A prospective analysis of thulium laser enucleation in benign prostatic hyperplasia comparing low- and high-power approaches for prostates exceeding 80 g.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: To compare the perioperative and functional outcomes of low-power and high-power thulium:YAG VapoEnucleation (ThuVEP) of the prostate for the treatment of large-volume benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) (> 80 ml). PATIENTS AND METHODS: A prospective analysis of 80 patients with symptomatic BPO and prostatic enlargement (more than 80 ml) was conducted. They were divided randomly into two groups (40 patients in each group). One group was treated with low-power ThuVEP, and the other group was treated with high-power ThuVEP. All patients were assessed preoperatively and early postoperatively, and 12-month follow-up data were analyzed. The complications were noted and classified according to the modified Clavien classification system. RESULTS: The mean age at surgery was 68 (± 6.1) years, and the mean prostate volume was 112 (± 20.1) cc, and there were no differences between the groups (p = 0.457). The mean operative time was 88.4 ± 11.79 min for group A and 93.4 ± 16.34 min for group B, while the mean enucleation time was 59.68 ± 7.24 min for group A and 63.13 ± 10.75 min for group B. There were no significant differences between the groups regarding catheterization time and postoperative stay. The quality of life (QoL), International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), maximum urinary flow rate (Qmax), postvoiding residual urine (PVR), and prostate volume improved significantly after treatment and were not significantly different between those treated with the different energies. The incidence of complications was low and did not differ between both the groups. CONCLUSION: Low-power ThuVEP is feasible, safe, and effective with comparable results with high-power ThuVEP in the treatment of BPO.

Surgical outcomes of low-power thulium laser enucleation of prostates >80 g. One-year of follow-up.

Introduction: The aim of this study was to assess the effectiveness of low-power thulium (30 W) and the duration necessary to eliminate adenomas at the level of the surgical capsule, as well as its impact on postoperative urinary and sexual function. Material and methods: Patients with symptomatic benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), who had ThuLEP between December 2019 and March 2022 and had a prostate size >80 mL and had not responded to the medication therapy, were included. The prostate size, prostate-specific antigen (PSA), enucleation and morcellation times, postoperative International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), and International Index of Erectile Function-5 (IEFF-5) records at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months were among the information gathered. Results: The average age of the 80 patients who received ThuLEP was 66.7 ±6.4 years, with a mean prostate volume of 112.65 ±19.3 mL. The mean duration for enucleation was 71 ±11 min. At the initial follow-up after one month, the mean IPSS was 8.012 ±1.78 mL and the mean Qmax enhancement was 30.16 ±4 mL s-1. In contrast to baseline, our findings demonstrated a substantial improvement in postoperative urgency and urgency urinary incontinence (UUI) (p = 0.005) but no meaningful variation in IIEF-5 score at the 12-month follow-up. Conclusions: Low-power ThuLEP is worthwhile for therapeutic use because it effectively treats patients with large prostates with satisfactory urinary and sexual effects.Clinical trials .gov ID: NCT05494944.

Top-down holmium laser enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP) versus traditional HoLEP for the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH): 1-year outcomes of a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: The top-down holmium laser enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP) technique recently emerged as a safe and effective modification of traditional HoLEP. In our randomized controlled trial, we compared intraoperative and postoperative outcomes of traditional and top-down HoLEP for the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) in patients with a prostate size ≥80 g. METHODS: One-hundred patients with BPH and a prostate volume ≥80 cc participated in this prospective randomized controlled trial. Outcome measures were collected and compared, including IPSS, QoL, flow rate, PVR, IIEF-15, PSA, and TRUS prostate volume changes. Perioperative complications were also recorded. All patients were followed up at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in preoperative baseline characteristics between the two surgical groups. The median prostate volume for the traditional and top-down HoLEP groups was 107 and 102 cc, respectively. The operative parameters and postoperative outcomes were comparable for both cohorts. The median enucleation time for traditional HoLEP was 60 min, which was not significantly longer than that of top-down HoLEP (52 min) (p = 0.07). At 3 months follow-up, there was no statistically significant difference in transient stress urinary incontinence (SUI) in the traditional HoLEP (4.1%) versus the top-down HoLEP group (2.2%), (p = 0.61). There were no significant differences in functional and sexual outcomes between the two groups at 12 months. CONCLUSIONS: The HoLEP procedure significantly improves patients' urinary functional outcomes and has comparable postoperative outcomes regardless of the technique utilized.

