National trends of surgery for benign prostatic hyperplasia in Finland.

PURPOSE: To investigate national trends of surgical treatment for benign prostatic obstruction (BPO). METHODS: The Care Register for Healthcare in Finland was used to investigate the annual numbers and types of surgical procedures, operation incidence and duration of hospital stay between 2004 and 2018 in Finland. Procedures were classified using the Nordic Medico-Statistical Committee Classification of Surgical Procedures coding. Trends in incidence were analyzed with two-sided Cochran-Armitage test. Trends in duration of hospital stay and patient age were analyzed with linear regression. RESULTS: Transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) was the most common operation type during the study period, covering over 70% of operations for BPO. Simultaneous with the implementation of photoselective vaporization of the prostate (PVP), the incidence of TURP, minimally invasive surgical therapies, transurethral vaporization of the prostate (TUVP) and open prostatectomies decreased (p < 0.05). The mean operation incidence rate in the population between 2004 and 2018 was 263 per 100,000. The duration of hospital stay shortened (p < 0.05), and the average age of operated patients increased by 2 years (p < 0.0001). CONCLUSION: The implementation of PVP did not challenge the dominating position of TURP in Finland, but it has probably influenced the overall use of other surgical therapies, excluding transurethral incision of the prostate.  The results might suggest that the conservative treatment is accentuated, patient selection is more thorough, and surgical intervention might be placed at a later stage of BPO.

Randomised trial of bipolar resection vs holmium laser enucleation vs Greenlight laser vapo-enucleation of the prostate for treatment of large benign prostate obstruction: 3-years outcomes.

OBJECTIVE: To compare transurethral resection in saline (TURIS), Greenlight laser vapo-enucleation of the prostate (GL.PVEP), and holmium laser enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP), for controlling lower urinary tract symptoms secondary to large benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and to assess non-inferiority of 3-year re-treatment rates. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Eligible patients with BPH (prostate size 80-150 mL) were randomly assigned to one of the intervention groups. Non-inferiority of re-treatment rate was evaluated using a one-sided test at 5% level of significance. RESULTS: At the time of analysis, 60 GL.PVEP, 60 HoLEP and 62 TURIS procedures were included. Perioperative parameters were comparable between groups; however, the operative time was longer in GL.PVEP vs HoLEP and TURIS, at a mean (SD) of 92 (32) vs 73 (30) and 83 (28) min (P = 0.005); and was less effective with a mean (SD) removal of 1.2 (0.4) vs 1.7 (0.7) and 1.4 (0.6) g/min (P < 0.001), respectively. Perioperative complications and need for auxiliary procedures were similar in the three groups; however, there was a significantly higher rate of capsular perforation in TURIS group (five, 8%) compared to one (1.6%) in the GL.PVEP group and none in the HoLEP group (P = 0.01). There was a significantly longer hospital stay, catheter-time and higher rate of blood transfusion in the TURIS group. There was significant but comparable improvements in the International Prostate Symptom Score in three groups at different follow-up points. At 3 years, re-treatment for recurrent bladder outlet obstruction was required more after GL.PVEP and TURIS. More re-do surgeries for recurrent obstructing prostate adenoma was reported after GL.PVEP (four, 6.7%) and TURIS (six, 9.7%) than for HoLEP (none) (P = 0.04). CONCLUSION: The perioperative outcomes of GL.PVEP and HoLEP surpassed that of TURIS for the treatment of large prostates, but with a significantly prolonged operative time with GL.PVEP. The three techniques achieve good functional outcomes; however, 3-year re-treatment rates following TURIS and GL.PVEP were inferior to HoLEP.

