Bladder neck sparing during robot-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy: Six-year experience.

OBJECTIVE: Prostate cancer is the most frequently diagnosed cancer among men in developed countries. Radical prostatectomy (RP) is the standard surgical treatment for patients with organ-confined disease and robot-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (RALP) procedures get more popular in the past 20 years. The most important factor of continence after RP is the preservation of the functional sphincter mechanisms. Tunc et al. described the novel bladder neck preserving technique in RALRP in 2015. The purpose of this study is to present our long-term results of our novel technique during RALP performed by single surgeon (LT). METHODS: In this study, 331 patients who went under procedure RALP between January 2012 and December 2017 analyzed retrospectively. Bladder neck sparing technique was performed for all patients used by a four-armed da Vinci robotic surgical system (Intuitive Surgical, Inc., Sunnyvale, CA). Quality of life (QoL) scores were assessed before RALP, after urethral catheter removal, and at the 1st month after RALP used by SF-12 QoL questionnaire. Patients without urine leakage during coughing or sneezing, as well as those who stayed totally dry, were considered as continent. Those who used more than 1 protective pad per day and/or had urine leakage during coughing, sneezing, or during the night were considered incontinent. RESULTS: The mean operation time, docking time, and anastomosis time were 76.9±28.9, 7.2±2.2, and 18±3.1 min, respectively. Estimated blood loss was 51.6±22.9 ml. The mean hospital stay was 2.2±0.8 days. The mean duration of the catheter was 7.1±1.3 days. After catheter removal, 310 (93.6%) of patients were continent immediately. During follow-up, 318 (96%) were continent after 1 month and 329 (99.3%) were totally continent after 1 year. No patient received surgical treatment for stress incontinence. CONCLUSION: Since we have defined bladder neck sparing technique, we have realized that our technique is very effective with our long-term results. Our novel technique provided very early continence at the time of catheter removal after RALP within short-term follow-up in addition to favorable oncologic results.

Is 'Omega Sign' anatomical endoscopic enucleation of the prostate technique reproducible?

We aimed to evaluate the learning curve of the surgically standardised 'Omega Sign' anatomical endoscopic enucleation (AEEP) of the prostate surgery technique for junior surgeons. This study is a retrospective comparison of cases that underwent AEEP by a mentor surgeon and three junior surgeons who have completed their learning curve. A video-based laser enucleation of the prostate assessment tool (LEAT) composed of 8 steps of the technique was used to assess a senior surgeon and junior surgeons' surgical compatibility and consistency. The surgeon who defined Omega Sign technique was determined as group 1, and cases by three junior surgeons were identified as group 2. The end points were to assess the reproducibility and repeatability and operative post-operative outcomes of the technique. 55 patients' videos were rated by five experienced endourologists. There was no significant difference in LEAT scores between the groups among all steps. The most symmetry was found in the 1st and 3rd steps. Inter-rater consistency was also high for each step, with no statistically significant difference between the evaluators. The standardised anatomical 'Omega Sign' technique is reproducible for the junior surgeons. The operative steps can be performed with high consistency, and the functional and perioperative outcomes are comparable with the senior surgeon.

Laser enucleation for prostates larger than 100 mL: Comparison of HoLEP and ThuLEP.

Recently, with the advancements in laser technology, Holmium laser enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP) and Thulium laser enucleation of the prostate (ThuLEP) have come to the fore in the surgical treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). We aimed to evaluate and compare the outcomes of HoLEP and ThuLEP in patients with >100 ml prostate volume. Patients who underwent HoLEP and ThuLEP between July 2017 and March 2020 were reviewed retrospectively. The patients were divided into two groups as HoLEP (Group 1, n = 121) and ThuLEP (Group 2, n = 104). Perioperative parameters, functional outcomes, continence status, intra and post-operative complications were compared between groups in the post-operative 1st and 6th month. No significant difference was found in terms of total laser energy (TLE), morcellation efficiency (ME), enucleated tissue weight (ETW), complication rates (CR) and continence status of patients between both groups (p > .05). In favour of ThuLEP group, there were statistically significant differences regarding total operation time (TOT), laser efficiency (LE), enucleation time (ET) and enucleation efficiency (EE) between groups (p ≤ .05). HoLEP and ThuLEP can be used safely and effectively in prostates larger than 100 ml.

