Prevalence and determinants of shared decision-making for PSA testing in the United States.

BACKGROUND: Shared decision-making (SDM) is recommended for prostate-specific antigen (PSA) testing but appears underutilized. This population-based study assessed the prevalence and determinants of SDM for PSA testing among US men. METHODS: We assessed PSA testing rates and SDM engagement in men aged 40 and older without prostate cancer history using the 2019 National Health Interview Survey. SDM was defined as discussing the advantages and disadvantages of PSA testing with a physician. We used multivariable logistic regression with machine learning to identify factors associated with lack of SDM. RESULTS: Among 9723 eligible participants (mean age 58 years), lifetime PSA testing prevalence was 45.9% and the 1-year testing incidence was 29.1%. Only 24.1% reported engaging in SDM with a physician, while 62.9% never discussed PSA testing. Younger age and lower education levels were the primary determinants of decreased SDM engagement. Men with less education engaged in SDM less than half as often as those with higher education levels across all age groups. CONCLUSIONS: Societal guidelines recommend SDM for PSA testing. However, most men, regardless of age, have never engaged in SDM conversations with a healthcare provider about PSA testing, especially those with less education. More efforts are needed to improve patient-provider conversations about the potential benefits and harms of PSA testing.

Use of the Schelin Catheter for transurethral intraprostatic anesthesia prior to Rezum treatment.

Minimally invasive surgery techniques (MIST) have become newly adopted in urological care.  Given this, new analgesic techniques are important in optimizing patient outcomes and resource management. Rezum treatment (RT) for BPH has emerged as a new MIST with excellent patient outcomes, including improving quality of life (QoL) and International Prostate Symptom Scores (IPSSs), while also preserving sexual function.  Currently, the standard analgesic approach for RT involves a peri-prostatic nerve block (PNB) using a transrectal ultrasound (TRUS) or systemic sedation anesthesia.  The TRUS approach is invasive, uncomfortable, and holds a risk of infection.  Additionally, alternative methods such as, inhaled methoxyflurane (Penthrox), nitric oxide, general anesthesia, as well as intravenous (IV) sedation pose safety risks or mandate the presence of an anesthesiology team.  Transurethral intraprostatic anesthesia (TUIA) using the Schelin Catheter (ProstaLund, Lund, Sweden) (SC) provides a new, non-invasive, and efficient technique for out-patient, office based Rezum procedures.  Through local administration of an analgesic around the prostate base, the SC has been shown to reduce pain, procedure times, and bleeding during MISTs.  Herein, we evaluated the analgesic efficacy of TUIA via the SC in a cohort of 10 patients undergoing in-patient RT for BPH.

Comparing prostatic artery embolization to surgical and minimally invasive procedures for the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: To summarize current evidence to report a comparative systematic review and meta-analysis of prostatic artery embolization (PAE) with transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) and open simple prostatectomy (OSP) for the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). METHODS: A systematic literature search was performed to identify studies published from inception until August 2021. The search terms used were (prostate embolization OR prostatic embolization) AND (prostatic hyperplasia OR prostatic obstruction) as well as the abbreviations of PAE and BPH. Risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and the Risk of Bias in Non-randomized Studies-of Interventions (ROBINS-I) tool for observational studies. Random-effects meta-analysis was performed using Revman 5.4. RESULTS: Seven studies were included with 810 patients: five RCTs and one observational study compared PAE with TURP, and one observational study compared PAE with OSP. The included studies had considerable risk of bias concerns. TURP and OSP were associated with more statistically significant improvements in urodynamic measures and BPH symptoms compared to PAE. However, PAE seems to significantly improve erectile dysfunction compared to OSP and improve other outcome measures compared to TURP, although not significantly. PAE appeared to reduce adverse events and report more minor complications compared with TURP and OSP, but it is unclear whether PAE is more effective in the long-term. CONCLUSION: PAE is an emerging treatment option for patients with symptomatic BPH who cannot undergo surgery or have undergone failed medical therapy. Overall, PAE groups reported fewer adverse events. Future ongoing and longer-term studies are needed to provide better insight into the benefit of PAE compared to other treatment options.

Ablative minimally invasive surgical therapies for benign prostatic hyperplasia: A review of Aquablation, Rezum, and transperineal laser prostate ablation.