The cost-effectiveness of transurethral resection of the prostate vs thulium laser transurethral vaporesection of the prostate in the UNBLOCS randomised controlled trial for benign prostatic obstruction.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the cost-effectiveness of the current 'gold standard' operation of transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) compared to the new laser technique of thulium laser transurethral vaporesection of the prostate (ThuVARP) in men with benign prostatic obstruction (BPO) within the UK National Health Service (NHS). PATIENTS AND METHODS: The trial was conducted across seven UK centres (four university teaching hospitals and three district general hospitals). A total of 410 men aged ≥18 years presenting with either bothersome lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) or urinary retention secondary to BPO, and suitable for surgery, were randomised (whilst under anaesthetic) 1:1 to receive the TURP or ThuVARP procedure. Resource use in relation to the operation, initial inpatient stay, and subsequent use of NHS services was collected for 12 months from randomisation (equivalent to primary effectiveness outcome) using hospital records and patient questionnaires. Resources were valued using UK reference costs. Quality adjusted life years (QALYs) were calculated from the EuroQoL five Dimensions five Levels (EQ-5D-5L) questionnaire completed at baseline, 3- and 12-months. Total adjusted mean costs, QALYs and incremental Net Monetary Benefit statistics were calculated: cost-effectiveness acceptability curves and sensitivity analyses addressed uncertainty. RESULTS: The total adjusted mean secondary care cost over the 12 months in the TURP arm (£4244) was £9 (95% CI -£376, £359) lower than the ThuVARP arm (£4253). The ThuVARP operation took on average 21 min longer than TURP. The adjusted mean difference of QALYs (0.01 favouring TURP, 95% CI -0.01, 0.04) was similar between the arms. There is a 76% probability that TURP is the cost-effective option compared with ThuVARP at the £20 000 per QALY willingness to pay threshold used by National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE). CONCLUSION: One of the anticipated benefits of the laser surgery, reduced length of hospital stay with an associated reduction in cost, did not materialise within the study. The longer duration of the ThuVARP procedure is important to consider, both from a patient perspective in terms of increased time under anaesthetic, and from a service delivery perspective. TURP remains a highly cost-effective treatment for men with BPO.

Management of benign prostatic hyperplasia in the 21st century: temporal trends in Australian population-based data.

OBJECTIVE: To examine national trends in the medical and surgical treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) using Australian Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS) and Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) population data from 2000 to 2018. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Annual data was extracted from the MBS, PBS and Australian Institute of Health and Welfare databases for the years 2000-2018. Population-adjusted rates of BPH procedures and medical therapies were calculated and compared in relation to age. Cost analysis was performed to estimate financial burden due to BPH. RESULTS: Overall national hospital admissions due to BPH declined between 2000 and 2018, despite an increased proportion of admissions due to private procedures (42% vs 77%). Longitudinal trends in the medical management of BPH showed an increased prescription rate of dutasteride/tamsulosin combined therapy (111 vs 7649 per 100 000 men) and dutasteride monotherapy (149 vs 336 per 100 000 men) since their introduction to the PBS in 2011. Trends in BPH surgery showed an overall progressive increase in rate of total procedures between 2000 and 2018 (92 vs 133 per 100 000 men). Transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) remained the most commonly performed surgical procedure, despite reduced utilisation since 2009 (118 vs 89 per 100 000 men), offset by a higher uptake of photoselective vaporisation of prostate, holmium:YAG laser enucleation of prostate, and later likely due to minimally invasive surgical therapies including prostatic urethral lift and ablative technologies (including Rezum™). Financial burden due to BPH surgery has remained steady since 2009, whilst the burden due to medical therapy has risen sharply. CONCLUSION: Despite reduced national BPH-related hospitalisations, overall treatment for BPH has increased due to medical therapy and surgical alternatives to TURP. Further exploration into motivators for particular therapies and effect of medical therapy on BPH progression in clinical practice outside of clinical trials is warranted.

Surgical Reintervention Rate after Prostatic Urethral Lift: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Involving over 2,000 Patients.

PURPOSE: The surgical reintervention rate after prostatic urethral lift is not well characterized but has been estimated at 2% to 3% per year. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to determine the surgical reintervention rate after prostatic urethral lift. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We systematically searched MEDLINE®, Embase® and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials for studies of men treated with prostatic urethral lift reporting at least 1 year of maximum followup data. We performed a random effects meta-analysis to estimate the annual rate of surgical reintervention after prostatic urethral lift, including those performed for lower urinary tract symptoms or involving device explant, additions or replacement. The robustness of the meta-analysis conclusions was evaluated in a one-study removed analysis and heterogeneity was investigated with a subgroup analysis. RESULTS: In 11 studies (2,016 patients) 153 surgical reinterventions were performed, among which transurethral resection of the prostate/laser (51.0%), repeat prostatic urethral lift (32.7%) and device explant (19.6%) were most common. The annual rate of surgical reintervention was 6.0% per year (95% CI 3.0-8.9). These results were not significantly influenced by any single study. The annual rate of surgical intervention was significantly influenced by the mean duration of patient followup. Surgical reintervention rates were 4.3% per year in studies with 1 year or less mean followup, 10.7% per year in studies with more than 1 year to 3 years mean followup and 5.8% per year in a single study with more than 3 years mean followup (p=0.04). CONCLUSIONS: The surgical reintervention rate with prostatic urethral lift is 6.0% per year and is higher in studies with longer followup durations.