The effects of bladder neck sparing with an additional anterior urethral fixation on postoperative continence after robot-assisted radical prostatectomy.

OBJECTIVE: Urinary incontinence remains one of the main problems affecting the quality of life after radical prostatectomy. Along with the improved understanding of the precise anatomy of the prostate, urethra and their surrounding structures, minimally invasive surgical techniques have been refined and described, aiming to improve functional outcomes without oncological compromise. This study aimed to investigate the impacts of anterior urethral fixation (AUF) and bladder neck sparing (BNS) on the early continence success after Robot-assisted Radical Prostatectomy (RALP). METHODS: This retrospective study included 120 patients who underwent RALP between January 2018 and June 2019. Patients were allocated to one of two groups; group 1 (n=60) underwent RALP with BNS, group 2 (n=60) underwent RALP with both AUF and BNS. The patient continence status was measured at baseline on day 7 and in the 1st, 3rd, and 6th months postoperatively. RESULTS: Concerning Incontinence Impact Questionnaire-7 form, statistically significant better results in group 2 were recorded in all visits, but the last (month 6) (p=0.023). Following catheter removal, postmicturition symptoms, including incomplete emptying and post-micturition dribble rate, were significantly higher in group 1 after catheter removal and in the 1st month (13.3% vs. 0 p=0.006). This difference was not recorded at the next visits (months 3 and 6). CONCLUSION: Our findings showed that the combination of AUF and BNS significantly increases early continence rates and decreases post-mictional symptoms after RALP without hampering oncologic outcomes.

Comparison of outcomes of Holmium enucleation of the prostate for small- and moderate-sized prostates.

There is an ongoing discussion in the literature on the surgical treatment option for small prostate size benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH) patients. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of Holmium laser enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP) surgery in small (<30 ml) and moderate (30-80 ml) prostate size as accepted in European Association of Urology guideline. We retrospectively analysed our database between May 2016 and May 2019 and patients who underwent HoLEP surgery. Patients who have prostate size <80 ml were included the study. These patients were divided into two group: group 1 with prostate size <30 ml (n: 64) and group 2 with prostate size 30-80 ml (n: 101). Enucleation time (ET), morcellation time (MT), total operation time (OT), enucleation efficiency (EE), morcellation efficiency (ME), intra- and post-operative complications were analysed. While EE and Hb drop were better in favour of group 2; PSA drop, ET, MT, OT and ME were superior in favour of group 1. In group 1, intra-operative complications were higher (6 vs. 2; p < .05) and post-operative complications did not differ statistically between groups (p = .14). No statistically significant finding was found between groups regarding incontinence. In conclusion, HoLEP is a reliable method in terms of its results in patients with small prostates.

The "Omega Sign": a novel HoLEP technique that improves continence outcomes after enucleation.