Comparative effect of deliberate hypotensive anesthesia using nitroglycerine vs. phentolamine on event related potentials and cognitive functions in patients undergoing septoplasty: a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Postoperative cognitive dysfunction is a noteworthy complication of deliberate hypotensive anesthesia. The aim of this work was to compare the effect of deliberate hypotensive anesthesia using nitroglycerine versus phentolamine on event-related potentials and cognitive function in patients undergoing septoplasty surgery. METHODS: This prospective randomized controlled trial was conducted on 80 patients indicated for septoplasty under general anesthesia; 40 patients received intra-operative Nitroglycerine and 40 patients received intra-operative Phentolamine. Cognitive assessment (using Paired Associate Learning test (PALT) and Benton Visual Retention test (BVRT)) and P300 recording were done for all included patients pre-operatively and one week postoperatively. RESULTS: The scores of PALT and Benton BVRT significantly declined one week following surgery in both Nitroglycerine and Phentolamine groups. There was no statistically significant difference between Nitroglycerine and Phentolamine groups in the postoperative decline in either PALT or BVRT (P-value = 0.342, 0.662 respectively). The values of P300 latency showed a significant delay one week following surgery in both Nitroglycerine and Phentolamine groups (P-value ≤ 0.001, 0.001), but in Nitroglycerine group, the delay is significantly higher than in Phentolamine group (P-value = 0.003). The values of P300 amplitude significantly decreased one week following surgery in both Nitroglycerine and Phentolamine groups (P-value ≤ 0.001, 0.001), but there was no statistically significant difference between Nitroglycerine and Phentolamine groups (P-value = 0.099). CONCLUSION: Phentolamine is preferred over nitroglycerin in deliberate hypotensive anesthesia because it has less harmful effect on cognitive function than nitroglycerin.

Management of metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer in Middle East African countries: Challenges and strategic recommendations.

Despite the reliance on Western guidelines for managing prostate cancer (PC), there are wide variations and gaps in treatment among developing countries such as the Middle East African (MEA) region. A multidisciplinary team of experts from the MEA region engaged in a comprehensive discussion to identify the real-world challenges in diagnostics and treatment of Metastatic Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer (mCRPC) and provided insights on the urgent unmet needs. We present a consensus document on the region-specific barriers, key priority areas and strategic recommendations by experts for optimizing management of mCRPC in the MEA. Limited access to genetic testing and economic constraints were highlighted as major concerns in the MEA. As the therapeutic landscape continues to expand, treatment selection for mCRPC needs to be increasingly personalized. Enhanced genetic testing and judicious utilization of newer therapies like olaparib, articulated by reimbursement support, should be made accessible for the underserved populations in the MEA. Increasing awareness on testing through educational activities catalyzed by digital technologies can play a central role in overcoming barriers to patient care in the MEA region. The involvement of multidisciplinary teams can bridge the treatment gaps, facilitating holistic and optimal management of mCRPC. Region-specific guidelines can help health-care workers navigate challenges and deliver personalized management through collaborative efforts - thus curb health-care variations and drive consistency. Development of region-specific scalable guidelines for genetic testing and treatment of mCRPC, factoring in the trade-off for access, availability, and affordability, is crucial.

Holmium laser enucleation versus bipolar resection in the management of large-volume benign prostatic hyperplasia: A randomized controlled trial.

