Defining minimal invasive surgical therapy for benign prostatic obstruction surgery: Perspectives from a global knowledge, attitude, and practice survey.

Objective: To scrutinize the definitions of minimal invasive surgical therapy (MIST) and to investigate urologists' knowledge, attitudes, and practices for benign prostatic obstruction surgeries. Methods: A 36-item survey was developed with a Delphi method. Questions on definitions of MIST and attitudes and practices of benign prostatic obstruction surgeries were included. Urologists were invited globally to complete the online survey. Consensus was achieved when more than or equal to 70% responses were "agree or strongly agree" and less than or equal to 15% responses were "disagree or strongly disagree" (consensus agree), or when more than or equal to 70% responses were "disagree or strongly disagree" and less than or equal to 15% responses were "agree or strongly agree" (consensus disagree). Results: The top three qualities for defining MIST were minimal blood loss (n=466, 80.3%), fast post-operative recovery (n=431, 74.3%), and short hospital stay (n=425, 73.3%). The top three surgeries that were regarded as MIST were Urolift® (n=361, 62.2%), Rezum® (n=351, 60.5%), and endoscopic enucleation of the prostate (EEP) (n=332, 57.2%). Consensus in the knowledge section was achieved for the superiority of Urolift®, Rezum®, and iTIND® over transurethral resection of the prostate with regard to blood loss, recovery, day surgery feasibility, and post-operative continence. Consensus in the attitudes section was achieved for the superiority of Urolift®, Rezum®, and iTIND® over transurethral resection of the prostate with regard to blood loss, recovery, and day surgery feasibility. Consensus on both sections was achieved for EEP as the option with the better symptoms and flow improvement, lower retreatment rate, and better suitable for prostate more than 80 mL. Conclusion: Minimal blood loss, fast post-operative recovery, and short hospital stay were the most important qualities for defining MIST. Urolift®, Rezum®, and EEP were regarded as MIST by most urologists.

The impact of 5-ARI on perioperative and functional outcomes of GreenLight PVP: an analysis of the Global GreenLight Group database.

INTRODUCTION: In this study, we sought to investigate the impact of 5-alpha reductase inhibitors (5-ARI) on the perioperative and functional outcomes of 180-Watt XPS GreenLight photovaporization of the prostate (PVP) using a large international database. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Data were obtained from the Global GreenLight Group (GGG) database, which includes eight high-volume, experienced surgeons from seven international centers.  All men with established benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) with known 5-ARI status who underwent GreenLight PVP using the XPS-180W system between 2011 and 2019 were eligible for the study.  Patients were assigned to two groups based on the preoperative use of 5-ARI.  Analyses were adjusted for patient age, prostate volume, and American Society of Anesthesia (ASA) score. RESULTS: We included 3,500 men, of which 1,246 (36%) had preoperative 5-ARI use.  Patients in both groups were similar with regards to age and prostate size.  On multivariable analysis, total operative time was slightly shorter (-3.26 min 95% CI: 1.20 - 5.32, p < 0.01) and required 35.6kJ less laser energy (95% CI: -48.0kJ - -23.3kJ, p < 0.01) for patients on 5ARI compared to those without 5-ARI.  However, no clinically significant difference was appreciated regarding postoperative transfusion rates [OR 0.048 (95% CI -0.82-0.91; p = 0.91)], hematuria rates [OR 0.96 (95% CI 0.72-1.3; p = 0.81)], 30-day readmission rates [OR 0.98 (95% CI 0.71-1.4; p = 0.90)], or overall functional outcomes. CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that preoperative 5-ARI is not associated with any clinically significant different perioperative or functional outcomes for GreenLight PVP using the XPS-180W system.  There is no role for the initiation or discontinuation of 5-ARI prior to GreenLight PVP.

Safety and efficacy of GreenLight PVP in octogenarians: evaluation of the Global GreenLight Group database.