Reducing readmissions and improving patient experience following urological surgery, through early telephone follow-up.

Readmission from urological surgery is common, with a readmission rate for day case surgery of 3.7% and 26% for robot-assisted cystectomy. Readmission to secondary care and representation to primary care are both expensive and preventable. This project aimed to reduce both and also enhance the care of patients following urological surgery in a large tertiary referral centre, within the National Health Service. A retrospective telephone follow-up (TFU) survey was set up in the early postoperatively period to measure reattendance and readmission rates and perception of care received. Patients were also asked to suggest how improvement could be made. Quality improvement tools were used to optimise and review the methods and timing of TFU. TFU was initiated as a strategy to enhance care and reduce readmission rates. Phone calls were targeted to occur between 48 and 72 hours following discharge. During the intervention period, 484 phone calls were attempted with 343 being successful. Reattendance rates were reduced by 13% and patient satisfaction improved by 19.6%, following TFU. This intervention also generated additional income for the organisation and enhanced patient satisfaction in the early postoperative period.

Comparative efficacy and safety of new surgical treatments for benign prostatic hyperplasia: systematic review and network meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the efficacy and safety of different endoscopic surgical treatments for benign prostatic hyperplasia. DESIGN: Systematic review and network meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials. DATA SOURCES: A comprehensive search of PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane databases from inception to 31 March 2019. STUDY SELECTION: Randomised controlled trials comparing vapourisation, resection, and enucleation of the prostate using monopolar, bipolar, or various laser systems (holmium, thulium, potassium titanyl phosphate, or diode) as surgical treatments for benign prostatic hyperplasia. The primary outcomes were the maximal flow rate (Qmax) and international prostate symptoms score (IPSS) at 12 months after surgical treatment. Secondary outcomes were Qmax and IPSS values at 6, 24, and 36 months after surgical treatment; perioperative parameters; and surgical complications. DATA EXTRACTION AND SYNTHESIS: Two independent reviewers extracted the study data and performed quality assessments using the Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool. The effect sizes were summarised using weighted mean differences for continuous outcomes and odds ratios for binary outcomes. Frequentist approach to the network meta-analysis was used to estimate comparative effects and safety. Ranking probabilities of each treatment were also calculated. RESULTS: 109 trials with a total of 13 676 participants were identified. Nine surgical treatments were evaluated. Enucleation achieved better Qmax and IPSS values than resection and vapourisation methods at six and 12 months after surgical treatment, and the difference maintained up to 24 and 36 months after surgical treatment. For Qmax at 12 months after surgical treatment, the best three methods compared with monopolar transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) were bipolar enucleation (mean difference 2.42 mL/s (95% confidence interval 1.11 to 3.73)), diode laser enucleation (1.86 (-0.17 to 3.88)), and holmium laser enucleation (1.07 (0.07 to 2.08)). The worst performing method was diode laser vapourisation (-1.90 (-5.07 to 1.27)). The results of IPSS at 12 months after treatment were similar to Qmax at 12 months after treatment. The best three methods, versus monopolar TURP, were diode laser enucleation (mean difference -1.00 (-2.41 to 0.40)), bipolar enucleation (0.87 (-1.80 to 0.07)), and holmium laser enucleation (-0.84 (-1.51 to 0.58)). The worst performing method was diode laser vapourisation (1.30 (-1.16 to 3.76)). Eight new methods were better at controlling bleeding than monopolar TURP, resulting in a shorter catheterisation duration, reduced postoperative haemoglobin declination, fewer clot retention events, and lower blood transfusion rate. However, short term transient urinary incontinence might still be a concern for enucleation methods, compared with resection methods (odds ratio 1.92, 1.39 to 2.65). No substantial inconsistency between direct and indirect evidence was detected in primary or secondary outcomes. CONCLUSION: Eight new endoscopic surgical methods for benign prostatic hyperplasia appeared to be superior in safety compared with monopolar TURP. Among these new treatments, enucleation methods showed better Qmax and IPSS values than vapourisation and resection methods. STUDY REGISTRATION: CRD42018099583.

