The Crosstalk between Prostate Cancer and Microbiota Inflammation: Nutraceutical Products Are Useful to Balance This Interplay?

The human microbiota shows pivotal roles in urologic health and disease. Emerging studies indicate that gut and urinary microbiomes can impact several urological diseases, both benignant and malignant, acting particularly on prostate inflammation and prostate cancer. Indeed, the microbiota exerts its influence on prostate cancer initiation and/or progression mechanisms through the regulation of chronic inflammation, apoptotic processes, cytokines, and hormonal production in response to different pathogenic noxae. Additionally, therapies' and drugs' responses are influenced in their efficacy and tolerability by microbiota composition. Due to this complex potential interconnection between prostate cancer and microbiota, exploration and understanding of the involved relationships is pivotal to evaluate a potential therapeutic application in clinical practice. Several natural compounds, moreover, seem to have relevant effects, directly or mediated by microbiota, on urologic health, posing the human microbiota at the crossroad between prostatic inflammation and prostate cancer development. Here, we aim to analyze the most recent evidence regarding the possible crosstalk between prostate, microbiome, and inflammation.

Thulium laser transurethral vaporesection versus transurethral resection of the prostate for benign prostatic obstruction: the UNBLOCS RCT.

BACKGROUND: Transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) is the standard operation for benign prostatic obstruction (BPO). Thulium laser transurethral vaporesection of the prostate (ThuVARP) vaporises and resects the prostate using a technique similar to TURP. The small amount of existing literature suggests that there may be potential advantages of ThuVARP over TURP. OBJECTIVE: To determine whether or not the outcomes from ThuVARP are equivalent to the outcomes from TURP in men with BPO treated in the NHS. DESIGN: A multicentre, pragmatic, randomised controlled parallel-group trial, with an embedded qualitative study and economic evaluation. SETTING: Seven UK centres - four university teaching hospitals and three district general hospitals. PARTICIPANTS: Men aged ≥ 18 years who were suitable to undergo TURP, presenting with bothersome lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) or urinary retention secondary to BPO. INTERVENTIONS: Patients were randomised 1 : 1 to receive TURP or ThuVARP and remained blinded. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Two co-primary outcomes - patient-reported International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) and clinical measure of maximum urine flow rate (Qmax) at 12 months post surgery. RESULTS: In total, 410 men were randomised, 205 to each arm. The two procedures were equivalent in terms of IPSS [adjusted mean difference 0.28 points higher for ThuVARP (favouring TURP), 95% confidence interval (CI) -0.92 to 1.49 points]. The two procedures were not equivalent in terms of Qmax (adjusted mean difference 3.12 ml/second in favour of TURP, 95% CI 0.45 to 5.79 ml/second), with TURP deemed superior. Surgical outcomes, such as complications and blood transfusion rates, and hospital stay were similar for both procedures. Patient-reported urinary and sexual symptoms were also similar between the arms. Qualitative interviews indicated similar patient experiences with both procedures. However, 25% of participants in the ThuVARP arm did not undergo their randomised allocation, compared with 2% of participants in the TURP arm. Prostate cancer was also detected less frequently from routine histology after ThuVARP (65% lower odds of detection) in an exploratory analysis. The adjusted mean differences between the arms were similar for secondary care NHS costs (£9 higher for ThuVARP, 95% CI -£359 to £376) and quality-adjusted life-years (0.01 favouring TURP, 95% CI -0.04 to 0.01). LIMITATIONS: Complications were recorded in prespecified categories; those not prespecified were excluded owing to variable reporting. Preoperative Qmax and IPSS data could not be collected for participants with indwelling catheters, making adjustment for baseline status difficult. CONCLUSIONS: TURP was superior to ThuVARP in terms of Qmax, although both operations resulted in a Qmax considered clinically successful. ThuVARP also potentially resulted in lower detection rates of prostate cancer as a result of the smaller volume of tissue available for histology. Length of hospital stay after ThuVARP, anticipated to be a key benefit, was equal to that after TURP in this trial. Overall, both ThuVARP and TURP were effective procedures for BPO, with minor benefits in favour of TURP. Therefore, the results suggest that it may be appropriate that new treatment alternatives continue to be compared with TURP. FUTURE WORK: Longer-term follow-up to assess reoperation rates over time, and research into the comparative effectiveness of ThuVARP and TURP in large prostates. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Current Controlled Trials ISRCTN00788389. FUNDING: This project was funded by the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Health Technology Assessment programme and will be published in full in Health Technology Assessment; Vol. 24, No. 41. See the NIHR Journals Library website for further project information.