INTRODUCTION: The present study analyzes the largest international GreenLight database, the Global GreenLight Group (GGG), to evaluate the functional and safety profile of GreenLight photoselective vaporization of the prostate (PVP) in octogenarians. METHODS: The GGG is a database comprised of patients that underwent GreenLight PVP from 2011 to 2019 performed by 8 experienced urologists at 7 international hospitals. Patients 80 years or older at the time of surgery were categorized as octogenarians. They were compared to a similar group of PVP patients below the age of 80. RESULTS: Among 3,648 patients, 586 men were above the age of 80. Compared to patients under the age of 80, octogenarians had larger prostates (76.0 vs 71.9 ml, p = 0.02) and a lower BMI (25.6 vs 26.7, p = 0.045). Operative time was not significantly longer in octogenarians. The improvement in functional outcomes between 80-year-old patients and control patients was not significantly different at one-year follow-up, with the exception of maximum urinary flow (Qmax) that favoured younger patients (10.3 vs 12.6 ml/s, p = 0.02). The odds of transfusion were greater for older patients [OR 8.2 (95% CI 3.6-18.9, p < 0.01)], but they were not at increased risk of hematuria. Octogenarians had higher readmission rates (23.0 vs 11.9%, p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: GreenLight PVP is a safe option in well-selected octogenarians in a cohort of patients treated by surgeons experienced with the technology. The odds of transfusion were higher in patients over 80, but the absolute risk remains low. The 30-day hospital readmission rate was higher in octogenarians.

Functional outcomes of GreenLight 180-W photoselective vaporization in patients with large (≥ 80 cc) prostates: an analysis of over 3000 men in the Global Greenlight Group (GGG) database.

INTRODUCTION: GreenLight photoselective vaporization of the prostate (PVP) has gained widespread adoption as an option to traditional transurethral resection of the prostate. Prior reports expressed concern with the use of PVP in large prostates. The aim of this study was to investigate the adjusted outcomes of GreenLight PVP in men with large (≥ 80 cc) vs. small prostates (< 80 cc). METHODS: Data were obtained from the Global Greenlight Group which pools data from 7 high volume centers. Men with established benign prostatic hyperplasia who underwent GreenLight PVP using the XPS-180 W system between 2011 and 2019 were eligible and assigned into two groups based on their prostate size (≥ 80 and < 80 cc). 11 functional and perioperative covariates were collected. Analyses were adjusted for patient age and presence of median lobe. RESULTS: 3426 men met the inclusion criteria. 34.6% (n = 1187) of patients had a large prostate size. Baseline age and prostate volume were significantly different between the groups. The magnitude of absolute improvement in unadjusted international prostate symptom score was significantly greater in the large (≥ 80 cc) prostate group at 12 months, with an absolute change of 19.17 points (95% CI 18.46-19.88; p < 0.01). There was also a significant drop in PVR at both 6- (p = 0.007) and 12 months (p = 0.005). There were no significant differences in transfusion (p = 0.42), hematuria (p = 0.80), or 30-day readmission rates (p = 0.28). CONCLUSIONS: Greenlight PVP is a safe and effective alternative for patients with prostate sizes ≥ 80 cc, with durable outcomes relatively independent from prostate size.

Aquablation Treatment for Benign Prostate Hyperplasia: Current Standardized Procedure.

The following video Atlas summary reviews all technical elements of the standardized setup, robotic execution, aquablation procedure, and hemostasis for efficient rapid benign prostate hyperplasia treatment.

GreenLight photovaporization of the prostate in high-medical-risk patients: an analysis of the Global GreenLight Group (GGG) database.