Long-term efficacy and urological toxicity of low-dose-rate brachytherapy (LDR-BT) as monotherapy in localized prostate cancer.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the incidence of late severe (≥Grade 3) urinary toxicity and the long-term efficacy after low-dose-rate brachytherapy (LDR-BT) in patients with localized prostate cancer (PCa). METHODS AND MATERIALS: During the years 1999-2008, 241 patients with PCa who underwent LDR-BT with I125 and were followed up in Kuopio University Hospital were included to this analysis. The incidence of late severe (Grade 3) urinary toxicity and the long-term efficacy results were analyzed. RESULTS: All D'Amico risk groups were represented, as 58.9%, 35.3%, and 5.8% of the patients were classified as low-, intermediate-, and high-risk patients, respectively. With a median followup of 11.4 years after implantation, the incidence of severe urinary toxicity increased throughout the followup period. The risk of Grade 3 urinary toxicity was highest among patients with higher Gleason scores (p = 0.016) and higher initial urine residual volumes (p = 0.017) and the cumulative incidence of severe urinary toxicity was 10.0%. The crude rate for transurethral prostatic resection was 5.8%. The relapse-free survival, the cause-specific survival, and the overall survival were 79.3%, 95.0%, and 66.4%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The treatment was well tolerated as 90% of patients avoided any Grade 3 urinary toxicity. LDR-BT for localized PCa achieved high and durable efficacy. These results support the role of LDR-BT monotherapy as one of the valid primary treatment options for low-risk and favorable intermediate-risk patients.

Prostate Laser Photovaporization in Older People With and Without Bladder Catheter.

OBJECTIVES: To compare results of prostate laser photovaporization (PVP) by age groups to evaluate morbidity and functional results. Then, to specifically analyze surgical data for patients with an indwelling bladder catheter. DESIGN: Monocentric retrospective study of a prospective maintained database of all laser PVPs performed at our university hospital between December 2012 and June 2017. SETTINGS AND PARTICIPANTS: A total of 305 patients (three groups: younger than 70, 70-80, and older than 80 years) were operated on in our hospital center for the treatment of urinary tract disorders related to benign prostatic hyperplasia. RESULTS: A difference was found between the three age groups, with a higher rate of complications for patients older than 80 years (45%) (P = .013). Rate of patients with postoperative bladder catheters at 1 year was higher for patients older than 80 years (15%) (P = .004). Postoperative quality-of-life (QoL) score was worse for patients older than 80 years (P = .04). For patients with an indwelling bladder catheter undergoing surgery, morbidity was greater in patients older than 80 years, but the difference was not significant. International Prostate Symptom Score and QoL score were not significantly different between the three groups. Rate of patients with a remaining bladder catheter at 1 year was higher for patients older than 80 years (17.1% vs 7.1% for patients between 70 and 80, and 4.8% for patients under 70.) but with no statistical difference. CONCLUSION: PVP had a greater morbidity in octogenarians compared to younger subjects. Functional results were less satisfactory for patients older than 80 years compared to younger ones. For subjects operated on with an indwelling bladder catheter, no significant difference in outcome and morbidity was found between the three groups. J Am Geriatr Soc 67:1888-1894, 2019.

National trends in surgical therapy for benign prostatic hyperplasia in Australia.

