Comparison of outcomes in patients with and without neurologic diseases undergoing holmium laser enucleation of the prostate.

INTRODUCTION: We aimed to compare holmium laser enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP) outcomes in patients with and without neurologic diseases (ND). METHODS: A prospectively maintained database of patients undergoing HoLEP from January 2021 to April 2022 was reviewed. The following NDs were included: diabetes-related neuropathy/neurogenic bladder, Parkinson's disease, dementia, cerebrovascular accident, multiple sclerosis, traumatic brain injury, transient ischemic attack, brain/spinal tumors, myasthenia gravis, spinal cord injury, and other. Statistical analysis was performed using t-tests, Chi-squared, and binomial tests (p<0.05). RESULTS: A total of 118 ND patients were identified with 135 different neurologic diseases. ND patients were more likely to have indwelling catheters (57% vs. 39%, p=0.012) and urinary tract infections (UTIs) preoperatively (32% vs. 19%, p=0.002). Postoperatively, ND patients were more likely to fail initial trial of void (20% vs. 8.1%, p<0.001) and experience an episode of acute urinary retention (16% vs. 8.5%, p=0.024). Within 90 days postoperative, the overall complication rate was higher in the ND group (26% vs. 13%, p=0.001). Within the ND group, 30/118 (25%) had ≥1 UTI within 90 days preoperative, which decreased to 10/118 (8.7%) 90 days postoperative (p<0.001). At last followup (mean 6.7 months [ND] vs. 5.4 months [non-ND], p=0.03), four patients (4.4%) in the ND group required persistent catheter/clean intermittent catheterization compared to none in the non-ND group (p=0.002). CONCLUSIONS: Patients with ND undergoing HoLEP are more likely to experience postoperative retention and higher complication rates compared to non-ND patients. While UTI rates are higher in this population, HoLEP significantly reduced three-month UTI and catheterization rates.

Early PSA decline after starting second-generation hormone therapy in the post-docetaxel setting predicts cancer-specific survival in metastatic castrate-resistant prostate cancer.

BACKGROUND: The objective of this study was to evaluate the prognostic value of early PSA decline following initiation of second-generation hormone therapy (2nd HT), namely abiraterone acetate or enzalutamide, in patients with taxane-refractory metastatic castrate-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) and evaluate utility of this metric in informing intensified surveillance/imaging protocols. METHODS: We retrospectively identified 75 mCRPC patients treated with 2nd HT following docetaxel failure (defined as PSA rise and radiographic progression). Patients were categorized patients into two cohorts based on the first PSA within 3 months after initiation of therapy: PSA reduction ≥50% (Group A) and PSA reduction <50% (Group B). The primary endpoint was cancer-specific mortality (CSM). The secondary endpoint was radiographic disease progression (rDP) on 2nd HT. In univariate and multivariate analyses, we investigated factors associated with rPD and CSM. RESULTS: We included 75 patients (52 in Group A, 23 in Group B) in the analytic cohort. Baseline clinico-demographic characteristics, including median age, primary Gleason score risk group, median pre-treatment PSA, disease burden, site of metastases, and pre-treatment ECOG score were not statistically different between the two groups. Median follow up time was 30 months and the median time to radiographic disease progression was 28.1 and 12.5 months (p = 0.002) in cohorts A and B, respectively. On univariate and multivariate analyses, both PSA reduction ≥50% and volume of metastatic disease were significantly associated with a decreased risk of radiographic disease progression (HR 0.41, 95% CI 0.21-0.80, p = 0.0113) as well as a decreased risk of cancer-specific mortality (HR 0.29, 95% CI 0.09-0.87, p = 0.0325). CONCLUSION: PSA reduction ≥50% within 3 months of starting 2nd HT was associated with significantly improved radiographic disease progression-free survival and 3-year cancer-specific mortality. This suggests using PSA 50%-decline metric in surveillance patients with on 2nd HT and identifies patients who require further evaluation with imaging.

Does Resectoscope Sheath Size Influence Holmium Laser Enucleation of the Prostate Outcomes? A Prospective Randomized Controlled Trial.