An enlarged prostate can make it difficult, or even impossible, for a man to pass urine by blocking the urine flow from the bladder. This can cause significant problems, and 25,000 men in the UK each year are treated with an operation to relieve their symptoms. The standard operation [transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP)], which uses electricity to shave off the enlarged prostate, is successful, but it can have some complications. There is some evidence to suggest that laser surgery can lead to less blood loss and a shorter stay in hospital, but laser operations can be difficult for surgeons to carry out. This trial has looked at a procedure using a new type of laser called thulium, which uses a very similar surgical technique to TURP and has shown promising results so far. A total of 410 men needing a prostate operation received either TURP or a laser operation. Participants were unaware of which operation they received until the end of the study to ensure a fair comparison. Seven hospitals across the UK were involved over 4 years. The trial mainly assessed the benefits of the operations using a urinary symptom questionnaire completed by participants, and by measuring the speed of passing urine after surgery. Overall, both procedures achieved positive results, and participants expressed high levels of satisfaction with the outcomes. Participants who had either operation reported a similar improvement in urinary symptoms in their questionnaires. However, although both operations did a good job of improving the speed of passing urine, TURP was better. Participants experienced few complications, and the complications that did occur were similar after both operations, including levels of bleeding and time spent in hospital. The cost of the two operations to the NHS was also similar. Overall, we concluded that both operations are suitable for patients with prostate enlargement, with TURP showing some minor additional benefits.

Comparison of Short-Term Outcomes between Button-Type Bipolar Plasma Vaporization and Transurethral Resection for the Prostate: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Background: Previous meta-analysis evaluated a limited number of parameters regarding the comparison of BTPV and TURP for BPH. Method: PubMed, Embase and Cochrane Library were searched for literature comparing BTPV with TURP. Data of efficacy (IPSS, Qmax, PVR and QoL) and safety were extracted and evaluated using either SMD or OR with 95% CI. All analyses were performed by RevMan 5.3. Results: Eleven trials with 1690 patients were selected. Compare to BTPV, TURP had better 6-month IPSS (SMD=0.36, 95% CI 0.08 to 0.63), better 1- (SMD=-0.38, 95% CI -0.63 to -0.12), 6- (SMD=-0.73, 95% CI -0.99 to -0.46) and 12-month Qmax (SMD=-0.47, 95% CI -0.85 to -0.10), better 6-month PVR (SMD=1.18, 95% CI 0.87 to 1.48), as well as better 3- (SMD=-0.24, 95% CI -0.48 to -0.01) and 6-month QoL (SMD=-0.62, 95% CI -0.91 to -0.33). However, BTPV had shorter catheterization time (SMD=-0.96, 95% CI -1.12 to -0.79) and hospital stay (SMD=-0.71, 95% CI -0.89 to -0.53), less hemoglobin decrease (SMD=-1.09, 95% CI -1.27 to -0.91) and virtually shorter operation time (SMD=-0.15, 95% CI -0.31 to 0.01). Moreover, BTPV had fewer occurrence of overall complications (OR=0.52, 95% CI 0.40 to 0.69), Clavien III-IV complications (OR=0.61, 95% CI 0.37 to 1.02), blood transfusion (OR=0.25, 95% CI 0.09 to 0.69), hematuria (OR=0.27, 95% CI 0.13 to 0.56) and capsular perforation (OR=0.19, 95% CI 0.08 to 0.48). Subgroup analysis indicated BTPV and bipolar TURP had similar total complications (OR 1.08, 95% CI 0.40-2.88, P=0.88) and Clavien III-IV complications (OR 1.42, 95% CI 0.36-5.57, P=0.61) and blood transfusion rate (OR 0.28, 95% CI 0.04-1.73, P=0.17). Conclusion: Both TURP and BTPV could significantly improve IPPS, Qmax, PVR and QoL. TURP had slightly better short-term efficacy, while BTPV had better safety. However, subgroup analysis found bipolar TURP and BTPV had similar safety.

Comparison of Multipulse Laser Vaporesection versus Plasmakinetic Resection for Treatment of Benign Prostate Obstruction.