PURPOSE: Holmium-laser enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP) has been a promising prostate surgery since its first introduction. Although there are 10 different HoLEP techniques in the literature, stress urinary incontinence (SUI) is common, because surgery is not performed based on the topographic anatomy of the external sphincter. We have developed a new HoLEP method named as the ''Omega Sign technique", which is based on the topographic anatomy of the external sphincter and could provide better continence outcomes by decreasing SUI rates. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The data of 400 patients who underwent HoLEP by a single surgeon between May 2016 and February 2019 were retrospectively reviewed. The patients were divided into two groups, the first underwent the Gilling's technique (Group 1) and the second the novel ''Omega Sign'' technique (Group 2). Continence status and post-micturition symptoms (PMS) were evaluated according to the standards recommended by the international continence status. RESULTS: The data of 400 HoLEP procedures between May 2016 and February 2019 were analyzed, comparing Group 1 (n = 200) and Group 2(n = 200). SUI rate was significantly lower in Group 2 at the day of catheter removal and first month (p < 0.005). In addition, urge urinary incontinence (UUI) rate and PMS were significantly lower in Group 2. CONCLUSIONS: We could demonstrate improved continence results, comparable functional outcomes and equally minimal complications with the standard HoLEP technique. We believe that, the novel 'Omega sign' technique decreases SUI rates and will become standardised and easy to understand, thereby bringing and creating a shorter learning curve.

Impact of diabetes mellitus on urinary continence after holmium laser enucleation of the prostate due to lower urinary tract symptoms: a retrospective study.

INTRODUCTION: Diabetes mellitus (DM) is known as a risk factor of stress urinary incontinence after Holmium laser enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP). We aimed to compare the postoperative continence status of patients with and without DM, after HoLEP surgery. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 214 patients who underwent HoLEP between January 2017 and January 2020 were retrospectively assessed. Functional outcomes, perioperative total operation time (TOT)(min), enucleation time (ET)(min), enucleation efficiency (EE)(g/min), enucleated tissue weight (ETW)(g), morcellation efficiency (ME)(g/min), morcellation time (MT)(min), continence status, intraoperative and postoperative complications according to Clavien-Dindo classification were recorded. RESULTS: A total of 96 patients had DM additional to benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH) (Group 1), while 118 patients had only benign prostate hyperplasia without DM (Group 2). When comparing preoperative and postoperative functional outcomes, a statistically significant improvement was observed in both groups from baseline to the 1st and 6th month follow-up (p ≤0.001). There were no statistically significant differences between groups in postoperative stress urinary incontinence at postoperative months 1 and 6 (1.7% vs 2.1%, p = 1 and 0.8% vs 1%, p = 1; respectively). There was no significant difference between groups in intraoperative and postoperative complications (p >0.05). CONCLUSIONS: HoLEP is safe to perform in patients with DM at low complication and urinary incontinence rates.

HoLEP after prostate biopsy: does it have any impact?

PURPOSE: Holmium laser enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP) has recently become the recommended treatment for prostate in all sizes in benign prostate hyperplasia surgery. A recent prostate biopsy performed prior to the HoLEP procedure can make surgeons concerned about the surgery. We aimed to investigate the per- and postoperative outcomes of the HoLEP procedure in patients who underwent prostate biopsy and to evaluate the most appropriate surgery time after biopsy. METHODS: The data of 160 patients who underwent HoLEP by a single surgeon between March 2017 and December 2019 were retrospectively reviewed. The patients were divided into two groups, Group 1 consisted of 80 patients without prostate biopsy and Group 2 consisted of 80 patients with prior prostate biopsy. All HOLEP procedures in group 2 were performed at least 2 weeks following biopsy. Per- and postoperative outcomes, complications were evaluated. RESULTS: No significant differences were found between groups in terms of by enucleation time, efficiency of laser, efficiency of enucleation, hospitalization time, and catheterization removal time. Only morcellation time was shorter in biopsy naïve patients. There were no statistical differences in postoperative outcomes. Previous prostate biopsy did not affect the continence status in our study group. There were not any Clavien grade 4 or higher complications. Urinary tract infection was higher in early post-biopsy period, there was no difference among the groups. CONCLUSiON: Our study confirms that HoLEP is a safe and efficient surgical procedure for the patients with prior prostate biopsy. We believe that it can be safely performed 2nd week following prostate biopsy.

Holmium laser enucleation of the prostate for the treatment of size-independent BPH: A single-center experience of 600 cases.