Introduction: Holmium laser enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP) is routinely performed with a 24F, 26F, or a 28F scope. Proponents of the larger scopes propose that a bigger sheath size allows for superior flow and visibility leading to a more efficient operation and better hemostasis. Those utilizing the smaller scopes suggest that the smaller sheath is less traumatic, resulting in lower stricture rates and temporary incontinence. We sought to compare outcomes of ambulatory HoLEP using the 24F and 28F laser scope. Materials and Methods: From May 2022 to March 2023, we randomized patients undergoing HoLEP (<200 cm3 in size) 1:1 to either a 24F or 28F scope. The primary outcome was differences in surgical duration between groups (minutes). Secondary outcomes included surgeon scope evaluation and postoperative patient results. Results: There was no difference in patient characteristics in those randomized to 28F (n = 76) vs 24F (n = 76) (p > 0.05) scopes. Procedural duration and efficiencies were not different between groups (all p > 0.05). The 28F scope was associated with improved surgeon-graded irrigation flow and visibility (p < 0.001). Patients treated with the 28F scope were more likely to achieve effective same-day trial of void (SDTOV) (28F 94.3% vs 24F 82.1%, p = 0.048) and have a shorter length of stay (LOS) (28F 7.0 vs 24F 11.9 hours, p = 0.014), however, rates of same-day discharge (SDD) were not statistically different (28F 87.8% vs 24F 78.4%, p = 0.126). There was no difference between the cohorts in rates of 90-day emergency room presentations, re-admissions, complications, or functional ouctomes (p > 0.05). Conclusions: We identified no clear advantage of scope size with regard to intraoperative or postoperative outcomes at 3-month follow-up due to scope size. However, if SDD is part of your postoperative pathway, the 28F scope may shorten LOS and increase rates of effective SDTOV. Clinicaltrials.gov: NCT05308017.

Trends of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia Procedures in Ambulatory Surgery Settings.

Introduction: Holmium laser enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP) has evidenced-based advantages in treating benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) relative to other interventions. Unfortunately, the adoption of HoLEP has remained relatively low in Medicare and the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program populations. HoLEPs role as an inpatient surgical intervention is changing as advancements in the technique and systems have demonstrated the feasibility of same-day discharge. Thus, our objective was to evaluate national HoLEP trends in ambulatory surgery settings from 2016 to 2019. Materials and Methods: The Nationwide Ambulatory Surgery Sample (NASS) is the largest national all-payer database of ambulatory surgical encounters, managed by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. A cross-sectional retrospective analysis of the 2016 and 2019 NASS was performed. Rates of BPH surgeries were calculated and stratified by age, census region, and primary payer to compare across time points for trends. Chi-squared tests and two-sample t-tests were completed for categorical and continuous variables, respectively. Results: The total number of ambulatory BPH surgeries fell 20% between 2016 (n = 124,538) and 2019 (n = 100,593). In 2016, HoLEP lagged behind photoselective vaporization of the prostate (PVP) and transurethral resection of prostate (TURP) with 4.7% of surgeries but rose to the second most common procedure in 2019 with 8.3% of total surgeries. TURP was the most common intervention (62.6% in 2016, 90.7% in 2019). Simple prostatectomy was the most expensive intervention. By U.S. census region, more HoLEPs were carried out in the South (43.1% in 2016, 37.5% in 2019) and Midwest (26.8% in 2016, 31.7% in 2019). Conclusions: Overall, HoLEP uptake is increasing. HoLEP has replaced greenlight PVP as the second most frequently used intervention. The rate of ambulatory HoLEPs has nearly doubled despite a general decrease in the number of surgeries.

Short-Term Clinical Outcomes of Bladder Neck Incision at Time of Holmium Laser Enucleation of the Prostate.

