Comparison of outcomes of holmium laser versus bipolar enucleation of prostates weighing >80 g with bladder outlet obstruction.

Transurethral enucleation of the prostate has been increasingly recognized as an effective minimally invasive technique for management of enlarged prostates. We aimed to compare holmium laser enucleation (HoLEP) and bipolar transurethral enucleation (B-TUEP) of large-volume prostates. A prospectively maintained database in two tertiary referral centers was reviewed for patients with HoLEP and B-TUEP for prostates >80 g. Operative data, perioperative complications, and early postoperative outcomes were compared. The study included 101 patients, 70 who underwent HoLEP and 31 who underwent B-TUEP. The operative enucleation rate (weight of adenoma enucleated in g/min) was higher in HoLEP compared to B-TUEP (P < 0.0001). The operative complication rate, hemoglobin drop, and readmission rate were comparable in both groups (P = 0.13, 0.35, 0.29, 0.59, respectively). The HoLEP arm had a shorter hospital stay and shorter catheterization time (P = 0.001, 0.012). Follow-up data showed a lower International Prostate Symptom Score and serum prostate-specific antigen level in the HoLEP group. The incontinence rate was comparable in both groups. In conclusion, both techniques were effective in managing a high-volume prostate, although HoLEP had a shorter enucleation time, better symptom score, lower postoperative prostate-specific antigen level, shorter catheterization time, and shorter hospital stay compared to B-TUEP.

The incidence of urethral stricture and bladder neck contracture with transurethral resection vs. holmium laser enucleation of prostate: A matched, dual-center study.

INTRODUCTION: Urethral strictures (US) and bladder neck contracture (BNC) are common, long-term complications of transurethral prostate surgery. We aimed to compare transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) and holmium laser enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP) regarding incidence of US or BNC and identify possible risk factors. METHODS: A retrospective review of patients who underwent TURP and HoLEP with followup data of at least one year in two separate institutions was performed. The incidence of postoperative US or BNC in both groups was compared. Bivariate and multivariate analysis of risk factors in both cohorts with US or BNC were performed. RESULTS: The study included 208 patients: 101 and 107 patients in the TURP and HoLEP arms, respectively. The two groups were matched for age and prostate size. Eight (7.92%) and five (4.72%) patients in the TURP and HoLEP arms, respectively, developed US (p=0.3423), while two (1.87%) patients in the HoLEP arm had BNC (p=0.2634). Of the eight patients with the US in the TURP arm, six (9.8%) had bipolar TURP, while two (5%) had monopolar TURP. Multivariate analysis showed that larger prostate volume (hazard ratio [HR] 1.22, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.05, 1.41, p=0.0066) and longer operative time (HR 1.84, 95% CI 1.76, 1.93, p=0.0015) were associated with risk of US/BNC. CONCLUSIONS: There is no significant difference between TURP and HoLEP regarding incidence of US or BNC, although there is a tendency towards a higher rate of US associated with bipolar TURP. Increased prostate volume and operative time are possible risk factors.

Prognostic Indicators for Successful Low-intensity Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy Treatment of Erectile Dysfunction.

OBJECTIVE: To assess prognostic factors affecting successful low-intensity extracorporeal shockwave therapy (Li-ESWT) treatment of erectile dysfunction (ED) in patients with vasculogenic ED and to report 30-month follow-up. METHODS: This study was conducted upon 425 patients with vasculogenic ED. Assessment of ED was done using Sexual Health Inventory for Men (SHIM) score. Patients were treated by Li-ESWT using PiezoWave2 (Richard Wolf) device. Successful Li-ESWT was defined as 6-month SHIM score of 22-25. Patients with successful treatment were followed for 30 months. RESULTS: Mean Baseline SHIM scores for the total population studied was 11.8 with a range from 5 to 20. After 6 months from treatment, 220 (51.8%) patients reported satisfactory sexual intercourse. Age, diabetes, hypertension, smoking, obesity, hyperlipidemia, pretreatment SHIM score, and the duration of ED were all found to be significant factors affecting the success of Li-ESWT. At 30-month follow-up, 168 (76.3%) patients from those who responded to Li-ESWT still reported satisfactory sexual intercourse with a SHIM score of 22-25 without using PDE5i. CONCLUSION: Li-ESWT is safe and effective treatment of ED with 30 months success in 39.5% of patients treated. Li-ESWT should be offered to patients with mild-to-moderate ED and not to those with severe ED.

The embedded nipple: An optimal technique for re-implantation of primary obstructed megaureter in children.

OBJECTIVES: To present a novel ureteric re-implantation technique for primary obstructed megaureter (POM) that ensures success in the short- and long-term, as conventional techniques are not ideal for megaureters especially in children, with ureteric stenosis and reflux being common complications after re-implantation. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between 2009 and 2012, 22 paediatric patients with POM were enrolled. We performed a new technique for re-implantation of these ureters to ensure minimal incidence of ureteric strictures and easy subsequent endoscopic access. We performed follow-up voiding cystourethrography (VCUG) at 6 months postoperatively. RESULTS: The cohort comprised 14 boys and eight girls, with a median age of 22 months. Six patients underwent bilateral re-implantation. The mean (range) duration of indwelling ureteric catheterisation was 7.8 (4-14) days. There were no complications in the perioperative and postoperative periods. There was no reflux on follow-up VCUG in any of the patients. One patient developed Grade I reflux after 1 year and presented with a urinary tract infection. Diagnostic cystoscopy was performed in 13 patients showing that the nipple was directed similarly to the native ureteric orifice. CONCLUSION: The embedded-nipple technique for re-implantation of POM guarantees successful results and permits easy subsequent ureteroscopic access when needed.