotoxin Type A, Fexapotide Triflutate, prostate specific antigen-activated protoxin PRX-302), and mechanical devices which include intraprostatic stents (Urospinal 2™, Memotherm™, Memokath™, and Allium triangular prostatic stent™) and intraprostatic devices (iTIND™, Urolift™), as well as prostatic artery embolization. Published literature on these technologies showed reasonable preservation of erectile function with limited data reported on ejaculatory domain. Further validation of the performance of these novel minimally invasive treatment options for LUTS due to BPH in well-designed and multi-centre studies are desired, to evaluate their role (or lack of such a role) in clinical practice and whether these BPH therapies can provide equivalent standard or better than TURP.

Beyond medications: office-based procedures for benign prostatic obstruction

PURPOSE

When medications fail to satisfactorily treat bothersome lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) due to benign prostatic obstruction (BPO), procedural treatments are indicated. There is much interest in minimally invasive office-based treatments which can be performed under local anesthesia, allow fast recovery and have minimal morbidity. The purpose of this article is to review recent literature regarding safety and efficacy of office-based minimally invasive therapies for BPO.

METHODS

A literature search using PUBMED and Medline was performed regarding minimally invasive office-based treatments for BPO, including the prostatic urethral lift (Urolift), water vapor therapy (Rezum) and stents. Literature published within the last 5 years were reviewed.

RESULTS

The prostatic urethral lift (Urolift) is a safe and efficacious treatment for LUTS-BPO whilst also preserving sexual function. Rezum appears to be a safe and effective treatment in Phase 2 trials. Memokath prostatic stents do not appear to be a durable treatment; Allium prostatic stents warrant further investigation prior to recommendation.

CONCLUSIONS

The prostatic urethral lift (Urolift) is a safe and effective treatment for LUTS-BPO whilst preserving sexual function. Rezum also appears to be a safe and effective treatment in small RCTs comparing performance with TURP. Memokath prostatic stents do not appear to have treatment durability. Further studies would be warranted to determine whether Allium prostatic stents are safe effective treatments for LUTS-BPO.