Introduction: The effect of prophylactic bladder neck incision (BNI) at time of holmium laser enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP) is unknown. The aim of our study was to examine HoLEP outcomes with a specific focus on rates of bladder neck contractures (BNCs), with and without utilizing prophylactic BNI. Materials and Methods: We performed a retrospective review of HoLEP patients from January 2021 until January 2022. Outcomes of patients who underwent BNI at time of HoLEP were compared with those who underwent standard HoLEP alone. Student's t-tests, chi-square tests, and logistic regressions were performed using SAS Studio. Results: In total, 421 patients underwent HoLEP. BNI was concurrently performed in 74 (17.6%) HoLEP patients. BNI patients were younger (67.5 ± 9.0 years vs 71.1 ± 8.2 years, p = 0.00007) and had smaller prostates (60.7 ± 30.3 cc vs 133.2 ± 64.5 cc, p < 0.0001). Procedure, enucleation, and morcellation times were shorter in the BNI group (all p < 0.0001). There was no statistical difference in same-day discharge rates (90.4% vs 87.7%, p = 0.5), short-term functional outcomes, emergency department (ED) visits, or readmission rates between the two groups. At 14 months mean follow-up, two BNCs occurred in patients in the control group (0.6%), and no BNCs occurred in patients who underwent BNI (0.0%, p = 0.5). Conclusions: BNI at time of HoLEP did not decrease the ability to achieve same-day discharge or increase 90-day complications, ED visits, or readmission rates. No BNCs occurred in patients who underwent prophylactic BNI (0.0%) despite a smaller gland size and lower specimen weight in this cohort. Further prospective studies are required to conclude if concurrent BNI at time of HoLEP is protective against BNC.

Intradetrusor OnabotulinumtoxinA Injections at the Time of Holmium Laser Enucleation of the Prostate for Men with Severe Storage Symptoms.

Introduction: Intradetrusor onabotulinumtoxinA (OTA) injection is a well-established treatment option for refractory overactive bladder; however, its use at the time of holmium laser enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP) for men with bladder outlet obstruction (BOO) and severe storage symptoms has not been previously reported. Materials and Methods: We retrospectively identified men with BOO and severe storage symptoms who underwent treatment with 200 U of intradetrusor OTA (Botox®) at the time of HoLEP. Patients were propensity score matched to a cohort of HoLEP-only patients based on age, Michigan Incontinence Symptom Index (M-ISI) score, preoperative urinary retention, urge incontinence, and prostate size. Perioperative, postoperative, and patient-reported outcomes were examined between groups. Results: We identified 82 men who underwent HoLEP, including 41 patients in the OTA group and 41 patients in the control group. There was no difference in operative times (59 minutes OTA vs 55 minutes control, p = 0.2), rates of same-day trial of void (TOV) (92% OTA vs 94% control, p = 0.7), or rates of same-day discharge (88% OTA vs 85% control, p = 0.6) between groups. There was no difference in temporary postoperative urinary retention (7% OTA vs 2% control, p = 0.3) between groups. Patients who received OTA injections had a significant reduction in their incontinence scores at 3-month follow-up (M-ISI -8, interquartile range [IQR]: -13 to 0, p < 0.001), whereas control patients did not (M-ISI -5, IQR: -8 to -1, p = 0.2). There was no difference in rates of 90-day complications between groups (OTA 10% vs control 5%, p = 0.7). Conclusions: Intradetrusor OTA at the time of HoLEP is safe and is associated with improved urinary incontinence scores and AUA Symptom Score. Rates of same-day discharge and same-day TOV after HoLEP were not affected by OTA. These findings support the role of OTA as an adjunct to surgical intervention in men with incontinence in the presence of BOO.

An Outcomes Comparison Between Holmium Laser Enucleation of the Prostate, Open Simple Prostatectomy, and Robotic Simple Prostatectomy for Large Gland Benign Prostatic Hypertrophy.