OBJECTIVE: Holmium laser enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP) is an endourologic minimal invasive intervention of benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH). The interest on HoLEP is increasing in the literature. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the learning curve and our preliminary results. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A retrospective analysis on 600 patients with BPH who underwent HoLEP between July 2015 and April 2019 was performed. Perioperative measures including enucleation efficiency (EE), morcellation efficiency (ME), and percentage of resected tissue weight (PRW) were recorded. Hospitalization time (HT) and catheterization time (CT) were measured. Functional outcomes, Clavien-Dindo classification complications, and continence status were assessed at 1-, 3-, and 6-month follow-up. RESULTS: The mean age, prostate size, and prostate-specific antigen levels of the patients were 64.54 years, 91 g, and 4.54 ng/mL, respectively. There were 38.3% of patients with ≥100 g prostate size. The measured EE, ME, and PRW were 1.12 g/min, 4 g/min, and 72%, respectively. The mean HT and CT were 24.53 h and 21.50 h, respectively. Functional outcomes showed significant improvement at 1-, 3-, and 6-month follow-up. Intraoperative and postoperative complications were comparable with the literature. The most common perioperative complication was superficial bladder mucosal injury (n=8, 1.33%). Only one patient had persistent stress urinary incontinence at 6-month follow-up. CONCLUSION: As mentioned in the literature, HoLEP indications are independent from prostate size. Our results showed similarity with the literature on functional outcomes, complication rates, and continence status. With its superior results, our HoLEP series from Turkey supports that HoLEP will replace transurethral resection of the prostate as the known current gold standard.

The effect of prostatic tissue density on the perioperative outcomes of Holmium laser enucleation of prostate (HoLEP): a pilot study.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effect of prostate tissue density (PTD) on perioperative Holmium laser enucleation of prostate (HoLEP) outcomes. METHODS: Two hundred fourteen patients underwent HoLEP between December 2016 and August 2018 (group 1: PTD < 1 g/mL and group 2: PTD ≥ 1 g/mL). Enucleation time (ET), morcellation time (MT), total operation time (TOT), total laser energy (TLE), efficiency of laser (EL), efficiency of enucleation (EE), efficiency of morcellation (EM), enucleation rate (ER), and enucleated tissue weight (ETW) were recorded. RESULTS: The mean ages of the groups 1, 2 were 61.36±5.92 and 63.1±7.52 years, respectively. TOT (76.4 vs 86.21 min), ET (69.18 vs 79.94 min), EE (0.80 vs 0.91 g/min), and ETW (55.8 vs 70.23 g) were not significantly different between the two groups. However, the MT was longer in group 2 (11.27 ± 8.57 min and 7.22 ± 5.46 min, p = 0.0001). Furthermore, EM was higher in group 1 (9.81 ± 5.61 g/min and 7.45 ± 4.14 g/min, p = 0.0003). The EL and TLE were similar in both groups. PTD positively correlated with MT (ρ = 0.272, p = 0.0005) and negatively correlated with EM (ρ = - 0.315, p = 0.0001). No correlations were identified between the PTD and EL or EE. CONCLUSIONS: PTD is a factor that influences the HoLEP on perioperative outcomes. The PTD particularly affects the morcellation phase of the surgery. Patients with higher PTD will have a longer duration of MT and lesser EM. Future studies with the use of different imaging methods will give insight into the duration and difficulty of the HoLEP.

The role of laparoscopic experience on the learning curve of HoLEP surgery: A questionnaire-based study.