We aimed to compare the efficacy and safety of Multipulse laser vaporesection of the prostate (MPVP) versus plasmakinetic resection of the prostate (PKRP) for treatment of patients with benign prostate obstruction (BPO) in a prospective trial. From January 2016 to April 2017, a total of 144 patients were included in the cohort study, of whom 73 patients underwent MPVP and 71 underwent PKRP. All patients received pre-operative evaluation and followed up at 1, 3, 6 and 12 months postoperatively. Baseline characteristics, perioperative data and postoperative outcomes were compared. Early (within 30 days postoperatively) and late complications were also recorded. Preoperative data, including age, prostate volume, international prostate symptom score (IPSS), International Index of Erectile Function Questionnaires (IIEF-5), the rate of anticoagulants use, Charlson comorbidity index were similar in two groups. Peri-operative parameters, including the rate of transfusion, and decrease in hemoglobin level were comparable. The operative time, the duration of catheterization and length of hospital stay were significantly shorter in the MPVP group. The voiding parameters and the quality-of-life scores (QoL) improved significantly in both groups postoperatively. There was a significantly difference in QoL at 1-year in the MPVP group (p < 0.001), under mixed model analysis with random effect and Bonferroni correction. There were no significant differences in improvement of IPSS, Qmax, IIEF-5, residual prostate volume ratio and PSA level reduction at the 1-year follow-up. MPVP was significantly superior to PKRP in terms of a reduction in overall complication rate (21.9% vs 45.0%, p = 0.004). Both treatments led to comparable symptomatic improvements. MPVP demonstrates satisfactory efficiency, shorter catheterization time and shorter hospital stay. Our data revealed that MPVP may be a promising technique which is safe and favorable alternative for patients with BPO.

Finasteride accelerates prostate wound healing after thulium laser resection through DHT and AR signalling.

OBJECTIVES: Urinary tract infection, urinary frequency, urgency, urodynia and haemorrhage are common post-operative complications of thulium laser resection of the prostate (TmLRP). Our study mainly focuses on the role of finasteride in prostate wound healing through AR signalling. MATERIALS AND METHODS: TmLRP beagles were randomly distributed into different treatment groups. Serum and intra-prostatic testosterone and DHT level were determined. Histological analysis was conducted to study the re-epithelialization and inflammatory response of the prostatic urethra in each group. We investigated the role of androgen in proliferation and inflammatory response in prostate. In addition, the effects of TNF-α on prostate epithelium and stromal cells were also investigated. RESULTS: Testosterone and DHT level increased in testosterone group and DHT decreased in finasteride group. Accelerated wound healing of prostatic urethra was observed in the finasteride group. DHT suppressed proliferation of prostate epithelium and enhanced inflammatory response in prostate. We confirmed that DHT enhanced macrophages TNF-α secretion through AR signalling. TNF-α suppressed proliferation of prostate epithelial cells and retarded cell migration. TNF-α also played a pivotal role in suppressing fibroblasts activation and contraction. CONCLUSION: Testosterone treatment repressed re-epithelialization and wound healing of prostatic urethra. Finasteride treatment may be an effective way to promote prostate re-epithelialization.

A comparison of time taken to return to baseline erectile function following focal and whole gland ablative therapies for localized prostate cancer: A systematic review.

OBJECTIVES: To systematically review erectile function (EF) outcomes following primary whole gland (WG) and focal ablative therapies for localized prostate cancer to ascertain whether the treatment modality or intended treatment volume affects the time taken to recover baseline EF. METHOD AND MATERIALS: A systematic review was performed according to the preferred reporting items for systematic review and meta-analysis statement. Inclusion criteria were men with localized prostate cancer treated with primary, ablative therapy. Primary outcome was the return to baseline EF measured with objective, validated symptoms scores. Secondary outcome was use of phosphodiesterase inhibitors or erectile aids. Meta-analysis was not performed owing to heterogenous outcome measures. RESULTS: Of 222 articles identified in February 2017, 55 studies which reported EF after ablative therapy were identified but only 17 used validated outcome measures and met inclusion criteria. WG cryotherapy was used in 2 studies, WG high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) in 5, focal cryotherapy in 2, focal HIFU in 3, focal phototherapy or laser therapy in 4, vascular-targeted photodynamic therapy in 3, and irreversible electroporation in 2. WG cryotherapy was associated with a significant decline in EF at 6 months with minimal improvement at 36 months. Baseline IIEF-15 of patients undergoing focal HIFU fell 30 points at 1 month but returned to baseline by 6 months. The remaining focal therapies demonstrated minimal or no effect on EF, but the men in these studies had small foci of disease. The review is limited by lack of randomized studies and heterogenous outcome measures. CONCLUSIONS: Most studies assessing the outcomes of focal therapy on sexual function were not of high quality, used heterogenous outcomes, and had relatively short follow up, highlighting the need for more robustly designed studies using validated patient reported outcome measures  for comparison. However, FT in general resulted in less effect on EF than WG ablation.