OBJECTIVE: To compare perioperative outcomes between Holmium laser enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP), open simple prostatectomy (OSP), and robotic simple prostatectomy (RSP) for large prostates (> 80 cc). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective study of 340 patients who underwent HoLEP (n = 209), OSP (n = 66), or RSP (n = 65) at a large academic medical center between January 2013 - September 2021 was performed. Length of stay (LOS), operative time, catheter duration, estimated blood loss (EBL), blood transfusion, and 30-day ED visits and readmissions were compared between the three groups. Univariate analyses consisted of ANOVA with Tukey's corrections and Chi-square tests. Linear and multivariate logistic regression was also performed. All tests were two-sided and a p-value <0.05 was pre-determined to be statistically significant. Analyses were performed with SAS v9.4. RESULTS: HoLEP was found to have the shortest: operative time (1.4 vs 2.7 vs 3.8h), LOS (0.65 vs 4.2 vs 2.6d), and catheter duration (0.38 vs 9.9 vs 11.2d) compared to OSP and RSP, respectively (all P <.0001). HoLEP also had the lowest EBL (66 vs 795 vs 326 mL, P <.0001). HoLEP and RSP had a lower risk of blood transfusion compared to OSP (P <.0001). These associations remained significant on multivariable analyses. CONCLUSION: HoLEP is a minimally invasive treatment option for large prostates that was found to have shorter operative time, LOS, and catheter duration as well as lower EBL compared to OSP and RSP.

Relationships between holmium laser enucleation of the prostate and prostate cancer.

Holmium laser enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP) is a size-independent surgical option for treating benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) with excellent, durable functional outcomes. The prevalence of LUTS secondary to BPH and prostate cancer both increase with age, although the two diseases develop independently. Urologists often face a diagnostic dilemma, as men with LUTS secondary to BPH might also present with an elevated PSA and, therefore, need a diagnostic work-up to exclude prostate cancer. Nevertheless, ~15% of men with a negative elevated PSA work-up will undergo HoLEP and will be diagnosed with incidental prostate cancer at the time of HoLEP. Indeed, prostate cancer is often found in men undergoing HoLEP, and this situation can be challenging to manage. Variables associated with the detection of incidental prostate cancer, strategies to reduce incidental prostate cancer, as well as the natural history and management of this condition have been extensively studied, but further work in this area is still needed.

Tranexamic Acid Does Not Improve Outcomes of Holmium Laser Enucleation of the Prostate: A Prospective Randomized Controlled Trial.

Introduction: Tranexamic acid (TXA) is a clot promoting agent utilized during orthopedic procedures to decrease bleeding. Urologists have demonstrated the benefits of TXA in percutaneous surgery. Our objective was to assess the safety and efficacy of single-dose TXA on same-day holmium laser enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP) outcomes. Methods: From September 2021 to January 2022, we prospectively randomized 110 patients undergoing HoLEP to either 1 g of TXA after induction or no treatment. Institutional Review Board (IRB) approval (STU00215134) and registry with ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT05082142) were obtained before enrollment. Primary outcome was the rate of effective same-day discharge (SDD). Secondary outcomes included transfusion rate, same-day catheter removal, length of stay (LOS), and 90-day complications. Power analysis determined that 110 patients should be enrolled to detect a 25% difference in SDD rate. Results: There was no difference in patient demographic and prostate features between the control (n = 55) and TXA groups (n = 55; all p > 0.05). The overall rate of effective SDD was not different between the control and TXA groups (49/55 [89%] vs 51/55 [93%], p = 0.74). Median LOS (hh:mm) was not different between groups (03:07 vs 02:50, p = 0.23) with only 3/110 (2.7%) having an LOS >24 hours. Effective same-day catheter removal occurred in 99/110 (90%) patients with no difference between groups (49/55 vs 50/55, p = 0.99). There was no difference in operative parameters (time, energy, specimen weight) and postoperative complications between groups (all p > 0.05). No patients required transfusions and there were no major 90-day complications related to surgery (Clavien-Dindo ≥IIIb). Conclusion: TXA administration is safe but did not impact SDD after HoLEP.

Determining the threshold of acute renal parenchymal damage for intrarenal pressure during flexible ureteroscopy using an in vivo pig model.