PURPOSE: We sought to characterize the adjusted outcomes of GreenLight photoselective vaporization of the prostate (PVP) in high-medical-risk (HMR) patients using data from the largest international database. METHODS: Data were obtained from the Global GreenLight Group (GGG) database which pools data of eight high-volume, experienced surgeons, from a total of seven international centers. Eligible study participants underwent GreenLight PVP using the XPS-180 W system between 2011 and 2019. HMR patients were defined as patients with ASA III or greater and were compared to non-HMR patients. Analyses were adjusted for patient age and prostate volume. RESULTS: In the HMR group, patients on average were older and had smaller prostates than the non-HMR control group. Compared to non-HMR patients, transfusions occurred more frequently (2.6% vs. 0.14%, p < 0.01) and the odds of readmission were elevated [OR 2.0, (95% CI 1.4-2.8, p < 0.01)] among HMR patients. Twelve months postoperatively, HMR patients experience greater improvement in QoL than the control group [+ 0.54 (95% CI 0.07-1.0, p = 0.02)]. PVR also decreased 93.1 ml more in HMR than in non-HMR patients after 12 months (95% CI 33.6-152.6, p < 0.01). CONCLUSION: We found that GreenLight PVP is safe and effective in improving functional outcomes in higher-risk patients with severe systemic disease compared to their lower-risk counterparts. Though absolute risks remain low, GreenLight PVP is associated with higher odds of transfusion and readmission in the high-risk cohort. The findings of our study reaffirm current guidelines that propose PVP as a viable treatment option for HMR patients.

Learning curve in aquablation: an international multicenter study.

OBJECTIVES: To describe and analyze the learning curve (LC) of aquablation for the treatment of benign prostatic obstruction and determine the number of cases needed to achieve acceptable surgical safety, efficiency, and efficacy. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of prospectively maintained aquablation databases from France, Lebanon, and Spain was conducted. The combined LC of three surgeons was defined by trifecta and pentafecta outcomes. Trifecta reflected efficiency and safety: operative time < 60 min, hemoglobin reduction ≤ 2 mg/dL, and no 90 day Clavien-Dindo grade ≥ 2 complications. Pentafecta reflected effectiveness: percent reduction in International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) and ejaculation preservation. The combined LC was plotted using a moving average with polynomial fitting. RESULTS: The cohort included 175 consecutive patients. Median (IQR) prostate volume was 70 (50-91) cc, and baseline IPSS was 23 (18-27). The achievement of trifecta exceeded 50% after 4 cases, and 70% after 50 cases. Pentafecta achievement exceeded 50% after 38 cases. Logistic regression showed significant improvement in hemoglobin reduction and ejaculation preservation. Grade ≥ 2 complication was not affected by experience, and neither was 3 month %IPSS reduction as 94% of patients showed ≥ 50% symptoms' improvement. CONCLUSION: Aquablation is associated with a quick learning curve for the defined trifecta and pentafecta outcomes. It provided effective LUTS relief and low complication rates independent of surgeon experience. Hemoglobin drop and ejaculatory function preservation were the two factors influenced by the surgeons' LC. Training to reduce operative time, standardization of hemostasis techniques, and early assistance to improve veru-protection zone planning are keys to quicker learning.

EAU, AUA and NICE Guidelines on Surgical and Minimally Invasive Treatment of Benign Prostate Hyperplasia: A Critical Appraisal of the Guidelines Using the AGREE-II Tool.

OBJECTIVE: To critically appraise the methodological rigour of the clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) vis-à-vis BPH surgery as used by specialist research associations in the US, Europe and UK, and to compare whether the guidelines cover all or only some of the available treatments. METHODS: The current guidelines issued by the EUA, AUA and NICE associations have been analyzed by 4 appraisers using the AGREE-II instrument. We also compared the recommendations given in the guidelines for surgical and minimally invasive treatment to find out which of these CPGs include most of the available treatment options. RESULTS: According to the AGREE II tool, the median scores of domains were: domain 1 scope and purpose 66.7%, domain 2 stakeholder involvement 50.0%, domain 3 rigor of development 65.1%, domain 4 clarity of presentation 80.6%, domain 5 applicability 33.3%, domain 6 editorial independence 72.9%. The overall assessment according to AGREE II is 83.3%. The NICE guideline scored highest on 5 out of 6 domains and the highest overall assessment score (91.6%). The EAU guideline scored lowest on 4 out of 6 domains and has the lowest overall assessment score (79.1%). CONCLUSIONS: The analyzed CPGs comprehensively highlight the minimally invasive and surgical treatment options for BPH. According to the AGREE II tool, the domains for clarity of presentation and editorial independence received the highest scores. The stakeholder involvement and applicability domains were ranked as the lowest. Improving the CPG in these domains may help to improve the clinical utility and applicability of CPGs.