OBJECTIVE: Holmium laser enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP) is an established method for treating benign prostatic obstruction. Nonetheless, its steep learning curve limits its wide distribution. The purpose of the present study was to demonstrate the impact of laparoscopic experience on HoLEP learning curve by evaluating the association between learning curves of surgeons performing both laparoscopy and HoLEP surgery. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A questionnaire was prepared to identify surgeon's experience on laparoscopy and HoLEP, as well as their learning curves. This questionnaire was then distributed via e-mail to 110 urologists who are actively involved in endourology/laparoscopy. RESULTS: Of the 110 urologists, 80 (72.7%) responded and completed the questionnaire. Of the 80 surgeons, 47 (58.8%) reported that they had completed the HoLEP learning curve with <20 cases. Moreover, 33 (41.2%) reported that they were able to complete the learning curve by performing >20 cases. Completion of the HoLEP learning curve in <20 cases was reached at 1.3%, 13.8%, and 43.8% by beginner, moderate skilled, and experienced laparoscopists, respectively (p<0.001). CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic experience appears to be beneficial for surgeons while learning HoLEP. Highly experienced laparoscopic surgeons have a shorter HoLEP learning curve.

Descending laparoscopic radical nephrectomy and proven advantages in long term. / Nefrectomía radical laparoscópica descendente. Ventajas a largo plazo demostradas.

OBJECTIVES: We aim to present and analyze the long term results of descending transperitoneal laparoscopic nephrectomy (TLN) technique (Tunc technique). METHODS: A total of 308 patients that underwent descending TLN were included to the study between January 2011 and March 2018. Mean operation time, mean estimated blood loss, duration of hospital stay, complications, mean tumor size, and pathologic margin status were analyzed. RESULTS: A total of 308 patients underwent the descending TLN technique. Mean tumor size was 6.5±1.83 (range 3.5-12 cm). Mean intraoperative estimated blood loss was 38±6.91mL. Mean operation time was 24.97±6.8 minutes. Duration of hospital stay was1.85±0.69 days. Only one patient received postoperative blood transfusion for chronic anemia. Two of the patients had endoGIA stapler malfunction. None of the patients required conversion to open surgery intraoperative. There was no positive margin status. CONCLUSIONS: We could prove the safety and effectiveness of descending TLN technique. The main advantages of descending TLN over traditional ascending nephrectomy technique are shorter operation time and hospital stay.

OBJETIVOS: El objetivo fue presentar y analizar los resultados a largo plazo de la técnica de nefrectomía laparoscópica transperitoneal (TLN) descendente (técnica Tunc).MÉTODOS: Un total de 308 pacientes sometidos a TLN descendente se incluyeron en el estudio entre enero de 2011 y marzo de 2018. Se analizaron el tiempo medio de operación, la pérdida sanguínea estimada media, la duración de la estancia hospitalaria, las complicaciones, el tamaño tumoral medio y el estado del margen patológico. RESULTADOS: Un total de 308 pacientes se sometieron a la técnica de TLN descendente. El tamaño promedio del tumor fue de 6,5 ± 1,83 (rango de 3,5-12 cm). La pérdida de sangre estimada intraoperatoria media fue de 38 ± 6,91 ml. El tiempo medio de operación se calculó en 24,97 ± 6,8 minutos. La duración de la estadía hospitalaria fue de 1,85 ± 0,69 días. Solo un paciente recibió transfusión de sangre postoperatoria por anemia crónica. Dos de los pacientes tenían mal funcionamiento de la engrapadora endoGIA. Ninguno de los pacientes requirió conversión a cirugía abierta intraoperatoria. No hubo un estado de margen positivo. CONCLUSIONES: Podríamos demostrar la seguridad y efectividad de la técnica de TLN descendente. Las principales ventajas de la TLN descendente sobre la técnica tradicional de nefrectomía ascendente son el tiempo de operación más corto y la estancia hospitalaria.

The Utility of Diffusion-Weighted Imaging and Perfusion Magnetic Resonance Imaging Parameters for Detecting Clinically Significant Prostate Cancer.