Effects of Serenoa repens Alcohol Extract on Benign Prostate Hyperplasia.

An increasing tendency has recently emerged for the use of phytotherapeutic agents as alternative to commercial pharmacological agents for the treatment of benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH). The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effects of Serenoa repens alcohol extract treatment on BPH patients' symptoms and major parameters during one-year follow-up. The study was performed on 70 men aged 40 - 79 years (mean 60.58) with symptomatic BPH that were divided into a group of 40 patients treated with Serenoa repens extract (SRT) and a control group of 30 patients that received no treatment and were observed only. The following parameters were determined at the time of diagnosis (baseline), and after 6 and 12 months: prostate size, serum prostate-specific antigen (PSA) and uroflowmetry parameters including maximum flow rate (MFR), average flow rate (AFR) and post-voiding residual volume (PVRV). In addition, the relevant patient symptoms were evaluated using the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) system. The patients in the SRT group showed a statistically significant increment of the average MFR and AFR values and reduction of PV relative to the control group (p<0.05). The significant differences between the proportion of patients with prostate volume >40 ml in the SRE treated group vs. control group was observed (p<0.05). The mean IPSS score was highly significantly reduced in the SRT group (p<0.01). The mild improvements of the urine flow, prostate size and IPSS score during 12 months treatment with the Serenoa repens extract indicate possible efficiency of this phytotherapeutic agent in patients with BPH.

Efficacy of holmium laser enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP) in men with bladder outlet obstruction (BOO) and non-neurogenic bladder dysfunction.

We aimed to compare the short-term outcomes of men who had urodynamic evidence of detrusor underactivity (DU) or detrusor overactivity (DO) of a non-neurogenic etiology as well as bladder outlet obstruction (BOO) and who underwent Holmium Laser Enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP). A database of 322 patients who underwent HoLEP between 2010 and 2014 was analyzed. Patients were classified into three groups according to the results of a preoperative urodynamic study. Preoperative parameters such as International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), Quality of Life (QoL) index, IPSS grade, uroflowmetry were compared with postoperative parameters measured at 6 months. There were 138 patients with BOO-only and 89 patients with BOO and detrusor dysfunction including 56 with DO and 33 with DU. The degree of improvement in IPSS-total (BOO: 10.7, DO: 8.3, DU: 7.0; p = 0.023) was greater in the BOO-only group than in the DU group. There were more patients whose IPSS grade improved in the BOO-only group (71%) than in the detrusor dysfunction group (DO: 53.6% and DU: 45.5%). Postoperative IPSS-voiding (4.5 vs 7.0), and Qmax (18 vs 13.7) in the BOO-only group were significantly better than those in the DU group. Additionally, postoperative IPSS-storage (4.7 vs 6.7), and IPSS-total (9.1 vs 12.3) in the BOO-only group were significantly better than in the DO group (all p < 0.05). In conclusion, early surgical management for men with severe LUTS and associated BPH before secondary degeneration occurs may be beneficial for preserving detrusor function and yield better treatment outcomes.

Hypothermic Cooling Measured by Thermal Magnetic Resonance Imaging; Feasibility and Implications for Virtual Imaging in the Urogenital Pelvis.