Prostatic urethral lift (UroLift) versus convective water vapor ablation (Rezum) for minimally invasive treatment of BPH: a comparison of improvements and durability in 3-year clinical outcomes.

INTRODUCTION: Half of men aged > 60 years will develop benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) with 40% of these men having moderate-to-severe lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS). There is limited knowledge on a head-to-head comparison of prostatic urethral lift (UroLift) and convective water vapor ablation (Rezum) for the treatment of LUTS secondary to BPH. We sought to compare randomized controlled trials with 3-year clinical outcome data. MATERIALS AND METHODS: After a thorough literature search, two multicenter sham-controlled double-blind randomized trials for UroLift and Rezum were identified and compared. Both studies had similar designs, baseline characteristics, reported outcomes, and low risks of bias. RESULTS: Rezum and UroLift resulted in significant improvement of International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) at 3 months (51.4% and 49.9%, respectively) and 50% reduction of IPSS Quality of Life that was durable across all time points. At 24 and 36 months, there was a statistically significant difference in IPSS between groups, favoring Rezum (-11.2 ± 7.3 versus -9.13 ± 7.62, p = 0.04, and -11.0 ± 7.1 versus -8.83 ± 7.41, p = 0.04, respectively). While Rezum had greater improvement in Qmax at 3 months (6.4 ± 7.2 versus 4.29 ± 5.16, p < 0.01), there was no difference in improvement from 12-36 months between treatments. Only UroLift experienced improvements of Men's Sexual Health Questionnaire- Ejaculatory Dysfunction (MSHQ-EjD) function from baseline and was better than Rezum at all time points (p < 0.01). Rezum failed to significantly reduce the MSHQ-EjD bother at 3 months, while UroLift demonstrated a significant reduction of 27.56% (p < 0.01). Both systems offered equal improvements in the bother score by 12-36 months. Surgical re-treatment rates favored Rezum over Urolift (4.4% vs. 10.7%, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Rezum achieved a greater improvement in symptom relief compared to UroLift. Improvement in ejaculatory dysfunction in patients treated with UroLift was greater than Rezum.

Minimally invasive surgery for benign prostatic obstruction: new insights and future technical standards.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: This review aims to give a brief description of the latest minimally invasive surgical techniques (MISTs) for the treatment of benign prostatic obstruction (BPO). RECENT FINDINGS: In recent years technological advances have made the implementation of MISTs in the armamentarium of BPO surgery possible and in many cases could replace standard procedures.These techniques offer many advantages -short recovery time, rapid symptomatic relief, few adverse effects, lower risk of sexual/ejaculatory dysfunction, acceptable durability and most can be performed as an outpatient procedure.Many of the newer MISTs can be performed outside the operating room under local anesthesia, hence the term office-based MIST. SUMMARY: A tailored BPO surgical treatment should not only take into account the prostate volume, but also many other factors including possible adverse events and the patient's expectations.Further studies and long-term data are necessary to standardize methods for evaluating the outcomes of these new procedures and to see which will pass the test of time and end-up replacing the gold standard procedures.