OBJECTIVES: To compare the mid-term safety and efficacy of holmium laser enucleation of the prostate versus bipolar transurethral resection of the prostate in the management of large-volume benign prostatic hyperplasia. METHODS: From December 2016 to March 2018, patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia (≥80 cc) were randomized (block randomization, computer-generated random list) to holmium laser enucleation of the prostate (57 patients) or bipolar transurethral resection of the prostate (55 patients). Patients were excluded if they had an International Prostate Symptom Score <13, a maximum urinary flow rate >15 mL/s or presence of prostate cancer, bladder stone, urethral stricture, neurogenic bladder, or previous prostate surgery. The primary outcome was hemoglobin loss. The analysis was intention-to-treat. Postoperative findings (36 months) were compared to baseline characteristics. Univariate and logistic regression analyses were performed for risk factors predicting hemoglobin loss or operative time in all patients. RESULTS: There was no significant difference in baseline characteristics between the two groups. Holmium laser enucleation of the prostate was associated with significantly better operative time (P = 0.019), operative efficiency (P < 0.001), hemoglobin loss (P < 0.001), catheterization duration (P < 0.001) and hospital stay (P < 0.001) compared to bipolar transurethral resection of prostate. Both procedures were safe, with no significant difference in total complications (P = 0.128). Blood transfusion (P = 0.026) and capsular perforation (P = 0.239) were reported only in the bipolar transurethral resection of the prostate group. There was no significant difference in rates of urinary tract infections (P = 0.714), urethral strictures (P = 0.359), or transient stress incontinence (P = 0.717). At the last follow-up (3 years), holmium laser enucleation of the prostate was associated with significantly better International Prostate Symptom Scores, prostate-specific antigen levels and maximum urinary flow rates compared to bipolar transurethral resection of the prostate (P < 0.05). In logistic regression analyses, prostate size and bipolar transurethral resection of the prostate were associated with significantly greater hemoglobin loss, whereas prostate size, capsular perforation, and bipolar transurethral resection of the prostate were associated with significantly longer operative time. CONCLUSION: Holmium laser enucleation of the prostate and bipolar transurethral resection of the prostate are effective and safe for the management of moderate-to-severe lower urinary tract symptoms attributable to large-volume benign prostatic hyperplasia (≥80 cc). However, if both techniques are available, holmium laser enucleation of the prostate is preferred due its better efficacy and safety profile.

Circulating miRNAs 21 and 221 as biomarkers for early diagnosis of prostate cancer.

To compare the expression of two promising circulating micro-ribonucleic acids (miRNAs 21 and 221) in patients with prostate cancer to subjects without cancer and to evaluate their potential role as specific noninvasive molecular biomarkers for prostate cancer diagnosis, circulating miRNAs 21 and 221 expression profiles were analyzed in 20 men aged 50-75 years, presenting with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTSs) and undergoing transrectal ultrasound (TRUS)-guided prostate biopsy based on either elevated serum prostate-specific antigen (PSA) (>4.0 ng/ml) or suspicious digital rectal examination (DRE). The performance of miRNAs 21 and 221 in differentiating prostate cancer from nonmalignant cases was evaluated and compared to DRE and elevated PSA. miRNA 21 was overexpressed in 90 % of group A vs. 10 % of group B, while miRNA 221 was overexpressed in 80 % of group A vs. 20 % of group B (p = 0.001). MiRNA 21 overexpression had the highest performance as a diagnostic test with a sensitivity of 90 % and a specificity 90 % (p = 0.02). No correlations were noted between Gleason score of prostate cancer cases and relative quantity (RQ) 21 (r = -0.355, p = 0.292) or RQ 221 (r = -0.044, p = 0.892). Our study showed that serum miRNAs 21 and 221 expression profiling tests may be used as specific noninvasive molecular biomarkers for prostate cancer diagnosis due to their higher sensitivity and specificity with a high negative predictive value leading to a decrease in the biopsies taken for patients with elevated serum PSA values.

Holmium:YAG laser ureteroscopic lithotripsy for ureteric calculi in children: predictive factors for complications and success.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the impact of age, stone size, location, radiolucency, extraction of stone fragments, size of ureteroscope and presence and degree of hydronephrosis on the efficacy and safety of holmium:YAG (Ho:YAG) laser lithotripsy in the ureteroscopic treatment of ureteral stones in children. METHODS: Between October 2011 and May 2013, a total of 104 patients were managed using semirigid Ho:YAG ureterolithotripsy. Patient age, stone size and site, radiolucency, use of extraction devices, degree of hydronephrosis and size of ureteroscope were compared for operative time, success and complications. RESULTS: In all, 128 URS were done with a mean age of 4.7 years. The mean stones size was 11 mm. Success rate was 81.25 %. Causes of failure were 12.5 % access failure, 1.5 % extravasation and 4.7 % stone migration. Overall complications were 23.4 %. Failure of dilatation and extravasation were detected only in children <2 years old. Extravasation was significantly higher in smaller ureters and cases with stone size >15 mm. Stone migration was significantly higher in upper ureteric stones. CONCLUSIONS: Failure and complications rates in Ho:YAG ureterolithotripsy were significantly affected by younger age (<2 years), upper ureteric stones and smaller ureters but were not related to stone radiolucency or degree of hydronephrosis. Larger stones (>15 mm) were associated with increased complications. After multivariate analysis, the age of the patients remained significant predictor for failure of dilatation and stone migration, while size of the ureter was the only significant predicting factor for failure.