OBJECTIVE: To study the combination of thermal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and novel hypothermic cooling, via an endorectal cooling balloon (ECB), to assess the effective dispersion and temperature drop in pelvic tissue to potentially reduce inflammatory cascade in surgical applications. METHODS: Three male subjects, before undergoing robot-assisted radical prostatectomy, were cooled via an ECB, rendered MRI compatible for patient safety before ECB hypothermia. MRI studies were performed using a 3T scanner and included T2-weighted anatomic scan for the pelvic structures, followed by a temperature mapping scan. The sequence was performed repeatedly during the cooling experiment, whereas the phase data were collected using an integrated MR-high-intensity focused ultrasound workstation in real time. Pelvic cooling was instituted with a cooling console located outside the MRI magnet room. RESULTS: The feasibility of pelvic cooling measured a temperature drop of the ECB of 20-25 degrees in real time was achieved after an initial time delay of 10-15 seconds for the ECB to cool. The thermal MRI anatomic images of the prostate and neurovascular bundle demonstrate cooling at this interface to be 10-15 degrees, and also that cooling extends into the prostate itself ~5 degrees, and disperses into the pelvic region as well. CONCLUSION: An MRI-compatible ECB coupled with thermal MRI is a feasible method to assess effective hypothermic diffusion and saturation to pelvic structures. By inference, hypothermia-induced rectal cooling could potentially reduce inflammation, scarring, and fistula in radical prostatectomy, as well as other urologic tissue procedures of high-intensity focused ultrasound, external beam radiation therapy, radioactive seed implants, transurethral microwave therapy, and transurethral resection of the prostate.

Can the UroLift prostatic implant device treat the symptoms of benign prostatic hypertrophy, avoid sexual dysfunction and reduce hospital TURP waiting times? A single centre, single surgeon experience and review of the literature.

BPH associated with LUTS and sexual dysfunction is common. We performed UroLift on 11 patients, average age 71 years (range 56-90). IPSS improved by an average of 9 points post-procedure. Pre-operatively their post-void residuals were 306.3 ml (range 120-499 ml SD [120.6]) and their QMAX was 7 ml/s (range 4-14 SD [2.8] ml/s). Post-procedure the post-void residual decreased by 35.4% at 4 months (mean difference - 106.3 ml). QMAX improved by an average of 1.7 ml/s, which was not statistically significant. No patients suffered any sexual dysfunction side effects and all patients were satisfied with their result. Hospital stay and theatre time were significantly reduced. Average length of stay was just 10.6 (6-18) hours and average theatre time just 18.7 (12-30) min. This is significantly faster than other surgery for LUTS. We therefore feel that there are significant benefits for both the patients, who are able to go home much faster, and also the hospital, who are able to perform far more surgeries for their patients. Patients also do not require an inpatient bed so patients should not be cancelled on the day of theatre.

5-alpha-reductase inhibitor therapy postpones urine retention and prostate surgery in patients with prostate enlargement and a maximum uroflow rate of less than 15 ml/sec.

BACKGROUND: This study investigated the risk of transurethral resection of prostate (TURP) and acute urine retention (AUR) in relation to 5-alpha-reductase inhibitor (5ARI) therapy. METHODS: We identified 22,687 patients who were newly diagnosed with PE and low urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) between January 1, 2002 and December 31, 2011. We further classified study subjects who had moderate to severe LUTS and a maximum uroflow rate of less than 15ml/sec into three groups by their defined daily dose (DDD) of 5ARI used. The control group consisted of 7-28 cumulative DDD (cDDD) 5ARI users, while the short-term treatment group was 29-179cDDD 5ARI users, and the long-term treatment group was users of more than 180cDDD 5ARI. Each patient was monitored to identify those who subsequently developed TURP and AUR. RESULTS: TURP and AUR are detected in 5.6% of control group, 7.6% of short-term treatment group and 5.5% of long-term treatment group during 10-year follow up. Compared with the control group, there was no difference in the risk of TURP and AUR in the short-term and long-term treatment groups (HR = 1.41, 95% CI 0.76 to 2.62 and HR = 0.81, 95% CI 0.42 to 1.56, respectively). CONCLUSION: 5ARI therapy did not change the risk of TURP and AUR events in patients with PE, moderate to severe LUTS and a maximum uroflow rate of less than 15 ml/sec in 10 years of follow-up. But long-term 5ARI used can postpone AUR and TURP for 8.16 months.

Beneficial effects of lipidic extracts of saladette tomato pomace and Serenoa repens on prostate and bladder health in obese male Wistar rats.

