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

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

Current concepts of the acontractile bladder.

The acontractile bladder (AcB) is a urodynamic-based diagnosis wherein the bladder is unable to demonstrate any contraction during a pressure flow study. Although it is often grouped with underactive bladder, it is a unique phenomenon and should be investigated independently. The purpose of the present review was to examine the current literature on AcB regarding its pathology, diagnosis, current management guidelines, and future developments. We performed a review of the PubMed database, classifying the evidence for AcB pathology, diagnosis, treatment, and potential future treatments. Over the 67 years covered in our review period, 42 studies were identified that met our criteria. Studies were largely poor quality and mainly consisted of retrospective review or animal models. The underlying pathology of AcB is variable with both neurological and myogenic aetiologies. Treatment is largely tailored for renal preservation and reduction of infection. Although future developments may allow more functional restorative treatments, current treatments mainly focus on bladder drainage. AcB is a unique and understudied bladder phenomenon. Treatment is largely based on symptoms and presentation. While cellular therapy and neuromodulation may hold promise, further research is needed into the underlying neuro-urological pathophysiology of this disease so that we may better develop future treatments.

High-energy transurethral thermotherapy with CoreTherm approaches transurethral prostate resection in outcome efficacy: a meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Minimally invasive office-based treatments for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) are challenging the traditional surgical and medical management options for symptomatic BPH. We conducted a meta-analysis of published randomized controlled trials that compared high-energy transurethral microwave thermotherapy (HE-TUMT) with transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) to compare subjective and objective outcomes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A literature search using Pub-Med was conducted to obtain all published data on HE-TUMT and all randomized controlled trials that compared HE-TUMT with TURP. Data were analyzed focusing on the pretreatment and posttreatment end points of the International Prostate Symptom Score(IPSS), maximum flow rate (Q(max)), and postvoid residual (PVR). A meta-analysis was conducted, and data were stratified with respect to the type of HE-TUMT machinery used. RESULTS: A total of 458 patients were studied. Differences in IPSS, Q(max), and PVR from current trials that compared TURP with HE-TUMT are best evaluated at 1-year follow-up. At this time point, changes in Q(max) (P < 0.001), IPSS (P = 0.01), and PVR (P = 0.02) are more significant if TURP is the management mode. HE-TUMT with the CoreTherm() device demonstrates the most significant improvements in subjective and objective criteria that approximate outcomes with TURP (Figs. 1-3). CONCLUSIONS: A meta-analysis of current randomized controlled trials that compared TURP with HE-TUMT demonstrates more significant changes in Q(max), IPSS, and PVR when TURP is used to manage symptomatic BPH. Despite these statistical differences, stratified data demonstrate that current HE-TUMT machinery is more effective than previously used lower-energy machinery, especially at objective end points. This is most evident when the CoreTherm device is used. These findings, coupled with the decreased costs and morbidity associated with HE-TUMT, support this treatment as a reasonable alternative to TURP.

Prostatic stents for the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The insertion of prostatic stents in the treatment of lower urinary tract symptoms in men secondary to benign prostatic obstruction from benign prostatic hyperplasia has proven to be an effective modality in properly selected patients. We review the current literature on the role of prostatic stents in the treatment of bladder outlet obstruction secondary to benign prostatic hyperplasia. RECENT FINDINGS: Permanent stents such as the Urolume and the Memokath offer efficacious and safe treatment alternatives for men with bladder outlet obstruction from benign prostatic hyperplasia who are deemed high surgical risks for traditional transurethral resection of the prostate. When removal of permanent prostatic stent is necessary, the design of the Memokath allows for an easier removal than that of the Urolume. Temporary stents are being investigated as a means to treat the transient bladder outlet obstruction frequently observed after minimally invasive thermotherapy procedures aimed at treating benign prostatic obstruction, with both biodegradable and retrievable stents shown as successful modalities for this indication. SUMMARY: Prostatic stents remain an option to treat men with benign prostatic obstruction/bladder outlet obstruction; however, stent migration remains an obstacle to their widespread use. The key to obtaining optimal outcomes in men with benign prostatic hyperplasia is careful patient selection and experience with proper stent deployment.

Long-term treatment outcomes of CoreTherm microwave feedback thermotherapy.

The gold standard for definitive management of symptomatic benign prostatic hypertrophy is transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP). Despite its efficacy, TURP has significant morbidity/mortality concerns such as hemorrhage and transurethral resection syndrome. This is especially worrisome for the medically high-risk patient, but the high rates of retrograde ejaculation found with TURP also pose a problem for young patients. A minimally invasive, outpatient alternative to TURP that has long-term efficacy, low morbidity/mortality, and provides a cost-effective advantage is in high demand. This review article discusses microwave thermotherapy as such an option and reports the long-term experience with the CoreTherm (CoreTherm Operations AB, Sweden) device.