INTRODUCTION: To establish the diagnostic performance of the parameters obtained from dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (DCE-MRI) and diffusion-weighted imaging at 3T in discriminating between non-clinically significant prostate cancers (ncsPCa, Gleason score [GS] < 7) and clinically significant prostate cancers (csPCa, GS ≥ 7) in the peripheral zone. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-six male patients with peripheral zone prostate cancer (PCa) who had undergone 3T multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan prior to biopsy were included in the study and evaluated retrospectively. The GS was obtained by both standard 12-core transrectal ultrasound guided biopsy and targeted MRI-US fusion biopsy and then confirmed by prostatectomy, if available. For each confirmed tumour focus, DCE-derived quantitative perfusion metrics (Ktrans, Kep, Ve, initial area under the curve [AUC]), the apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) value, and normalized versions of quantitative metrics were measured and correlated with the GS. RESULTS: Ktrans had the highest diagnostic accuracy value of 82% among the DCE-MRI parameters (AUC 0.90), and ADC had the strongest diagnostic accuracy value of 87% among the overall parameters (AUC 0.92). The combination of ADC and Ktrans have higher diagnostic performance with the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve being 0.98 (sensitivity 0.94; specificity 0.89; accuracy 0.92) compared to the individual evaluation of each parameter alone.The GS showed strong negative correlations with ADC (r = -0.72) and normalized ADC (r = -0.69) as well as a significant positive correlation with Ktrans (r = 0.69). CONCLUSION: The combination of Ktrans and ADC and their normalized versions may help differentiate between ncsPCa from csPCa in the peripheral zone.

Impact of metabolic syndrome on pre- and postoperative parameters in patients undergoing a HoLEP surgery.

OBJECTIVE: We aimed to investigate the safety and success of the holmium laser enucleation of prostate (HoLEP) surgery in patients with metabolic syndrome (MS) versus those without MS who have similar prostate sizes. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Data from 120 patients who underwent HoLEP by a single surgeon between November 2015 and January 2018 were prospectively analyzed. Group 1 (n=40) and Group 2 (n=80) consisted of patients with and without MS, respectively. Preoperative-and postoperative third month control variables that were compared between the groups included hemoglobin (Hb) level; International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS); uroflowmetry parameters, such as maximum flow rate (Qmax) and average flow rate (Qave); post-voiding residue (PVR); voiding time (VT); and time to maximum flow rate (MVT). RESULTS: For postoperative outcomes between the groups, only hospitalization time (HT) was significant among IPSS, Qmax, Qave, PVR, VT, MVT, Hb decrease, and catheterization time (p=0.03). A multivariate analysis showed that the triglyceride level positively correlated with HT among Group 1 patients (p=0.03). Perioperative outcomes, such as enucleated tissue weight, efficiency of enucleation, enucleation rate, efficiency of morcellation, enucleation time, morcellation time, total operation time, total laser energy, and laser efficiency, were compared as non-significant between the two groups (p>0.05). CONCLUSION: We found that HoLEP can be considered a safe and effective surgical treatment for patients with MS.

Comparison of long-term kidney functions after radical nephrectomy and simple nephrectomy.

OBJECTIVE: To determine if there is a difference in proceeding to CKD between patients who had undergone radical nephrectomy (RN) and simple nephrectomy (SN) for different indications by comparing the short- and long-term renal function. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed the records of all patients who underwent nephrectomy (either for malign or benign indications) in our clinic between January 2007 and September 2017. The patients were divided into 2 groups according the type of surgery: 1) Radical nephrectomy Group, 2) Simple Nephrectomy Group. Renal function was evaluated with Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR) calculated using the MDRD formula. RESULTS: A total of 276 patients were included in the study. There were 202 patients in RN Group and 74 patients in SN Group. The mean age of the patients in RN Group and SN Group were age 59,2 ± 11,5 and 49,9 ± 15,1 years, respectively (p = 0.001). GFR levels of patients in RN Group versus SN Group were as follows: Preoperative period: 84.9 vs. 81 mL/min/1.73 m2; postoperative 1st day: 60.5 vs. 84.4 mL/min/1.73 m2, postoperative 1st month 58.9 vs. 76 mL/min/1.73 m2, postoperative 1st year: 59.5 vs. 74.1 mL/min/1.73 m2; at last control 60.3 and 76.1 mL/min/1.73 m2. While preoperative GFR was found to be similar in two groups (p = 0.26), postoperative GFR values were found to be significantly lower in Group RN (p < 0.001). In comparison of the decrease in GFR in two groups at last follow-up, significantly higher decrease was observed in RN Group, 29% vs. 6%, (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The decrease in GFR exists more common and intensive after RN compared to SN. In long-term, compensation mechanisms that develop after sudden nephron loss like radical nephrectomy deteriorates kidney function more than gradual nephron loss as in benign etiologies which indicates simple nephrectomy.