BACKGROUND: Obesity is associated with increased risk of a number of serious medical conditions, including urological disorders. This study investigated the effect of lipidic extracts of saladette tomato pomace (STP) and Serenoa repens (SR) on the prostate and bladder in a rat obese model induced by high-carbohydrate diet. RESULTS: High-sucrose-fed rats showed higher prostate weight as well as increased contractility and stromal and epithelial hyperplasia in the prostate. Treatment with STP and SR improved contractility and diminished hyperplasia and hypertrophy in the prostate. Obese animals also showed impaired bladder contractility, but neither extract reversed this deterioration. In the histological study, a disarray in the process of smooth muscle cell proliferation with non-parallel fibers was observed; interestingly, treatment with STP and SR led to improvement in this derangement. CONCLUSION: These findings indicated impaired contractility and hyperplasia in the prostate and bladder of obese rats induced by high sucrose. STP and SR could enhance prostate function by reducing contractility and hyperplasia and improve smooth muscle fiber structure and decrease cell proliferation in the bladder, suggesting their possible health-beneficial effects on lower urinary tract symptoms. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry.

Can the lower urinary tract storage symptoms be completely resolved after plasmakinetic enucleation of the prostate?

The aim of this study was to determine whether the lower urinary tract storage symptoms of benign prostatic obstruction (BPO) could be completely resolved after plasmakinetic enucleation of the prostate (PKEP) and the possible predictors of persistent symptoms. Two hundred and sixty-seven cases of BPO performed PKEP from July 2008 to June 2009 were retrospectively analyzed. Five-year postoperative data were collected and compared with the preoperative data. According to the urodynamic results, the patients were divided into involuntary detrusor contraction (IDC) group (n = 95) and no IDC group (n = 172) preoperatively; the patients with IDC were divided into IDC-persistent group (n = 33) and IDC-resolved group (n = 62) after PKEP. The predictors of persistent IDC were analyzed. Compared with the preoperative data, the 5-year postoperative data showed that the IDC rate was lower (P = 0.000), Overactive Bladder Symptom Score (OABSS) was lower (P = 0.000), maximum cystometric capacity (MCC) was larger (P = 0.000), Prostate volume (PV) was smaller (P = 0.000), and prostate-specific antigen (PSA) was lower (P = 0.000). Compared with the no IDC group, the IDC group showed that the age was older (P = 0.016), MCC was smaller (P = 0.004), PSA was higher (P = 0.016), and Chronic Inflammation rate was higher (P = 0.004). Compared with IDC-resolved group after PKEP, IDC-persistent group showed that the age was older (P = 0.019), MCC was smaller (P = 0.000), PSA was higher (P = 0.013), and Chronic Inflammation rate was higher (P = 0.032). The present study shows that the storage symptoms are still needed to be focused on after PKEP. The advanced patient age, MCC, PSA, and chronic inflammation may be the important clinical predictors of persistent IDC.

Holmium laser for the surgical treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia.

INTRODUCTION: Holmium laser ablation of the prostate (HoLAP) is a surgical approach for treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Limited evidence suggests laser ablation/vaporization is inferior to enucleation with respect to reoperation rates. Our objective was to determine if properly performed laser ablation results in outcomes similar to enucleation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 198 patients with moderate to severe lower urinary tract symptoms and/or acute urinary retention had holmium laser enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP) or HoLAP between 2008 and 2014. Patients with metastatic prostate cancer, prior pelvic radiation, or bladder cancer involving the bladder neck or prostatic urethra were excluded. All procedures involved residents and were supervised by one experienced surgeon. The decision to perform HoLAP versus HoLEP was made intraoperatively. Demographics, pre, peri and postoperative data were collected. RESULTS: A total of 169 men were analyzed: 54 had HoLAP and 115 had HoLEP. Mean follow up was 27.16 months for HoLAP, and 38.18 months for HoLEP. As expected, the HoLEP group had larger prostates, longer mean operative times, and greater reduction in total PSA. There was no difference in the net change of flow rate between groups. CONCLUSION: Both HoLEP and HoLAP are appropriate surgical interventions for the management of BPH, when properly performed. Our findings suggest that adequate ablation of prostatic adenoma results in similar 2 year outcomes as enucleation.

[Effect of hypercapnic hypoxia on chronic abacterial prostatitis].