BACKGROUND: To determine national trends in the utilization of surgical procedures for the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) in Australia over the last 20 years. METHODS: The Medicare Australia and Australian Institute of Health and Welfare databases were used to determine the annual number of surgical procedures and hospital admissions for BPH. RESULTS: From 1998 to 2017, surgical procedures for BPH have increased by 79% which is largely commensurate with population growth. From 1998 to 2008, transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) was the predominant surgical therapy, accounting for 96% of all surgical treatments. From 2008 to 2017, TURP use reduced to 70% and in the last 5 years has been replaced with photoselective vaporization (16%), UroLift (8%) and holmium laser prostatectomy (6%). UroLift is used significantly more in younger men (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: There has been a substantial increase in surgical treatments for BPH over the last 20 years. In the last 5 years, TURP use has declined due to an increase in laser prostatectomy and UroLift procedures.

The impact of surgical duration on complications after transurethral resection of the prostate: an analysis of NSQIP data.

BACKGROUND: Transurethral resection of the prostate is the most commonly performed procedure for the management of benign prostatic obstruction. However, little is known about the effect surgical duration has on complications. We assess the relationship between operative time and TURP complications using a modern national surgical registry. METHODS: We queried the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (ACS NSQIP) from 2006 to 2016 for patients undergoing TURP. Patients were separated into five groups based on operative time: 0-30 min, 30.1-60 min, 60.1-90 min, 90.1-120 min, and greater than 120 min. Standard statistical analysis, including multivariate regression, was performed to determine factors associated with complications. RESULTS: 31,813 patients who underwent TURP were included. The overall complication rate was 9.0% and increased significantly with longer surgical duration (p < 0.001). Longer operative time was associated with a greater risk of postoperative sepsis or shock, transfusion, reoperation, and deep vein thrombus or pulmonary embolism. Longer surgical duration was associated with increased odds of any complication and, specifically, blood transfusion after controlling for age, race, comorbidities, American Society of Anesthesia (ASA) class, type of anesthesia administered, and trainee involvement. The adjusted risk of each of the above complications remained significantly increased for surgeries lasting longer than 120 min. CONCLUSIONS: As surgical duration increases, there is a significant increase in the rate of complications after TURP. These data demonstrate that this procedure is safest when performed in under 90 min.

Trends and Perioperative Outcomes Across Major Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia Procedures from the ACS-NSQIP 2011-2015.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: There are currently several different surgical options for patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). The literature has demonstrated equivalent or superior results for holmium laser enucleation of prostate (HoLEP) but with exceptional long-term durability compared to other minimally invasive options. Despite this, HoLEP is not widely practiced. Herein, we investigate trends and outcomes from the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (ACS-NSQIP) to support a need for further adoption of HoLEP. METHODS: Using ACS-NSQIP data from 2011 to 2015, trends, baseline characteristics, and perioperative outcomes were collected for major BPH procedures: transurethral resection of prostate (TURP), TURP for regrowth, photovaporization of prostate (PVP), HoLEP, and simple prostatectomy. RESULTS: The most common procedure performed every year was TURP with PVP performed about half as often, while HoLEP (4%-5%) was performed about as infrequently as simple prostatectomy (3%). More African American men underwent simple prostatectomy except in 2011. International normalized ratio (INR) was highest every year for PVP. Hospital stay and transfusion rates were lowest with PVP and HoLEP. Transfusion rates for simple prostatectomy were high (16.0%-25.4%). Lower rates of readmission, reoperation, and urinary tract infection were seen in some years with HoLEP. CONCLUSIONS: Given the previously reported favorable outcomes and long-term durability of HoLEP, these ACS-NSQIP data further support that HoLEP should be more often practiced for patients undergoing surgery for BPH.