INTRODUCTION: Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is one of the most common diseases affecting men and can present with bothersome lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS). Historically, transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) has been considered the gold standard in the treatment of LUTS due to BPH. However, TURP and other traditional options for the surgical management of LUTS secondary to BPH are associated with high rates of sexual dysfunction. In the past decade, several novel technologies, including Aquablation therapy, convective water vapor therapy (Rezum), and transperineal prostate laser ablation (TPLA), have demonstrated promising evidence to be safe and effective while preserving sexual function. METHODS: In this review, we discuss three ablative minimally invasive surgeries: Aquablation, Rezum, and TPLA. We review their techniques, safety, as well as perioperative and functional outcomes. We go into further detail regarding sexual function after these ablative minimally invasive surgical therapies. RESULTS: Aquablation is a surgeon-guided, robot-executed, heat-free ablative waterjet procedure with sustained functional outcomes at 5 years while having no effect on sexual activity. Rezum is an innovative office-based, minimally invasive surgical option for BPH that delivers convective water vapor energy into prostate adenoma to ablate obstructing tissue. Rezum leads to significant improvements in Qmax, IPSS while preserving sexual function. TPLA is another office-based technology which uses a diode laser source to produce thermoablation. It leads to improvement in Qmax, IPSS, and QoL while preserving ejaculatory function. CONCLUSIONS: Overall, ablative minimally invasive surgical therapies have demonstrated excellent safety and efficacy profiles while preserving sexual function. These modalities should be discussed with patients to ensure informed and shared decision-making. Ablative minimally invasive surgical therapies may be particularly interesting to patients who value the preservation of their sexual function.

Sacral neuromodulation in the golden years: Treatment outcomes in elderly 75 years and older.

INTRODUCTION: Despite high prevalence and increased severity and burden of overactive bladder (OAB) and fecal incontinence (FI) in the elderly, sacral neuromodulation (SNM) is often overlooked as a potential treatment option for this demographic. In this study, we report the outcomes of SNM in patients aged 75 years or older at the time of surgery. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective cohort study of patients who underwent SNM implantation between 2013 and 2022 performed by a single, high-volume urologist at a tertiary center. Success, complication, and adjunct therapy rates were analyzed by Fisher's or Wilcox rank-sum test as appropriate. We compared outcomes between patients aged 75-79 years and octogenarians. RESULTS: Of 632 patients, 50 were ≥75 years. Patients had a mean age of 78.4±2.6 years and were predominantly female (84%). The indications for SNM were 66% OAB, 16% FI, 16% non-obstructive urinary retention, and 4% pelvic pain. Within the first year, 94% of patients reported satisfaction and improvement in symptoms, while 76% continued to experience improvement beyond one year. SNM insertion led to reduced oral medication use from 68% to 24% (p<0.0001). The complication rate was 16% and mostly included device pain. No significant difference was observed in treatment success, complication, or adjunct therapy rate between age groups. CONCLUSIONS: SNM is a safe and effective option in well-selected patients over the age of 75 years. Treatment success rate is comparable to younger cohorts. Advanced age should not preclude third-line therapy options in this population.

Peri-prostatic nerve block using Clarius EC7 HD3 handheld ultrasound guidance.

Transrectal ultrasound (TRUS) is a common modality used during urological procedures that require real-time visualization of the prostate, such as prostate biopsy and peri-prostatic nerve blocks (PNB) for surgical procedures. Current practice for TRUS-guided PNB requires use of costly, fixed, and non-portable ultrasound machinery that can often limit workflow. The Clarius endocavity EC7 probe, a digital, handheld and pocket-sized endocavity ultrasound (US) device, is an alternative, portable technology which was recently shown to accurately visualize and measure prostate dimensions and volume. Moreover, in recent years, there has been a renaissance of office-based treatments for minimally invasive surgical therapies (MIST) for the treatment of benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH). More specifically, the Rezum procedure has been demonstrated to offer men a short, outpatient therapy with excellent 5-year outcomes in durability and preservation of antegrade ejaculation. While other anesthetic techniques have been described for Rezum, including inhaled methoxyflurane (Penthrox), nitrous oxide, IV sedation and general anesthesia (which often mandate the presence of an anesthesiology team), US-guided local blocks offer the urologist an independent method for pain management. While most urologists may not have direct access to expensive, cart-based ultrasound systems, point of care ultrasound (POCUS) technology, such as Clarius (Vancouver, BC, Canada) and Butterfly (Butterfly Network, Inc, Guilford, CT, USA), can provide high-resolution imaging in combination with smart phone technology. Herein, we sought to describe the technique for using Clarius EC7 for TRUS-guided PNB and its use in urological application with the Rezum BPH procedure.