AIM: To improve treatment results of patients with CAP using hypercapnic hypoxia as a part of an integrated therapy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study involved 37 men aged 20 to 50 years diagnosed with CAP. The subjects were randomly divided into 2 groups. The control group consisted of 17 (46%) patients who received only the basic therapy. The study group comprised 20 (54%) patients, who were treated with the basic therapy combined with a course of 10 treatment sessions of hypercapnic hypoxia using a respiratory device. Two study visits were organized before and after treatment, including medical history, physical examination, filling out questionnaires, DRE and TRUS of the prostate, uroflowmetry and laser flowmetry. RESULTS: In the both groups, the treatment resulted in reduction or relief of pain and dysuria that is a natural effect of the standard therapy. However, the study group showed significantly greater improvement. The findings of DRE and TRUS of the prostate in the study and control group did not differ significantly; the size of hypoechoic areas in the prostate decreased in the both groups. Laser flowmetry showed improvement in microcirculatory disturbances of the prostate, which were observed before treatment. CONCLUSION: Basic therapy has a clinical effect, but it is limited regarding hemodynamics and microcirculation of the prostate. These indices are lower than in the study group. Thus, the study findings show a high clinical efficacy of hypercapnic hypoxia as an add-on therapy in treating patients with CAP. There was a significant decrease in clinical manifestations of the disease which was caused by improving microcirculation. This resulted from improved blood circulation, increased blood perfusion and blood volume in the arterioles, increased blood inflow in the microcirculatory system, reduced tissue hypoxia and ischemia, improved blood flow regulation. The findings of the present study give us ground to recommend training using breathing simulator "Karbonik" in the combination therapy of patients with CAP, which significantly increases the treatment effectiveness.

Intravesical prostatic protrusion is a risk factor for bladder stone in patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the risk factor that influences bladder stone formation in patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). MATERIALS AND METHODS: We reviewed the data of 271 consecutive patients with BPH who underwent transurethral resection of the prostate between January 2008 and December 2012. Patients were classified into 2 groups based on the presence of a bladder stone: Group 1 had a bladder stone and group 2 did not. Univariate analysis was performed to determine the association between the presence of bladder stone and the patients' age, body mass index, International Prostate Symptom Score, total prostate volume (TPV), transitional zone volume, intravesical prostatic protrusion (IPP), uroflow parameters, and urodynamic parameters. RESULTS: The overall rate of bladder stone in patients with BPH was 9.9%. The patients' body mass index, International Prostate Symptom Score, and urodynamic parameters did not significantly differ between the 2 groups. The patients' age, TPV, transitional zone volume, and IPP were all significantly higher and the Qmax was significantly lower in group 1 than that in group 2. Multivariate analysis revealed that age (hazard ratio [HR] = 1.089; P = .020), IPP (HR = 1.145; P <.001), and Qmax (HR = 0.866; P = .019) significantly affected the presence of bladder stone in patients with BPH. A predictive model using logistic regression for bladder stone in BPH patients was defined as follows: probability = 1/[1 + exp (-8.499 + 0.085 (age) + 0.009 (TPV) + 0.136 (IPP) - 0.143 (Qmax))] with area under the curve of 0.850 obtained from the receiver operating characteristic curve analysis. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrated that older age, longer IPP, and lower Qmax are independent factors that associated with the presence of bladder stone in patients with BPH.

Minimally invasive prostatic urethral lift: surgical technique and multinational experience.

BACKGROUND: Many men with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) are dissatisfied with current treatment options. Although transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) remains the gold standard, many patients seek a less invasive alternative. OBJECTIVE: We describe the surgical technique and results of a novel minimally invasive implant procedure that offers symptom relief and improved voiding flow in an international series of patients. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: A total of 102 men with symptomatic BPH were consecutively treated at seven centers across five countries. Patients were evaluated up to a median follow-up of 1 yr postprocedure. Average age, prostate size, and International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) were 68 yr, 48 cm(3), and 23, respectively. SURGICAL PROCEDURE: The prostatic urethral lift mechanically opens the prostatic urethra with UroLift implants that are placed transurethrally under cystoscopic visualization, thereby separating the encroaching prostatic lobes. OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS AND STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: Patients were evaluated pre- and postoperatively by the IPSS, Quality-of-Life (QOL) scale, Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia Impact Index, maximum flow rate (Qmax), and adverse event reports including sexual function. RESULTS AND LIMITATIONS: All procedures were completed successfully with a mean of 4.5 implants without serious adverse effects. Patients experienced symptom relief by 2 wk that was sustained to 12 mo. Mean IPSS, QOL, and Qmax improved 36%, 39%, and 38% by 2 wk, and 52%, 53%, and 51% at 12 mo (p<0.001), respectively. Adverse events were mild and transient. There were no reports of loss of antegrade ejaculation. A total of 6.5% of patients progressed to TURP without complication. Study limitations include the retrospective single-arm nature and the modest patient number. CONCLUSIONS: Prostatic urethral lift has promise for BPH. It is minimally invasive, can be done under local anesthesia, does not appear to cause retrograde ejaculation, and improves symptoms and voiding flow. This study corroborates prior published results. Larger series with randomisation, comparator treatments, and longer follow-up are underway.