Environmental Safety of the 180-W GreenLight Laser: A Pilot Study On Plume And Irrigating Fluids.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the chemical composition of the surgical smoke and the outflow irrigation fluid produced during a common endourological surgical procedure to treat benign prostatic obstruction (BPO). METHODS: A prospective study was performed to analyze the surgical smoke generated during photoselective vaporization of the prostate (PVP) using the 180-W GL-XPS GreenLight Laser system. Surgical smoke samples were collected from 5 patients, and irrigation fluid samples were collected from 5 different patients. Qualitative organic compound determination was performed on both types of collected specimens using headspace-gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (HS-GC/MS) analysis. RESULTS: Four organic compounds were identified in the analyses of the smoke samples: tetradecane, hexadecane, 7-methylpentadecane and 2,6-dimethyleptadecane. In the analysis of fluid samples, 16 organic elements were identified. Interestingly, two compounds present in the first group (7-methylpentadecane and 2,6-dimethyleptadecane) were not detected in the fluid samples from the second group. None of the sixteen compounds detected in the fluids were present in all of the samples. Overall, seven of these compounds can be classified as toxic for acute exposure, while 4 others may represent a health hazard. CONCLUSION: We found that the different types of surgical smoke and irrigation fluids produced during PVP with a GreenLight Laser contain a limited number of organic compounds with a potential inhalation hazard. More studies are needed to understand the potential hazard for the exposed employees.

Propensity-score analysis comparing perioperative and functional outcomes between XPS 180 W-photovaporization and GreenLight laser enucleation of the prostate: reasons to discard vaporization and move to enucleation.

PURPOSE: To compare the perioperative and functional outcomes between 180_W XPS GreenLight photoselective vaporization (PVP) and 532-nm GreenLight laser enucleation of the prostate (GreenLEP) in the surgical management of benign prostatic obstruction (BPO). METHODS: Retrospective review of a prospectively maintained international database of patients managed with GreenLight laser surgery (PVP or GreenLEP) was performed. To adjust for potential baseline confounders, propensity-score matching (PSM) was applied at a ratio of 1:1 to compare the perioperative and functional outcomes between the groups. RESULTS: A total of 2,420 patients were included. 1,491 (61.6%) underwent PVP and 929 (38.4%) underwent GreenLEP. Before PSM analysis, patients in the vaporization group were older (p < 0.001), had a lower PSA and prostate volume at baseline (p < 0.001). Using estimated propensity scores, 78 patients in the PVP group were matched 1:1 to the patients in the GreenLEP group. The incidence of overall postoperative complications was comparable between the two groups (19 vs. 16%, p = 0.06). However, after PSM, PVP was found to be associated with a higher rate of overall complications (33 vs. 11%, p = 0.001). At 3 months and at last follow-up the I-PSS, Qmax and PSA had similarly decreased in the two groups with a greater improvement in the GreenLEP group (all p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: PVP and GreenLEP are two efficient and safe techniques for treating BPO. However, PVP was associated with longer operative time and higher risk of reoperation on a midterm follow-up compared to GreenLEP.

Impact of the presence of a median lobe on functional outcomes of greenlight photovaporization of the prostate (PVP): an analysis of the Global Greenlight Group (GGG) Database.

OBJECTIVES: Previous analyses of the impact of median lobe presence on Greenlight photoselective vaporization of the prostate (PVP) outcomes were limited by their small sample size and the ability to adjust for important confounders. As such, we sought to investigate the impact of prostate median lobe presence on the operative outcomes of 180 W XPS GreenLight PVP using a large international database. METHODS: Data were obtained from the Global GreenLight Group (GGG) database which pools data of eight high-volume, experienced surgeons, from a total of seven international centers. All men with established benign prostatic hyperplasia who underwent GreenLight PVP using the XPS-180 W system between 2011 and 2019 were eligible for the study. Patients were assigned to two groups based on presence or absence of median lobes. Analyses were adjusted for patient age, prostate volume, body mass index, and American Society of Anesthesia (ASA) score. RESULTS: A total of 1650 men met the inclusion criteria. A median lobe was identified in 621 (37.6%) patients. Baseline prostate volume, patient age, and ASA score varied considerably between the two groups. In adjusted analyses, the operative and lasing time of patients with median lobes was 6.72 (95% CI 3.22-10.23; p < 0.01) minutes and 2.90 (95% CI 1.02-4.78; p < 0.01) minutes longer than the control group. Men with median lobes had similar postoperative functional outcomes to those without a median lobe except for a 1.59-point greater drop in the 12-month IPSS score compared to baseline (95% CI 0.11-3.08; p = 0.04) in the median lobe group, and a decrease in PVR after 6 months which was 46.51 ml (95% CI 4.65-88.36; p = 0.03) greater in patients with median lobes compared to men without median lobes. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that the presence of a median lobe has no clinically significant impact on procedural or postoperative outcomes for patients undergoing Greenlight PVP using the XPS-180 W system.