Aquablation versus TURP: 5-year outcomes of the WATER randomized clinical trial for prostate volumes 50-80 mL.

INTRODUCTION: To report the 5-year efficacy and safety of Aquablation compared with transurethral resection of the prostate for the management of lower urinary tract symptoms secondary to benign prostatic hyperplasia in men with prostate volumes 50-80 mL. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In a large double-blinded, multicenter, and prospective randomized controlled trial, 96 randomized men with 50-80 mL prostates who underwent Aquablation or transurethral prostate resection were prospectively identified for subgroup analysis. Follow up was performed for up to 5 years. The primary efficacy endpoint was the reduction in International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) at 6 months. The primary safety endpoint was the occurrence of Clavien-Dindo (CD) postoperative complications grade 1 persistent and grade 2 or higher at 3 months. RESULTS: Both groups had comparable baseline characteristics. Reduction in IPSS score was significantly higher in the Aquablation group across 5 years of follow up (-14.1 vs. -10.8, p = 0.02). The Aquablation group achieved a significantly lower rate of CD1P and CD2 or higher events at 3 months follow up (risk difference of -23.1%). Among recorded adverse events, de novo postoperative ejaculatory dysfunction was notably lower in Aquablation (risk difference of -21.9%), while the risk of bleeding remained similar after 6 months. The surgical and medical retreatment rate at 6 months was also lower in Aquablation (risk difference of -14.4%). CONCLUSIONS: In the 50-80 mL prostate volume subgroup, Aquablation yields superior long-term symptom relief and lower complication rates than standard transurethral resection, with notably lower rates of ejaculatory dysfunction. This further supports the adoption of Aquablation for men with medium-sized prostates.

Procedural Intervention for Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia in Men ≥ Age 70 Years - A Review of Published Literature.

Objective: We set out to review studies reporting on the use of surgical intervention to treat Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia in elderly men ≥70 years of age. Methods: A systematic literature search was conducted using Scopus, PubMed-MEDLINE, Cochrane, and Wiley Online Library databases including studies published between January 2012 through December 2022. This 10-year interval was chosen given the recent plethora of new modalities that have entered the BPH armamentarium, many of which have been marketed as appropriate for older and high-risk patients. The following database search words were used either individually or in conjunction: "BPH", "elderly", "surgical", "ablation", "resection", "embolization", and "aging". Results: We identified 28 studies for inclusion in this review. The pros and cons of these modalities are presented, specifically as applicable to an older and higher risk population. Conclusion: There are a wide variety of surgical procedures available for surgically treating BPH in elderly men with varying states of health. Each of these comes with different risks and benefits, supporting that individualized approaches are important. Long-term data and further studies comparing modalities, specifically as regards the elderly and frail, would enhance our approaches to BPH treatment in this patient population.

Retreatment rates and postprocedural complications are higher than expected after BPH surgeries: a US healthcare claims and utilization study.

BACKGROUND: Up to 50% of men over 50 and 80% over 80 are affected by BPH. Shared decision-making regarding BPH treatment options can benefit from an improved understanding of relative risks and benefits for various treatments. METHODS: Data for this longitudinal retrospective population-based cohort study were obtained from a random sample of US Medicare and commercial claims (IBM Watson MarketScan) and restricted to men undergoing BPH surgery (TURP, PVP, PUL, WVTT) from 2015 to 2021 across all sites of service. Retreatments included Holmium laser enucleation and index procedures. Main outcomes were rates of retreatment and procedural complications over 1 year, identified via CPT and ICD-9/10CM codes. Procedural complications that occurred at least 1 day post-index treatment were assessed, as were surgical retreatments with patients who had at least 1 and 5 year's-worth of data. Baseline phenotype characterization did not control for symptomatology and was limited to age, comorbidities, and BMI. Univariate cumulative incidence estimates, cumulative proportion and log-rank tests justified inclusion for covariate (e.g., age, comorbidities) adjustment in Cox proportional hazard models. RESULTS: 43,147 men diagnosed with BPH underwent 22,629 TURP, 11,392 PVP, 7,529 PUL, and 1,597 WVTT. At 1-year post-index: PUL was associated with the lowest rate of complication (PUL 15%, TURP 17%; PVP 19%, ; WVTT 26%); retreatment rates were not different (TURP 5.3%, PVP 5.3%, PUL 5.9%, WVTT 6.2%). At 5 years post-index: retreatment was lowest for TURP (7.0%) and was not significantly different between PVP and PUL (8.9% and 11.6%, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Real-world patients diagnosed with BPH may be selected to undergo one of the various available therapies based on patient preference or baseline phenotype. These therapies, however, are associated with different risks for complications. The results of this study suggest that within one year of BPH surgery, one-in-twenty patients may require retreatment regardless of treatment choice, and for some technologies as many as one-in-four may require treatment for a complication.