PURPOSE: To identify a threshold for intrarenal pressure (IRP), that if exceeded, will result in renal parenchymal damage. Herein, we attempt to identify an IRP threshold by subjecting in vivo porcine kidneys to various levels of extreme pressurized irrigation. Our objective was not to simulate ureteroscopy treatment, but to attempt identify a threshold of IRP injury. METHODS: Ten female pigs were intubated and sedated. The abdomen was opened; the ureters were isolated and incised. A LithoVue™ (Boston Scientific) ureteroscope was inserted. A 0-silk tie was then used to tie the ureter around the scope to create a closed system (to achieve a constant level of pressure). Real-time IRPs were measured using the Comet™ Pressure guidewire (Boston Scientific). Kidneys were exposed to pressurized, saline for 36 min (at control, 50, 100, 150 mmHg and higher pressures). Kidneys were then immediately harvested. Two expert histologists independently analyzed kidney slides to identify areas of renal damage. RESULTS: The two kidneys exposed to IRPs > 185 mmHg resulted in forniceal rupture and large areas of hematoma. The other IRP groups (control, 50, 100, and 150 mmHg) had no identifiable gross or histologic renal parenchymal damage. CONCLUSIONS: No differences in renal parenchymal morphology were identified between pressure groups of control, 50, 100, or 150 mmHg. However, IRPs > 185 mmHg did result in forniceal rupture in this closed-system in vivo porcine model. Further study is required to elucidate the damage threshold.

Improving communication of post-holmium laser enucleation of the prostate recovery using a surgeon-patient handout.

INTRODUCTION: To improve surgeon-patient communication of postoperative expectations, a multidisciplinary team created and evaluated a holmium laser enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP) expectations handout. Although an effective benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) surgery, it is crucial that patients understand the HoLEP recovery. A quality assessment previously performed at our center revealed 11% of patients were not aware of potential ejaculate volume changes. METHODS: Patients presenting for consultation prior to HoLEP were assessed with post-procedure patient-reported outcomes (PRO) questionnaires before (n=50) and after (n=50) the implementation of a surgeon-patient expectations handout. Patient demographics and perioperative course were examined in the context of responses. Comparisons were made with a Chi-squared test (p<0.05). RESULTS: We observed a response rate of 96% (pre-handout: 46/50 vs. post-handout: 50/50). Overall, 89/96 (93%) patients felt they had a reasonable understanding of HoLEP expectations, with no difference between cohorts (45/46 vs. 48/50, p=0.71). There was no difference in reporting an understanding of post-HoLEP hematuria (p=0.12) or urinary incontinence (UI) (p=0.99). The implementation of the handout improved understanding of retrograde ejaculation (pre-handout: 41/46 vs. post-handout: 50/50, p=0.022) and dysuria (pre-handout: 35/46 vs. post-handout: 46/50, p=0.048). Fifty-five patients experienced any dysuria postoperatively, with 89% reporting less than or equal to what they expected. Close to 30% (28/94) of respondents offering ways to improve communication suggested an educational website. CONCLUSIONS: The implementation of a surgeon-patient handout during HoLEP consultation improved understanding of postoperative retrograde ejaculation and dysuria at our center. We identified areas for future technology-aided improvements in post-HoLEP communication.

Laser fiber degradation following holmium laser enucleation of the prostate utilizing Moses technology versus regular mode.

PURPOSE: We sought to objectively compare laser fiber degradation for holmium laser enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP) cases performed with 550 µm standard fibers versus 550 µm Moses 2.0 fiber in BPH mode on a macroscopic and microscopic level. METHODS: We prospectively collected outcomes for 50 standardized HoLEP cases using 550 µm Moses fiber with 2.0 BPH mode compared to our historical cohort of 50 patients using 550 µm standard fibers on regular mode. Macroscopic degradation length was the difference in length of exposed fiber at the start and end of each case. Five consecutive 550 µm standard fibers, five 550 µm Moses fibers and their respective controls underwent novel utilization of three objective corroborating imaging techniques: Brightfield high resolution microscopy, high resolution 3-D microCT and Confocal Reflection Surface Analysis. Mann-Whitney U, 2-tailed T tests and Chi-squared tests were used. RESULTS: Standard fibers demonstrated greater degradation than the Moses fibers with 2.0 BPH mode [2.9 cm (IQR 1.7-4.3 cm) vs 0.2 cm (IQR 0.1-0.4 cm), p < 0.01]. This difference remained significant when comparing degradation per energy used, per minute enucleation and per gram enucleated (all p < 0.05). None of the cases with Moses fiber and 2.0 BPH mode required intraoperative interruption to re-strip the fiber. Objective fiber degradation by three microscopic techniques confirmed more damage to the standard fibers with regular mode. CONCLUSION: Overall, use of the 550 µm Moses fiber with 2.0 BPH mode resulted in less fiber degradation compared to a standard 550 µm fiber with regular mode as confirmed using 4 corroborating macroscopic and microscopic techniques.