A Novel Method for GreenLight MoXy Laser Fiber Irrigation System to Improve Performance and Durability: A New Standard of Care?

Introduction and Objectives: The GreenLight™ MoXy® laser fiber has been used since 2010 for benign prostatic hyperplasia procedures. We tested a novel principle to increase the saline irrigation flow rates beyond the current standard of gravity drip (∼22 cc/minutes) within the fiber-attached cooling system to potentially prevent excessive tissue adherence and to eliminate the likelihood of degradation due to abnormal overheating. The objective was to assess differences between the ordinary and active pumping methods with ≥2 times flow rate after conditioning of the laser fiber. Materials and Methods: A controllable full, tissue-contact system was utilized for conditioning in a porcine model, applying 180 W of vaporization mode of GreenLight XPS console for 30 continuous minutes. Four groups were evaluated using different saline flow rates; the nominal flow rate (control group, 22 mL/minute), digital pump set (35 mL and 50 mL/minute), and a manual pressure cuff with hand pump set using a 3-L saline bag with pressure of 300 mmHg (35-80 mL/minute). At the end of the conditioning process, a mechanical pull force test was executed on the fiber metal cap to evaluate the bonding strength. A failed event was defined as the natural detachment of the metal cap during the conditioning process or a cap pull force smaller than 22.24 N resulting in detachment. Additional physical parameters, including fiber tip temperature information and laser beam power transmission efficiency, were analyzed. Results: Detachment of the cap occurred less frequently when using the 300 mmHg pressure cuff saline bag compared to the nominal flow rate (6.67% vs 50%, respectively). The average operating fiber tip temperatures were lower in the higher flow rate groups compared to nominal, measured at 315°C and 305°C. compared to 442°C. Moreover, a significantly lower FiberLife Event count and an ∼5% increase of the average final laser transmission efficiency were observed in the higher flow rate groups. Conclusions: Our study demonstrates superior results when using active pumping or high-pressure systems to increase saline flow rates in terms of laser fiber durability without any additional cost. More specifically, use of a manual pressure cuff with starting pressure at 300 mmHg, a system that is readily available in most operating rooms, increases MoXy fiber durability. Further studies are required to assess if this technique will improve user experience, clinical outcomes, and procedure costs.

A Standardized Method for Estimating the Carbon Footprint of Disposable Minimally Invasive Surgical Devices: Application in Transurethral Prostate Surgery.

Objective: To propose a standardized methodology for estimating the embodied carbon footprint (CF) of disposable minimally-invasive surgical devices (MISDs) and their application in new benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) MISDs. Summary of Background Data: The estimation of the CO2e emissions of disposable surgical devices is central to empowering the healthcare supply chain. Methods: The proposed methodology relied on a partial product lifecycle assessment and was restricted to a specific part of scope 3, which comprised the manufacturing of surgical device- and non-device-associated products (NDAPs), including packaging and user manual. The process-sum inventory method was used, which involves collecting data on all the component processes underpinning disposable MISDs. The seven latest disposable MISDs used worldwide for transurethral prostatic surgery were dismantled, and each piece was categorized, sorted into the appropriate raw material group, and weighed. The CF was estimated according to the following formula: activity data (weight of raw material) × emission factors of the corresponding raw material (kg CO2e/kg). Results: The total weights of disposable packaging and user manuals ranged from 0.062 to 1.013 kg. Plastic was the most common and least emissive raw material (2.38 kg CO2e/kg) identified. The estimated embodied CF of MISDs ranged from 0.07 to 3.3 kg CO2e, of which 9% to 86% was attributed to NDAPs. Conclusions: This study described a simple and independent calculation method for estimating the embodied CF of MISDs. Using this method, our results showed a wide discrepancy in the estimated CO2 emissions of the most recent disposable MISDs for transurethral BPH surgery. Thus, the lack of CF information should be of major concern in the development of future MISDs.