Treating LUTS in Men with Benign Prostatic Obstruction: A Review Article.

Benign prostatic obstruction (BPO) is a prevalent condition that affects men, primarily toward their old age. The condition is often accompanied by lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS), which can significantly impair a patient's quality of life and lead to other medical complications. Accurate diagnosis of BPO is essential for effective management of complications secondary to BPO, and treatment plans should be tailored patients, and occasionally according to surgeon experience. As such, this literature review aims to analyze the current available data on male LUTS secondary to BPO by providing a comprehensive overview of relevant studies, as well as the surgical and medical management guidelines from the Canadian Urological Association (CUA), American Urological Association (AUA), and European Association of Urology (EAU). By synthesizing the existing literature, this review purports to summarize the current body of knowledge surrounding BPO and male LUTS, and support healthcare providers in making informed decisions about the management of male LUTS secondary to BPO, ultimately improving patient outcomes and quality of life.

Aquablation in Patients on Antithrombotics: Assessment of Safety, Postoperative Bleeding Rates and Clinical Outcomes.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the impact of perioperative antithrombotic use on the bleeding outcomes following Aquablation. METHODS: One hundred sixteen men with who underwent Aquablation as part of the WATER prospective trial (NCT02505919) were assigned to 2 groups based on perioperative antithrombotic status. Antithrombotic cessation and restart timing were based on the surgeon's discretion. Methods of achieving intraoperative hemostasis consisted of no-cautery balloon tamponade or cautery. Primary endpoints included immediate postoperative hematuria rates and changes in hemoglobin. Secondary endpoints included 90-day bleeding complications and nonbleeding postoperative adverse events. RESULTS: Forty-one men took antithrombotic medications in the perioperative period while 75 men had no antithrombotic medication. Preoperative hemoglobin levels were comparable between both groups. Postoperative hemoglobin change from baseline (drop of 1.8 ± 1.5 g/dL among the antithrombotic group vs 1.8 ± 1.7 g/dL among the antithrombotic-naïve group) did not differ between both groups (P = .896). In total, 4 (9.8%) men in the antithrombotic group and 4 (5.3%) patients in the antithrombotic-naïve group experienced a Clavien-Dindo grade 1 complication (P = .451) in the 3-month postoperative period. Eight (19.5%) patients in the antithrombotic group and 11 (14.7%) patients in the antithrombotic-naïve group experienced a Clavien-Dindo grade 2 complication (P = .601), none of which is associated with bleeding in both groups. No men in either group demonstrated de novo erectile dysfunction. One patient (2.4%) in the antithrombotic group and none in the antithrombotic-naïve group required blood products (P = .353). CONCLUSION: Aquablation demonstrates comparable postoperative bleeding outcomes and other adverse effects for men with benign prostatic hypertrophy who are on antithrombotic therapy.

US patterns of care for urodynamic evaluation for BPH.

INTRODUCTION: Practice patterns around the use of urodynamic evaluation (UDS) for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) surgery are largely undefined. As such, we investigated factors associated with the use of UDS for BPH. METHODS: We used American Board of Urology case log data from 2008 to 2020, to compare patient- and surgeon-sided factors associated with UDS utilization and BPH surgeries. We performed logistic regression models to identify factors independently associated with UDS usage for BPH. RESULTS: Among urologists performing UDS, the majority (80%) self-identified as general urologists and practiced in a private practice group (69%). Compared with urologists who performed no UDS, urologists who performed any UDS for BPH were more likely to be from the Mid-Atlantic (20.3% vs. 10.6%, p < 0.01) and practice in regions with populations of >1 000 000 (34.7% vs. 28.5%, p < 0.01). Overall, UDS utilization declined over time (odds ratio [OR]: 0.95 year-to-year, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.91-0.99). In adjusted analyses, the odds of performing UDS was higher among male (OR: 2.19, 95% CI: 1.17-4.09), older (OR: 1.05, 95% CI: 1.03-1.06), and female pelvic medicine and reconstructive surgery subspecialty (OR: 3.23, 95% CI: 2.01-5.2) urologists. Additionally, performing UDS for BPH was associated with higher BPH surgical case volume (OR: 1.004, 95% CI: 1.001-1.008). CONCLUSION: There is a significant practice variation in use of UDS for BPH. Although overall BPH surgeries are increasing, urologists are increasingly less likely to perform UDS for BPH. Specifically, urologists who perform UDS have significantly higher BPH case volume than those who do not perform UDS, suggesting that UDS usage may not factor into BPH surgery decision-making.