Concurrent placement of SpaceOAR gel and gold fiducials during HoLEP: a case report.

Herein, we describe a case of a patient diagnosed with prostate cancer (PCa) who presented with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) and elevated Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA). He underwent Holmium Laser Enucleation of the Prostate (HoLEP) for his severe LUTS with concurrent placement of SpaceOAR gel and gold fiducials in preparation for radiation therapy (RT). After a successful operation, the patient underwent same-day discharge and catheter removal. He regained continence at 2 weeks and started RT at 9 weeks post-HoLEP. We present that concurrent placement of fiducials and SpaceOAR during HoLEP appears to be feasible, well tolerated and effective for PCa patients who elect RT.

Barriers to Implementation of a Same-Day Discharge Pathway for Holmium Laser Enucleation of the Prostate.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate perceived barriers to successful same-day discharge (SDD) after holmium laser enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP) from the perspective of surgical and nursing staff members. METHODS: A 17-question survey was administered to intraoperative and postoperative surgical staff in June 2021 after a six-month period of implementing a SDD HoLEP pathway with same-day catheter removal. McNemar's and Stuart-Maxwell tests were performed for statistical analysis. RESULTS: Surveys were completed by 30 respondents. The majority of respondents had less than 5 years of surgical experience (63%). Almost all respondents (96%) felt that HoLEP patients could be discharged safely on day of surgery. Overall, 60% felt that HoLEP had a lower risk of post-operative bleeding compared to other transurethral surgeries. There was a significant decrease in number of respondents that felt apprehensive when comparing initiation of SDD HoLEP pathway to 6-months post-implementation (43% vs 7%, P = .003). The most common factors causing apprehension both pre- and post-implementation included: degree of hematuria (43% vs 40%, P = .56), risk of failure of trial of void (40% vs 30%, P = .26), and risk of readmission or unplanned emergency department (ED) visit (33% vs 30%, P = .48). There was a significant decrease in the number of respondents who were apprehensive about lack of experience with SDD after HoLEP comparing pre- and post-implementation (20% vs 0%, P = .01). CONCLUSION: While staff report initial apprehension regarding implementation of a SDD HoLEP pathway, adequate support to intraoperative and postoperative teams helps build experience that alleviates these concerns.

Comparison of Perioperative Outcomes and Clinical Characteristics of Calcium, Matrix and Struvite Stones From a Single Institution.

OBJECTIVE: To define risk factors and perioperative outcomes for matrix stones and compare these outcomes with struvite and calcium stone cohorts. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study comparing matrix stones (n=32), struvite stones (n=23) and a matched, calcium stone control group (n=32) was performed. Two-way ANOVA was used to compare the groups for continuous variables. Chi-square tests were used to compare categorical variables. Significance was set at P <.05. All statistical tests were performed using R (v1.73). RESULTS: We identified no differences in age, gender, or BMI between the three groups. Matrix and struvite stones were more likely to have a history of prior stone surgery and recurrent UTIs compared to calcium stones (P=.027 and P <.001, respectively). Struvite stones were more likely to present as staghorn calculi compared to matrix or calcium stones (56.5% vs 21.7% vs 18.8%, P=.006). There were no significant differences in postoperative stone free rates (P=.378). No significant differences in postoperative infectious complications were identified. Matrix stones were more likely to have Candida on stone culture compared to the struvite or calcium stones (P <.0001). CONCLUSION: Matrix and struvite stones were more likely have a history of stone surgery and preoperative recurrent UTIs. Struvite stones were more likely to present as staghorn calculi. Matrix stones were more likely to have Candida present in stone cultures. However, no difference in postoperative infectious outcomes or stone free rates were identified. Further study with larger cohorts is necessary to distinguish matrix stone postoperative outcomes from struvite and calcium stones.

Understanding holmium laser enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP) recovery: Assessing patient expectations and understanding.