Systematic review of the endoscopic enucleation of the prostate learning curve.

INTRODUCTION: It has been shown that endoscopic enucleation of the prostate (EEP) allows for similar efficacy and safety, no matter what energy and type of instruments we use, but the length of learning may differ greatly. The aim of this systematic review is to verify if there is any significant difference between EEP methods in learning. EVIDENCE ACQUISITION: We performed a systematic literature search in three databases and included only the articles containing their own data on the EEP learning curve assessment during the last 10 years. The primary endpoint was to determine the necessary experience needed to achieve a plateau. The secondary endpoints were to review methods used to evaluate a learning curve. EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS: The final sample included 17 articles, containing a total of 4615 EEPs performed by 76 surgeons, the most common method was HoLEP (9/17). The majority of articles studying HoLEP report a learning curve of experience level achievement in roughly 30-40 (min 20; max 60) cases. The studies of GreenLight laser showed high heterogeneity in the results with minimum of 20 cases and maximum of 150-200 cases. TUEB required roughly 40-50 cases to reach the plateau. CONCLUSION: Although EEP is considered challenging, it shows a steep learning curve with a plateau after 30-50 cases. Proper criteria are critical for accurate assessment of the learning curve. The Trifecta and Pentafecta criteria are currently the most appropriate method to evaluate EEP learning.

Reasons to overthrow TURP: bring on Aquablation.

PURPOSE: In this review, we will discuss the state of the literature regarding Aquablation, its limitations, and opportunities for its application in the treatment of benign prostatic enlargement (BPE). METHODS: A comprehensive review of original research on Aquablation was conducted. Articles related to transurethral resection of the prostate, holmium laser enucleation of the prostate, greenlight photoselective vaporization of the prostate, and simple prostatectomy were reviewed for discussion. RESULTS: For small-medium prostates (30-80 mL), Aquablation's main advantages include better ejaculatory function and similar functional outcomes compared to TURP. For large prostates (80-150 mL), Aquablation demonstrates shorter operative time and superior ejaculatory function when compared to simple prostatectomy, HoLEP, and Greenlight PVP. In addition, Aquablation displays shorter hospital stays than simple prostatectomy. The integration of software programming and semi-automatic technology increases the reproducibility of the procedure and helps standardize overall outcomes, while also accelerating the learning curve. Its ability to preserve antegrade ejaculation makes Aquablation a very compelling option for sexually active patients. However cost and postoperative bleeding risks remain a concern. CONCLUSION: The current evidence suggests that Aquablation is a safe and effective alternative for BPE for small to large prostates. Further prospective clinical trials, with comparisons to other BPE modalities, and data from longer follow-up periods are still required.

Review of Sexual Preservation After Novel Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia Surgical Treatment Modalities From Food and Drug Administration Clinical Trials.