A scoping review of office-based prostatic stents: past, present, and future of true minimally invasive treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia.

PURPOSE: To conduct a scoping review of the existing literature and recent developments on prostatic stents for the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). METHODS: A comprehensive search was performed on Embase, MEDLINE, and Web of Science to identify English literature on prostatic stents for the treatment of BPH. Additional studies and upcoming devices were identified through grey literature search and expert consultation. Study characteristics and stent information were extracted and tabulated narratively. RESULTS: Of the 1171 search results, 64 studies were included in this review. iTiND was the prostatic stent with the most long-term evidence. iTiND is a safe and effective minimally invasive treatment for BPH that preserves sexual function. Adverse events are mild and transitory. Emerging stents (e.g. Zenflow, Butterfly, Urocross, and Exime) had 7/64 eligible studies, where no studies had long-term follow-up. These newer stents show promising results for quality of life and BPH symptom management; however, long-term monitoring and head-to-head comparisons are needed. CONCLUSION: Over the last 50 years, prostatic stents have evolved and demonstrated improved clinical efficacy. iTiND provides a safe and effective outpatient treatment of LUTS secondary to BPH preserving erectile and ejaculatory function. Emerging prostatic stents are a promising, effective, and safe intervention in well-selected patients interested in its benefits.

How I Do It: Optilume BPH catheter system.

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a common and progressive disease affecting aging men which has a significant impact on quality of life. The Optilume BPH Catheter System (Optilume BPH) is a prostatic dilation system that combines balloon dilation with a localized transfer of paclitaxel to maintain long term patency. Optilume BPH can be deployed using standard rigid cystoscopy without general anesthesia in an office setting. Prospective data indicate that Optilume BPH has favorable functional and sexual patient outcomes. Readers will familiarize themselves with Optilume BPH, significant historical studies and the technique for deploying Optilume BPH.

The role of quantitative MRI-based prostate zonal parameters in predicting clinically significant prostate cancer A U.S. cohort.

INTRODUCTION: We aimed to investigate the clinical utility of quantitative prostatic zonal measurements on multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (mpMRI) for the predication of clinically significant prostate cancer (csPCa). METHODS: A retrospective, single-institution study included 144 men who underwent mpMRI from 2015-2017. Prostate zone parameters were measured on mpMRI. Correlation and multivariable analysis evaluated the relationship between prostate zone parameters and the presence of csPCa. RESULTS: The mean age was 66.9±7.8 years old. The median (interquartile range [IQR]) prostate volume and prostate-specific antigen (PSA) were 51.6 ml (37.1-74.5) and 6.1 ng/ ml (4.5-8.2), respectively. Men with csPCa had significantly smaller total prostate volume (TPV), transitional zone volume (TZV), and transitional zone thickness (TZT), and larger transitional zone density (TZD) compared to those without PCa; however, on multivariate variable analysis, only TZD maintained significance. TZD had a comparable area under the curve to PSA density (PSAD) and PSA (0.74 vs. 0.73 vs. 0.60, respectively). In a subgroup analysis of men with PCa, PSAD and TZD were significantly higher in men with Gleason grade group (GG) ≥2 compared to those with GG <2 (p=0.002); however, this significance is not maintained on logistic regression in predicting GG. CONCLUSIONS: Quantitative features of prostate zones on MRI may aid in identifying better predictors of csPCa. Zonal-based PSA density (TZD) may be a useful marker in identifying csPCa. Further exploration is needed to understand the clinical application of larger TZV in men with csPCa compared to those with insignificant disease.