Effect of ageing on the efficacy efficiency of TUVRP.

INTRODUCTION: To evaluate the effect of ageing on the efficacy of transurethral vaporization resection of the prostate (TUVRP). METHODS: The clinical outcomes of 285 patients treated by TUVRP were retrospectively analyzed. Patients were divided into three groups by age, Group A with 91 patients less than ≤70 years of age, Group B with 127 patients from 71 to 79 years of age, and Group C with 67 patients greater than ≥80 years of age. RESULTS: Prostate volume was 53.1 ± 24.1 ml in Group A, 67.8 ± 39.7 ml in Group B and 60.0 ± 43.9 ml in Group C (p < 0.001). More co-existent systemic diseases were identified in Group C than in the other two groups (p < 0.001). American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) grade increased with age (p < 0.001). Urological comorbidities associated with BPH, operating time, IPSS score, and QOL index were not different among the three groups. A significant difference was observed in before and after surgery IPSS score, QOL index, and maximum urinary flow rate (Qmax), in all three groups (p < 0.05). Post-operative Qmax decreased with age (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: TUVRP was safe and effective for the patients greater than 80 years of age, similarly to younger patients. Advanced aged was not a contraindication for surgery, and did not increase the difficulty of the procedure.

Current concepts and significance of estrogen receptor ß in prostate cancer.

An increasing amount of evidence points at important roles for estrogen receptors in prostate carcinogenesis and progression. Of the two estrogen receptors, estrogen receptor ß is the most prominent within the prostate gland. Although there is much yet to be known, the findings from the discovery of the receptor in 1996 until now point at a role of the receptor in maintaining differentiation and reducing cellular proliferation in the prostate. Moreover, estrogen receptor ß is the main target for phytoestrogens, perhaps at least partially explaining the difference in incidence of prostate cancer in the Western world compared to Asia where the intake of soy-based, phytoestrogen-rich food is higher. The tumor suppressive capability of estrogen receptor ß makes it a promising drug target for the treatment and prevention of prostate cancer. This review will focus on different aspects of estrogen receptor signaling and prostate cancer.

Surgical, oncologic, and short-term functional outcomes in patients undergoing robot-assisted prostatectomy after previous transurethral resection of the prostate.

PURPOSE: The objective of this study was to assess the surgical, oncologic, and short-term functional outcomes of patients with a history of transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) who underwent robot-assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy (RALP). PATIENTS AND METHODS: The records of 2000 men who underwent RALP from February 2006 to April 2010 were retrospectively reviewed. A total of 80 men had undergone TURP before RALP. A match-paired analysis was performed using our database to identify 80 additional men without a history of TURP with equivalent clinicopathologic characteristics to serve as a control group (non-TURP group). The parameters compared included patient preoperative clinicopathologic characteristics, intraopeoperative characteristics, postoperative oncologic characteristics, minor and major postoperative complications, continence, and potency. RESULTS: The mean time between TURP and RALP was 3.6 months (3-6 months). Regarding preoperative characteristics, a statistical difference was only observed regarding preoperative patient potency in the TURP vs non-TURP group. Regarding intraopeoperative characteristics, a statistical difference was observed regarding the need for bladder neck reconstruction and skin-to-skin operative time. Regarding postoperative pathologic characteristics, the positive surgical margin rate was not significant when the two groups were compared. The continence and potency rates in 12 months were similar (87.5%/91.25%) and (70.3%/86.5%) for both patient cohorts. CONCLUSION: Although the procedure is technically more demanding, exhibits a prolonged operative time and time interval before continence and potency returns, it can be safely performed without compromising functional results as well as the radical nature of cancer surgery.