Comparison of the Efficacy of Holmium Laser Enucleation of the Prostate in Treating Prostate Volumes of ≤80 and > 80 mL.

INTRODUCTION: Holmium laser enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP) is becoming the new standard procedure for treating benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), a common condition in aging men. Most studies have focused on proving its efficacy in treating large prostates. In this study, we compared its efficacy in treating small (< 80 mL) and large (> 80 mL) prostates. METHODS: This prospective study included 119 patients with BPH who underwent HoLEP by the same surgeon between June 2015 and December 2017. They were divided into 2 groups according to their prostate volumes (≤80 mL: Group 1; > 80 mL: Group 2). Various pre- and postoperative parameters were compared within and between the groups. RESULTS: International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), postvoid residual (PVR) volume, and voiding time (VT) significantly decreased, and the peak urinary flow rate (Qmax), average urinary flow rate (Qave), and quality of life (QoL) score significantly increased postoperatively in both groups. The postoperative changes in IPSS, QoL score, Qmax, Qave, VT, PVR volume, and hemoglobin levels were not significantly different between the groups. In addition, no significant difference was observed in postoperative complications between the groups. CONCLUSIONS: Our results indicate that HoLEP is an effective procedure for treating both small and large prostates.

Prostate shape significantly affects the HoLEP procedure time and energy usage: A retrospective pilot study.

Introduction: In this study we evaluate the influence of longitudinal and transverse length of prostate size measured on the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan on the overall outcomes of HoLEP. Material and methods: The patients were divided into two groups based on the shape of the prostate. Group 1 had a longitudinal shape with a longitudinal diameter greater than the transverse diameter, whereas group 2 had an oval shape with a transverse diameter greater than the longitudinal diameter. The pre-operative, peri-operative and the one-month post-operative data along with the urinary parameters were then evaluated. Results: The two groups were comparable with regard to their pre-operative values. While the median lobe enucleation time and morcellation time showed no difference, group 1 showed a significantly shorter (p < 0.01) operative time for lateral lobe enucleation, lower laser energy usage and better enucleation efficiency. However, there was no difference in the median lobe enucleation time, morcellation time, haemoglobin drop, duration of urethral catheterization and hospital stay. The groups were also comparable with regard to the improvement in urinary parameters and complications. Conclusion: Prostate shape plays a significant role in the surgical treatment of BPH.

Relationship between immunohistochemical staining extent of CD47 and histopathologic features of bladder tumor.

INTRODUCTION: It has been shown that CD47 is an important diagnostic and prognostic marker in many cancer types. However, the relationship between CD47 and bladder tumor stage has not been shown in previous studies. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study investigating the association of CD47 with stages of bladder cancer. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Surgical specimens of 175 patients were included in the study. The CD47 staining assessment was performed in the following categories; none, focal, moderate and diffuse. The statistics of the study were tested using t-test and analysis of variance. RESULTS: We demonstrated much less CD47 staining extent in Ta tumor pathology compared to T1 and T1+T2+T3+T4 tumor pathology (p = 0.034 and p = 0.016, respectively). We also showed that the average value of CD47 staining extent with CIS+ was significantly higher compared to CIS- among NMIBC (p = 0.0248). However, no significant differences in CD47 staining pattern were observed in the following study groups: high vs. low-grade tumors in non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC); MIBC (T2-T4) vs. NMIBC; lymph node involvement (N1-N3) vs. non-lymph node involvement (N0) in MIBC (T2-T4). CONCLUSIONS: Our study demonstrated that CD47 might have a critical role in the progression of Ta to T1 stage. Furthermore, we showed that CD47 is highly expressed in CIS+ NMIBC compared to CIS- NMIBC. Thus, differentiating stages with the help of this new potential marker may help clinicians treat bladder tumors better. Future studies to determine the role of CD47 on pathophysiology, diagnosis and prognosis of bladder tumor are warranted.