Pharmacotherapy vs surgery as initial therapy for patients with moderate-to-severe benign prostate hyperplasia: a cost-effectiveness analysis.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the cost-effectiveness of using a surgery, such as transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) or photoselective vaporisation of the prostate using greenlight laser (GL-PVP), as initial treatment for men with moderate-to-severe benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH) compared to the standard practice of using pharmacotherapy as initial treatment followed by surgery if symptoms do not resolve. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We compared a combination of eight strategies involving upfront pharmacotherapy (i.e., α-blocker, 5α-reductase inhibitor, or combination) followed by surgery (e.g. TURP or GL-PVP) upon failure vs TURP or GL-PVP as initial treatment, for a target population of men with moderate-to-severe BPH symptoms, with a mean age of 65 years and no contraindications for treatment. A microsimulation decision-analytic model was developed to project the costs and quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) of the target population over the lifetime. The model was populated and validated using published literature. Incremental cost-effectiveness ratios (ICERs) were determined. Cost-effectiveness was evaluated using a public payer perspective, a lifetime horizon, a discount rate of 1.5%, and a cost-effectiveness threshold of $50 000 (Canadian dollars)/QALY. Sensitivity and probabilistic analyses were performed. RESULTS: All options involving an upfront pharmacotherapy followed by TURP for those who fail were economically unattractive compared to strategies involving a GL-PVP for those who fail, and compared to using either BPH surgery as initial treatment. Overall, upfront TURP was the most costly and effective option, followed closely by upfront GL-PVP. On average, upfront TURP costs $1015 more and resulted in a small gain of 0.03 QALYs compared to upfront GL-PVP, translating to an incremental cost per QALY gained of $29 066. Results were robust to probabilistic analysis. CONCLUSIONS: Surgery is cost-effective as initial therapy for BPH. However, the health and economic evidence should be considered concurrently with patient preferences and risk attitudes towards different therapy options.

Incidence and predictors of readmission within 30 days of transurethral resection of the prostate: a single center European experience.

Hospital readmission rates have been analyzed due to their contribution to increasing medical costs. Little is known about readmission rates after urological procedures. We aimed to assess the incidence and predictors of 30-day readmission after discharge in patients treated with transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP). Data from 160 consecutive patients who underwent TURP from January 2015 to December 2016 were analysed. Intra hospitalization characteristics included length of stay (LOS), catheterization time (CT) and complications. Comorbidities were scored with the Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI). Mean (SD) age was 70.1 (8.1) yrs and mean prostate volume was 80 (20.1) ml. Mean LOS and CT were 4.9 (2.5) days and 3.3 (1.6) days, respectively. The overall 30-day readmission rate was 14.4%, but only 7 (4.4%) patients required hospitalization. The most frequent reasons for readmission were haematuria (6.8%), fever/urinary tract infections (4.3%) and acute urinary retention (3.1%). Multivariable logistic regression analysis revealed age, CCI and CT to be independent predictors of readmission. However, when analysed according to age at the time of surgery, a beneficial effect from longer CT was observed only for patients older than 75 years. These parameters should be taken in account at the time of discharge after TURP.

The changing practice of transurethral resection of the prostate.

Introduction Transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) is considered the gold standard surgical treatment for lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) secondary to benign prostatic hyperplasia. The number of TURPs performed has declined significantly over the last three decades owing to pharmaceutical therapy. TURP data from a single institution for the years 1990, 2000 and 2010 were compared to assess the difference in performance. Methods A retrospective analysis was undertaken of all patients who underwent TURP between January and December 2010. These findings were compared with historical data for the years 1990 and 2000: 100 sets of case notes were selected randomly from each of these years. Results The number of TURPs performed fell from 326 in 1990 to 113 in 2010. The mean age of patients increased from 70.6 years to 74.0 years. There was also a significant increase in the mean ASA grade from 1.9 to 2.3. The most common indication for TURP shifted from LUTS to acute urinary retention. No significant change in operating time was observed. The mean resection weight remained constant (22.95g in 1990, 22.55g in 2000, 20.76g in 2010). A reduction in transfusion rates was observed but there were higher rates of secondary haematuria and bladder neck stenosis. There was an increase from 2% to 11.5% of patients with long-term failure to void following TURP. Conclusions The number of TURPs performed continues to decline, which could lead to potential training issues. Urinary retention is still by far the most common indication. However, there has been a significant rise in the percentage of men presenting for TURP with high pressure chronic retention. The number of patients with bladder dysfunction who either have persistent storage LUTS or eventually require long-term catheterisation or intermittent self-catheterisation has increased markedly, which raises the question of what the long-term real life impact of medical therapy is on men with LUTS secondary to benign prostatic hyperplasia who eventually require surgery.

Multicentre international experience of 532-nm laser photoselective vaporization with GreenLight XPS in men with very large prostates.