Rising incidence of acute prostatitis following prostate biopsy: fluoroquinolone resistance and exposure is a significant risk factor.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the frequency and potential risk factors for infection-related complications after transrectal prostate biopsy and to propose adjustments in current antimicrobial prophylaxis recommendations. METHODS: During 2008-2010, 107 patients underwent transrectal ultrasound-guided biopsies of the prostate at our institution. Charts were reviewed for infection-related complications within 30 days of the procedure. Potential risk factors were evaluated, including age, diabetes mellitus, chronic constipation/diverticular disease, prior use of quinolones, enema and prostatitis, on the pathology report. For patients with acute prostatitis, urine and blood samples were assessed for bacteriology and antibiotic susceptibility. RESULTS: Of our 107 patients, acute prostatitis developed in 10 (9.3%). The most significant risk factor was prior use of a fluoroquinolone antimicrobial, with acute prostatitis developing in 7 (17.1%) of 41 patients who had used a fluoroquinolone compared with 3 (4.5%) of 66 patients who had not (P=.042). Patients who received an enema before the procedure were slightly less likely to develop prostatitis (P=.061). Of 8 positive specimens, the organisms isolated were Escherichia coli in 6, Klebsiella pneumoniae in 1, and Staphylococcus epidermidis in one. Isolated Gram-negative organisms were fluoroquinolone-resistant in 85.7% of samples. CONCLUSION: Prior fluoroquinolone intake is a significant risk factor behind a rising incidence of acute prostatitis after transrectal prostate biopsy. Identified pathogens are mostly Gram-negative organisms with a high rate of fluoroquinolone resistance. Alternative prophylaxis regimens for the biopsy procedure should be considered in patients with recent quinolone intake.

Holmium laser enucleation of the prostate: initial report of the first 230 Egyptian cases performed in a single center.

OBJECTIVES: To report our experience with the first 230 cases of holmium laser enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP) performed in a single center. METHODS: A total of 230 cases of HoLEP were performed between June 2007 and June 2008. Mean age of patients was 69.8 +/- 10.3 years, and 21.3% of patients were either on anticoagulant or antiplatelet treatment. There was no limit for prostate size, with a mean prostate size of 86.5 +/- 65.4 g (range: 20-350 g). Follow-up was performed regularly at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months, assessing the Q(max), PVR, and International Prostate Symptom Score. RESULTS: Weight of prostate chips retrieved after morcellation was 78.6 +/- 61.3 g (range: 10-350), with enucleation time 102.2 +/- 55.4 minutes and morcellation time 19.3 +/- 10.1 minutes, leading an estimated efficiency rate of 0.64 g/min. The rate of decrease in prostate volume and prostate-specific antigen was 90.8% and 82.5%, respectively. At 1 month, mean Q(max) increased from 7.7 +/- 2.3 to 25.8 +/- 10.1 mL/s (P

Importance of additional "extreme" anterior apical needle biopsies in the initial detection of prostate cancer.