INTRODUCTION: Although holmium laser enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP) is a highly effective surgery, there is a variable recovery period where patients may experience hematuria, dysuria, or urinary incontinence (UI). Despite preoperative consultation, there is a paucity of literature examining the effectiveness of physician-patient communication in preparing the patient for the postoperative recovery period. We sought to examine recovery expectations as a patient-reported outcome (PRO) metric for HoLEP. METHODS: With institutional review board approval, we queried our electronic medical record and retrospective clinical registry to identify 50 consecutive patients that underwent HoLEP from November 2019 to March 2020 by two endourologists. Patients were provided questionnaires via Twistle© ≥6 months postoperatively. Patient demographics and perioperative course was examined in the context of responses. Our primary objective was determining whether patients felt they had a reasonable understanding of the recovery process. RESULTS: We observed a 92% (46/50) response rate, with an average patient age of 69.4 years (range 55-88). Overall, 91.3% (42/46) felt they had a reasonable understanding of the recovery. Additionally, 97.8% (45/46) were aware of temporary UI, with 87% having ≥1 episodes of UI after catheter removal. We found 47.8% (22/46) of patients expected UI to resolve within 30 days, while 8.6% expected >90 days of UI. All patients were aware of the risk of hematuria, with 93.5% (43/46) expecting resolution within 30 days (<7 days: 47.8%; 7-14 days: 28.3%; 15-30 days: 17.4%). CONCLUSIONS: Although surgical technique continues to improve HoLEP, ensuring adequate physician-patient communication to optimize expectations is crucial. We report patient understanding of HoLEP recovery and areas for future improvement.

Ex Vivo Comparison of Efficiency, Safety, and Surgeon Satisfaction in Four Commercial Morcellators.

Introduction: Holmium laser enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP) is a size-independent treatment option for the management of benign prostatic hypertrophy. Although advancements in laser technology have led to clinical improvements in the enucleation portion of HoLEP, the morcellation aspect of HoLEP is often the rate-limiting step. We sought to compare efficiency and surgeon satisfaction in four commercial morcellators. Methods: This was an ex vivo study comparing four commercial morcellators: the Wolf Piranha™, the Lumenis VersaCut™, the JenaSurgical MultiCut Solo™, and the Hawk™ Morcellator. Four surgeons with significant experience performing HoLEPs participated. Surgeons tested each device to morcellate two different prostate models (1) morcellating as much microwave-cooked chicken breast in 10 minutes and (2) timed morcellation of bull testicles. Surgeons completed subjective surveys after each morcellator trial. Objective outcomes included the following: morcellation efficiency (g/min morcellated) and aspiration power (time to aspirate 1 L of saline). Means of continuous variables were compared using analysis of variance. Categorical variables were compared using chi-square tests. Statistical analyses were performed using SAS 9.4 (2019). Results: Comparing subjective outcomes, the Piranha™ was chosen as the safest morcellator (p = 0.0058). The least safe morcellator was thought to be the MultiCut by 75% of surgeons (p = 0.046). The Piranha™ was chosen as the most effective morcellator by 75% of surgeons (p = 0.046). Comparing objective parameters between the morcellators, the Piranha™ had the fastest aspiration time (43.50 ± 10.34 seconds, p = 0.0116). There were no significant differences in morcellation efficiency when using chicken breast (p = 0.3096). However, when comparing the morcellation efficiency using bull testicles, the Piranha™ had the highest efficiency at 39.68 ± 3.57 g/min (p = 0.0268). Conclusion: In this ex vivo study comparing four different commercially available morcellators, the Piranha™ had the highest aspiration power. No significant differences were found in morcellation efficiency using microwave-cooked chicken breast. The Piranha™ was felt to be the safest and most effective morcellator.

Bing-Neel Syndrome: An Initial Manifestation of Waldenstrom Macroglobulinemia.