INTRODUCTION: Traditional benign prostatic hyperplasia treatment options, such as transurethral resection of the prostate and laser, have focused on addressing urinary symptoms for men; however, these options are associated with a high risk of sexual dysfunction. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to assess newer technologies (Aquablation therapy, UroLift, and Rezum) for the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia and the impact of preserving sexual function compared with transurethral resection of the prostate. METHODS: A comprehensive review of Food and Drug Administration randomized studies from each of the technologies was carried out. A comparison of 3-year outcomes for International Index of Erectile Function-5 and Male Sexual Health Questionnaire Ejaculatory Function domain short form was analyzed. RESULTS: Aquablation and prostatic urethral lift were the only therapies to show permanent sexual function preservation in both Male Sexual Health Questionnaire Ejaculatory Function domain short form (ejaculatory function) and International Index of Erectile Function-5 (erectile function) at 3 years after treatment. CONCLUSION: For prostates less than 80 cc, Aquablation and prostatic urethral lift were able to demonstrate permanent sexual function preservation in both Male Sexual Health Questionnaire Ejaculatory Function domain short form (ejaculatory function) and International Index of Erectile Function-5 (erectile function) at 3 years after treatment. Bhojani N, Yafi FA, Misrai V, et al. Review of Sexual Preservation After Novel Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia Surgical Treatment Modalities From Food and Drug Administration Clinical Trials. Sex Med Rev 2021;9:169-173.

En bloc GreenLight laser enucleation of the prostate (GreenLEP): An in-depth look at the anatomical endoscopic enucleation of the prostate using a 532-nm lithium triborate laser.

GreenLight laser enucleation of the prostate (GreenLEP) is an alternative endoscopic enucleation of the prostate (EEP) technique for the treatment of lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) secondary to benign prostatic obstruction (BPO). GreenLEP is an 'en bloc' EEP technique to remove the transitional zone tissue in one piece. The procedure is a combination of laser enucleation and blunt gentle mechanical dissection using the tip of the resectoscope. The advantage of mechanical dissection is that it allows for better visualisation of the capsule and in some cases makes the dissection a little faster. This procedure is performed with a 532-nm lithium triborate laser (GreenLight™ XPS 180 W generator, AMS), a 2090 side-firing fibre and a Piranha™ morcellator (Richard Wolf GmbH). We offer a review of the evolution of the technique including the most important technical aspects, complications, advantages/disadvantages, tips and tricks and a visual step by step guide to perform the GreenLEP technique. GreenLEP is one of the latest energy sources reported in the armamentarium of EEP techniques for the treatment of BPO. GreenLEP has previously demonstrated its feasibility, safety and similar short- to mid-term functional outcomes compared to surgical gold standards in the literature.

National discrepancies in residency training of open simple prostatectomy for benign prostatic enlargement: Redefining our gold standard.

INTRODUCTION: In light of the recent Canadian Urological Association (CUA) and other urological associations' (America Urological Association, European Association of Urology) recommendations for the treatment of benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH) with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS), open simple prostatectomy (OSP) remains the recommended approach for large prostates with measured volumes over 80 cc. We sought to assess the current state of OSP and other BPH surgical training across Canadian urology residency programs and the use of guideline-recommended imagery prior to BPH surgery. METHODS: A survey was distributed among Canadian urology program directors in June 2019. We identified the various surgical modalities available for the treatment of BPH offered by each program and obtained the annual number of OSP performed at each academic residency program. Additionally, we evaluated if preoperative transrectal ultrasound (TRUS) of the prostate was routinely performed to obtain the prostate volume during patient counselling, as recommended by 2018 CUA guidelines. RESULTS: All 13 program directors from the Canadian urology programs responded to our survey. OSP and monopolar transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) remain the most common across programs and are practiced in all centers. Greenlight photo-vaporization, bipolar TURP, holmium laser enucleation of the prostate, and robot-assisted simple prostatectomy were practiced in 76.8%, 69.2%, 23.1%, and 23.1% of centers, respectively. The mean number of OSP per academic training program was 4.7 cases annually. Moreover, only five (38%) academic centers routinely performed a preoperative TRUS to evaluate prostate volume for BPH counselling. CONCLUSIONS: Although recognized and referenced as the BPH gold standard for the treatment of prostates over 80 cc, Canadian urology trainees' annual OSP exposure remains extremely limited. Considering the degree of importance given (category A) to the direct observation (of a minimum of five) of this intervention during residency training in the new Royal College's practice guidelines, it may be unrealistic to reach these national standards considering the annual case OSP volumes in Canadian academic urology faculties.