OBJECTIVES: To describe our experience of adding extreme apical cores in men undergoing initial biopsy. Prostate cancer detection efforts have focused on increasing the number of cores. A more significant factor, however, may be their location. Laterally directed and apical cores have been associated with the highest cancer detection rate, especially the apical cores for men undergoing repeated biopsies. METHODS: A prospective trial was conducted between September 2007 and April 2009. A total of 181 men with increased prostate-specific antigen (PSA) or abnormal digital rectal examination (DRE), or both, underwent an initial transrectal ultrasound-guided biopsy (TRUS-BX). All patients underwent a standard 12-core biopsy scheme plus 2 additional cores taken from the extreme anterior apex, defined as the site immediately lateral to the junction of apex and urethra. Each core was marked by a special colored ink for identification. Site-specific detection and tumor characteristics were reported. RESULTS: Prostate cancer was detected in 86 patients (47.5%). The apical cores (3 on each side) achieved the highest cancer detection rate (73.6% of all cancers), and the additional extreme anterior apical cores (1 on each side) achieved the highest rate of unique cancer detection (P = .011). CONCLUSIONS: From our experience, the apical cores, especially the extreme apical cores, increase prostate cancer detection on initial TRUS-BX and minimize the potential for misdiagnosis and need for repeat biopsy.

Modified extravesical ureteral reimplantation technique for kidney transplants.

PURPOSE: We describe a modification and evaluate a technique of extravesical ureteral reimplantation for kidney transplant. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We reviewed the records of 120 kidney transplant recipients who underwent ureteral reimplantation via a modified extravesical technique. Follow-up evaluation included renal ultrasonography. Because reflux is not routinely assessed in transplant cases, only symptomatic reflux was considered a complication and accessed with voiding cystourethrography (VCUG). The urological complications evaluated included urinary fistula, ureteral stenosis and symptomatic vesicoureteral reflux. RESULTS: The modified extravesical technique produced a successful result in 93.4% of patients with no symptomatic reflux or anastomotic obstruction. Anastomotic complications included stenosis in four patients, prolonged leakage and fistula in three patients, and symptomatic vesicoureteral reflux in one patient. Other urologic complications included complicated hematuria in three patients, postoperative urosepsis in one patient, and ureteral stenosis caused by extrinsic compression in three patients due to lymphocele (two patients) and by adhesions (one patient). CONCLUSIONS: The modified extravesical ureteral reimplantation is a reliable procedure with predictable results comparable to those of more-traditional techniques and proved to be efficient without increasing the incidence of urological or anastomotic complications. This modified technique offers two advantages; removal of the ureteral stent with the urethral catheter without the need for a postoperative cystoscopy and facilitation of postoperative endoscopic maneuvers if needed.

Laparoscopic marsupialization of postrenal transplantation lymphoceles.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Clinically significant post-transplantation lymphoceles are not uncommon. Surgical marsupialization with internal peritoneal drainage is the treatment of choice. We describe the successful laparoscopic formation of a peritoneal window for post-transplantation lymphocele drainage as an effective and minimally invasive procedure. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between August 1995 and September 2001, 135 consecutive renal transplantations were performed, and 9 patients developed clinically significant lymphoceles. Four of the nine patients were treated by laparoscopic drainage via a peritoneal window. Analysis of predisposing risk factors commonly associated with lymphoceles was performed. The surgical outcome was assessed. RESULTS: Laparoscopic drainage was successful in all patients. The average operative time was 40 minutes. The mean hospital stay was 1.5 days for patients undergoing laparoscopic drainage versus 5 days for those having open surgical drainage. Accidental division of the right native ureter occurred in one patient, which was identified intraoperatively. None of the patients had developed recurrence of lymphocele after a mean follow-up of 10.7 months (range 6-22) months. CONCLUSION: In patients with a clinically significant post-transplantation lymphocele of appropriate size and location, laparoscopic drainage is easy, safe, and effective. It decreases hospital stay and hastens convalescence.

Value of repeat ultrasonic prostatic biopsies following negative digitally directed biopsy.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to determine the benefit of repeat transrectal ultrasound-guided prostatic biopsy (TRUSBx) among men with prior benign histology on digitally guided biopsy despite suspicious digital rectal examination (DRE) findings. PATIENTS AND METHODS: From January 1, 1990 to May 30, 1993, we evaluated 130 consecutive men, referred to us with benign pathology on digitally-guided biopsy and DRE suspicious of cancer. All patients underwent systematic and directed TRUSBx. RESULTS: TRUSBx detected previously undiagnosed malignancy in 67 cases (51%). CONCLUSION: It is mandatory to reevaluate by TRUSBx, all patients with a palpable abnormality on DRE and a prior benign pathology on digitally-guided biopsy, as the likelihood of finding cancer is elevated.