Is there any association between National Institute of Health category IV prostatitis and prostate-specific antigen levels in patients with low-risk localized prostate cancer?

PURPOSE: We investigated the association between National Institute of Health category IV prostatitis and prostate-specific antigen levels in patients with low-risk localized prostate cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The data of 440 patients who had undergone prostate biopsies due to high PSA levels and suspicious digital rectal examination findings were reviewed retrospectively. The patients were divided into two groups based on the presence of accompanying NIH IV prostatitis. The exclusion criteria were as follows: Gleason score>6, PSA level>20ng/mL, >2 positive cores, >50% cancerous tissue per biopsy, urinary tract infection, urological interventions at least 1 week previously (cystoscopy, urethral catheterization, or similar procedure), history of prostate biopsy, and history of androgen or 5-alpha reductase use. All patient's age, total PSA and free PSA levels, ratio of free to total PSA, PSA density and prostate volume were recorded. RESULTS: In total, 101 patients were included in the study. Histopathological examination revealed only PCa in 78 (77.2%) patients and PCa+NIH IV prostatitis in 23 (22.7%) patients. The median total PSA level was 7.4 (3.5-20.0) ng/mL in the PCa+NIH IV prostatitis group and 6.5 (0.6-20.0) ng/mL in the PCa group (p=0.67). The PSA level was≤10ng/mL in 60 (76.9%) patients in the PCa group and in 16 (69.6%) patients in the PCa+NIH IV prostatitis group (p=0.32). CONCLUSIONS: Our study showed no statistically significant difference in PSA levels between patients with and without NIH IV prostatitis accompanying PCa.

Is there any association between National Institute of Health category IV prostatitis and prostate-specific antigen levels in patients with low-risk localized prostate cancer?

ABSTRACT Purpose We investigated the association between National Institute of Health category IV prostatitis and prostate-specific antigen levels in patients with low-risk localized prostate cancer. Materials and Methods The data of 440 patients who had undergone prostate biopsies due to high PSA levels and suspicious digital rectal examination findings were reviewed retrospectively. The patients were divided into two groups based on the presence of accompanying NIH IV prostatitis. The exclusion criteria were as follows: Gleason score>6, PSA level>20ng/mL, >2 positive cores, >50% cancerous tissue per biopsy, urinary tract infection, urological interventions at least 1 week previously (cystoscopy, urethral catheterization, or similar procedure), history of prostate biopsy, and history of androgen or 5-alpha reductase use. All patient's age, total PSA and free PSA levels, ratio of free to total PSA, PSA density and prostate volume were recorded. Results In total, 101 patients were included in the study. Histopathological examination revealed only PCa in 78 (77.2%) patients and PCa+NIH IV prostatitis in 23 (22.7%) patients. The median total PSA level was 7.4 (3.5–20.0) ng/mL in the PCa+NIH IV prostatitis group and 6.5 (0.6–20.0) ng/mL in the PCa group (p=0.67). The PSA level was≤10ng/mL in 60 (76.9%) patients in the PCa group and in 16 (69.6%) patients in the PCa+NIH IV prostatitis group (p=0.32). Conclusions Our study showed no statistically significant difference in PSA levels between patients with and without NIH IV prostatitis accompanying PCa.