Waldenstrom macroglobulinemia (WM) is a low-grade B-cell lymphoma characterized by bone marrow infiltration by monoclonal lymphoplasmacytic cells plus an IgM monoclonal gammopathy. Bing-Neel syndrome (BNS) is a rare manifestation of WM where malignant lymphoplasmacytic cells infiltrate the central nervous system (CNS). Though only present in 0.8% of WM cases, it is likely underdiagnosed and may present before or during WM treatment. Here, we present a case of BNS as an initial sign of WM. A 75-year-old male presented with confusion, gait instability, and expressive aphasia. MRI demonstrated a 5.5-cm mass in the right frontal lobe, crossing midline. Brain biopsy showed CNS lymphoma and later tested positive for the MYD88L265P mutation suggesting WM (as is a mutation in 90-95% WM patients). Indeed, quantitative serum immunoglobulins showed elevated IgM. Initial treatment for WM was started with rituximab, methylprednisolone, carfilzomib, and ibrutinib. MRI two months after initiation showed good response, and the patient was transitioned to ibrutinib monotherapy. Surveillance MRI one year later showed patchy right frontal lobe enhancement indicating disease progression, and therefore the patient was placed back on his initial treatment regimen. However, ibrutinib later had to be held due to thrombocytopenia. Two months after re-starting chemotherapy, he presented with bizarre behavior, and MRI showed extensive disease progression. He was then transitioned to palliative chemotherapy with high-dose methotrexate and rituximab. He has responded well to this regimen, and MRI two years after diagnosis showed no recurrent disease. BNS is a rare but easily missed manifestation of WM. As per the recent National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) guidelines and the 8th International Workshop on WM (IWWM-8), no standardized diagnostic or management guidelines for BNS is available. Direct brain biopsy is the gold standard for diagnosis. Due to its low incidence, rarity, and limited prospective trial, there is a lack of a clear standard of care therapy. Specific treatment regimen depends on the patient factors and treatment tolerability. IWWM-8 suggests the use of a variety of cytotoxic chemotherapies or ibrutinib. A high-quality meta-analysis of existing reports is critical to characterize the diagnostic features and optimal treatment for BNS. The prognosis of BNS remains unclear, with an estimated three- and five-year survival rate at 59% and 71%, respectively. BNS is an infrequent complication of WM. Clinicians should suspect BNS with persistent, unexplained neurologic symptoms in WM.

Contemporary Outcomes for Patients Undergoing Concurrent Surgeries at the Time of Holmium Laser Enucleation of the Prostate Before and After Moses 2.0 BPH Mode.

Background: Outcomes of holmium laser enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP) for benign prostatic hyperplasia has been well studied. As comfort with the procedure has improved, the number of concurrent surgeries performed with HoLEP has increased. Technology and technique optimization have safely transitioned HoLEP toward same-day catheter removal and discharge. We aim to assess the success and safety of transitioning toward a same-day care pathway for patients undergoing concurrent surgeries with HoLEP. Materials and Methods: With institutional review board approvals, we queried the electronic medical record and retrospective clinical registry to examine perioperative characteristics and outcomes of patients who underwent HoLEP performed by two endourologists at two centers between July 1, 2016, and June 1, 2021, in which ≥1 concurrent surgical procedure was performed. Results: There were 188 patients with an average age of 72.3 years, who underwent HoLEP with ≥1 concurrent surgical procedure within the study period. In total, 221 non-HoLEP procedures were performed with 30/188 (16.0%) undergoing ≥3 total procedures in a single operation. The four-most common concurrent procedures were cystolitholapaxy 86/221 (38.9%), ureteroscopy 57/221 (25.8%), transurethral resection of bladder tumor 14/221 (6.3%), and percutaneous nephrolithotomy 14/221 (6.3%). Postoperatively, 3 (1.6%) patients required transfusion. After transitioning to a same-day care path, the proportion of patients who had successful same-day catheter removal and same-day discharge increased (all p < 0.05). Median length of stay decreased (from 23 hours 11 minutes to 3 hours 49 minutes, p = 0.008). Our 90-day readmission rate for urology complication was 7.9%, and only 3.6% of patients undergoing concurrent stone surgery required an additional stone surgery within 90 days. The overall Clavien-Dindo ≥3b rate was 4.8% (9-3b, 0-4, 0-5). Conclusions: Advances in HoLEP technique and technology allow for safe same-day discharge for concurrent surgery performed at the time of HoLEP. Few patients were readmitted within 90 days and no patients experienced Clavien-Dindo ≥4 complications.