Change in Prostate Volume and Symptom Improvement in Men Treated With Rezum Water Vapor Therapy.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the change in prostate volume (PV) and relationship to improvement in urinary symptom scores following Rezum therapy. METHODS: Quality of life outcomes and PV were assessed at baseline and 12months postprocedure. Percent change from baseline in outcomes and PV were calculated, as was the number of Rezum injection to baseline PV ratio. Association between total number of injections and changes in outcomes and PV were evaluated using linear regression models. RESULTS: A total of 49 men (mean age=67.8; standard deviation=9.4) underwent the procedure between April 2019 and September 2020, with a median baseline PV of 71.5 cc (range 24-150) and median number of vapor injections of 11.0 (range 4-21). At 12months, the median percent change in PV was - 34.0% (interquartile range: -49.2%, -16.7%), with 45/49 (91.8%) patients having reduced volume. Among the 45 patients with reduced volume at 12months, every 10% increase in volume reduction was associated with a 7.5% (95% confidence interval, 1.4%-13.6%; P = .02) improvement in the International Prostate Symptom Score. There was no significant association between total number of injections or injection to baseline volume ratio and change in PV. CONCLUSION: In this cohort of men treated with Rezum therapy for benign prostatic hyperplasia, it was demonstrated that there is a correlation between greater PV reduction and greater symptomatic improvement. This study showed no association between more injections or the ratio of injections to PV changes, refuting the claim that more injections are better.

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.

Current Practice Patterns in the Surgical Management of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia.

OBJECTIVE: To use American Board of Urology (ABU) case log data to elucidate practice patterns for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) surgery. Several surgical modalities have been introduced in recent decades causing significant practice variation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed ABU case logs from 2008-2021 to assess trends in BPH surgery. We created logistic regression models to identify surgeon-sided factors associated with utilization of each surgical modality. RESULTS: We identified 6,632 urologists who logged 73,884 surgeries for BPH. Transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) was the most commonly performed BPH surgery in all but 1 year, and odds of performing a TURP increased year-over-year (OR 1.055, 95% CI [1.013,1.098], P = .010). The use of holmium laser enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP) did not change over time. HoLEP was more likely to be performed by urologists with higher BPH surgical volume (OR 1.017, CI [1.013, 1.021], P < .001) and with endourology subspecialization (OR 2.410, CI [1.45, 4.01], P = .001). Prostatic urethral lift (PUL) utilization increased significantly since its introduction in 2015 (OR 1.663, CI [1.540, 1.796], P < .001). PUL currently comprises over one third of all BPH surgeries logged. CONCLUSION: In the face of newer technologies, TURP remains the most common surgery for BPH in the United States. PUL has been rapidly adopted while HoLEP comprises a consistent minority of cases. Surgeon age, patient age, and urologist subspecialization were associated with use of certain BPH surgical approaches.

Minimally Invasive Treatments for Benign Prostatic Obstruction: A Systematic Review and Network Meta-analysis.

CONTEXT: Minimally invasive surgical therapies for male lower urinary tract symptoms secondary to benign prostatic obstruction were developed to be safer and more tolerable than standard ablative techniques. These treatments have not been compared with each other in a randomised fashion, and for some treatments, there are no trials against a reference technique. OBJECTIVE: To compare the efficacy, safety, and tolerability of water vapour thermal therapy (WVTT), prostatic urethral lift (PUL), prostatic arterial embolisation (PAE), temporary implantable nitinol device (iTIND), transurethral microwave thermotherapy (TUMT), and transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP). EVIDENCE ACQUISITION: A systematic search of MEDLINE/PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and grey literature for randomised controlled trials was performed. Trials meeting the selection criteria were assessed for the risk of bias using the Cochrane RoB2 tool. Treatments were compared, using a network meta-analysis, in terms of outcomes including symptom score, quality of life, maximum urinary flow rate, postvoid residual urine, International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-5), and scales from the Male Sexual Health Questionnaire. EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS: The search identified 63 trials. Symptoms and quality of life for PAE, PUL, and WVTT appeared similar to those for TURP, whereas TURP was found to have the most clinically significant improvement in flow rate. TUMT was less efficacious than TURP but provided similar results on quality of life. Comparisons of ejaculatory function favoured WVTT and PUL compared with TURP. The relative efficacy of iTIND was less clear because of the risk of bias in the respective trial. CONCLUSIONS: PAE, PUL, and WVTT appear favourable from a risk-benefit perspective despite probably having less efficacy than TURP for objective outcomes. These findings warrant confirmation through long-term randomised controlled trials. PATIENT SUMMARY: This paper has summarised the evidence from 63 clinical trials on minimally invasive surgical therapies for men with symptoms of an enlarged prostate, including water vapour thermal therapy (WVTT), prostatic urethral lift (PUL), prostatic arterial embolisation (PAE), temporary implantable nitinol device, and transurethral microwave thermotherapy (TUMT). Improvement in symptoms for each of PAE, PUL, TUMT, and WVTT in short-term follow-up was similar to that for the standard surgical treatment, although standard surgery appeared to provide the greatest increase in urine flow. Men who had WVTT or PUL were less likely to have problems with sexual function than those who had standard surgery.