OBJECTIVES: To describe peri-operative results, functional outcomes and complications of laser photoselective vaporization, using the GreenLight system, of prostate glands ≥200 mL in volume. METHODS: Retrospective analysis of a prospectively maintained multicentre database was performed to select a subgroup of patients with very large prostates (volume ≥200 mL) treated with the GreenLight XPS laser. A subgroup of patients with prostate volumes 100-200 mL was used for comparison. International Prostate Symptom Score, maximum urinary flow rate, postvoid residual urine volume and prostate-specific antigen levels were measured at 6, 12, 24, 36 and 48 months. Durability was evaluated using benign prostatic hyperplasia re-treatment rate at 12, 24 and 36 months. Additionally, complications were recorded using Clavien-Dindo classification. RESULTS: A total of 33 patients (38%) had prostates ≥200 mL. Baseline characteristics were similar between patients with prostates ≥200 mL and those with prostates 100-200 mL. Patients with very large prostates (≥200 mL) had longer operating times (129 vs 93 min), less energy delivered, a greater number of fibres used (3 vs 2) and a higher conversion rate to transurethral resection of the prostate (16% vs 4%). In terms of complications and functional outcomes, we did not find any differences between the groups. Retreatment rate was also comparable. CONCLUSIONS: Our results show that PVP GreenLight XPS-180W is an acceptable technique for very large prostates (≥200 mL); however, operating times, energy delivery, fibres used and conversion to TURP are a concern in this particular subgroup. This should be used for patient counselling and surgery planning.

Transurethral resection of the prostate provides more favorable clinical outcomes compared with conservative medical treatment in patients with urinary retention caused by benign prostatic obstruction.

BACKGROUND: To evaluate the long-term surgical outcomes of patients with urinary retention (UR) caused by a benign prostatic obstruction (BPO) who underwent transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP), and compare their outcomes with those of patients who received medication without surgical intervention. METHODS: This retrospective cohort study analyzed claims data collected during the period of 1997-2012 from Taiwan's National Health Insurance Research Database. We examined geriatric adverse events among patients who had received a diagnosis of symptomatic benign prostatic hyperplasia and whom experienced UR, and compared those who received TURP and medication only. Primary outcomes included urinary tract infection (UTI), UR, inguinal hernia, hemorrhoids, stroke, acute myocardial infarction, and bony fracture. We excluded patients who had concomitant prostate cancer, bladder cancer, or a long-term urinary catheter indwelling, as well as those who did not receive α-blocker medication regularly. Those aged <50 or >90 years were also excluded. The enrolled patients were categorized into TURP (n = 1218) and medication only (n = 795) groups. After 1:1 propensity score matching, we recorded and compared patients' characteristics, postoperative clinical outcomes, and geriatric adverse events. RESULTS: The TURP cohort had a lower incidence of UTI and UR during the postoperative follow-up period from 2 months to 3 years than did the medication only group (20.7% vs. 28.9% and 12.5% vs. 27.6%, respectively, p < 0.001). The life-long bone fracture incidence was also lower in the TURP cohort (7.9% vs. 9.2%, p = 0.048). The incidence of other outcomes during the postoperative follow-up period did not differ between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: Compared with conservative treatment, TURP provides more favorable clinical outcomes in patients with UR caused by BPO. Patients who underwent TURP had a lower risk of UTI, repeat UR episodes, and emergent bony fracture. Thus, early surgical intervention should be considered for such patients.

Development of a Nationally Representative Coordinated Registry Network for Prostate Ablation Technologies.

PURPOSE: The accumulation of data through a prospective, multicenter coordinated registry network is a practical way to gather real world evidence on the performance of novel prostate ablation technologies. Urological oncologists, targeted biopsy experts, industry representatives and representatives of the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) convened to discuss the role, feasibility and important data elements of a coordinated registry network to assess new and existing prostate ablation technologies. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A multiround Delphi consensus approach was performed which included the opinion of 15 expert urologists, representatives of the FDA and leadership from high intensity focused ultrasound device manufacturers. Stakeholders provided input in 3 consecutive rounds with conference calls following each round to obtain consensus on remaining items. Participants agreed that these elements initially developed for high intensity focused ultrasound are compatible with other prostate ablation technologies. Coordinated registry network elements were reviewed and supplemented with data elements from the FDA common study metrics. RESULTS: The working group reached consensus on capturing specific patient demographics, treatment details, oncologic outcomes, functional outcomes and complications. Validated health related quality of life questionnaires were selected to capture patient reported outcomes, including the IIEF-5 (International Index of Erectile Function-5), the I-PSS (International Prostate Symptom Score), the EPIC-26 (Expanded Prostate Cancer Index Composite-26) and the MSHQ-EjD (Male Sexual Health Questionnaire for Ejaculatory Dysfunction). Group consensus was to obtain followup multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging and prostate biopsy approximately 12 months after ablation with additional imaging or biopsy performed as clinically indicated. CONCLUSIONS: A national prostate ablation coordinated registry network brings forth vital practice pattern and outcomes data for this emerging treatment paradigm in the United States. Our multiple stakeholder consensus identifies critical elements to evaluate new and existing energy modalities and devices.

Transurethral resection of the prostate achieves favorable outcomes in stroke patients with symptomatic benign prostate hyperplasia.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the surgical outcomes of stroke patients with symptomatic benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) who underwent transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) and compare the clinical outcomes between patients with stroke and those without stroke receiving this procedure. METHODS: This retrospective cohort study analyzed claims data collected during the period of 1997-2012 from Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Database. We enrolled 6625 patients who had persistent lower urinary tract symptoms and underwent TURP for BPH. They were categorized into a stroke (n = 577) and nonstroke (n = 6048) group. Patient characteristics, postoperative clinical outcomes, medication records, and medical expenses were compared. RESULTS: Compared with the stroke group patients, those in the nonstroke group were younger, had fewer comorbidities, and more favorable postoperative clinical outcomes. Nevertheless, TURP achieved favorable outcomes in stroke patients with symptomatic BPH. In the stroke group, the rate of urinary tract infection (UTI) decreased from 34.7% during 1 year preoperatively to 29.8% during 1 year postoperatively (p = .05). The rate of urinary retention (UR) also decreased from 55.5% during 1 year preoperatively to 22.5% during 1 year postoperatively (p = .05). TURP reduced the overall medical expenses of patients with stroke. Annual patient medical expense during 1 year preoperatively, 1 year postoperatively, 2 years postoperatively, and 3 years postoperatively was NT$659,000, NT$646,000, NT$560,000, and NT$599,000, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with stroke, TURP reduces the risks of UTI and UR and annual total medical expense.

Hyperlipidemia is associated with an increased risk of clinical benign prostatic hyperplasia.

BACKGROUND: A high fat diet is associated with risk of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). However, whether hyperlipidemia is associated with BPH remains unclear. This population-based cohort study elucidated whether hyperlipidemia is associated with an increased risk of BPH. METHODS: We used a new-exposure design and analyzed data retrieved from the Taiwan National Health Insurance Database between January 1, 2000 and December 31, 2013. The cohort of men with newly diagnosed hyperlipidemia and the age- and index-date-matched (1:3) nonhyperlipidemia cohort were tracked for incidence of BPH during a 1- to 14-year follow-up. Diagnosis of BPH using the International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification codes, and the occurrence of BPH diagnosis plus the use of alpha-blockers or 5-alpha reductase inhibitors or receipt of transurethral resection of the prostate were the primary and secondary endpoints, respectively. The confounders in this study were diabetes mellitus, hypertension, coronary heart disease, obesity, liver cirrhosis, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, metformin, aspirin, and number of urologist visits. Hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated using a multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression model adjusted for the propensity score. RESULTS: A total of 35 860 subjects (aged 40-99 years)-including the hyperlipidemia cohort (n = 8,965) and nonhyperlipidemia cohort (n = 26 895)-were identified. Our data revealed that the hyperlipidemia cohort had significantly higher incidences of developing BPH (24.6% vs 12.3%, P < 0.001) and treated BPH (13% vs 5.7%, P < 0.001) compared with the nonhyperlipidemia cohort. The risk of developing BPH in the hyperlipidemia cohort was significantly higher than that in the nonhyperlipidemia cohort (HR = 1.73, 95% CI = 1.63-1.83, P < 0.001) after adjustment for the propensity score. CONCLUSIONS: Hyperlipidemia is associated with an increased risk of clinical BPH.