[The use of a urethral catheter with an ultrasound-induced biopolymer drug coating for the prevention of recurrent bladder neck sclerosis in patients after endoscopic treatment of benign prostate hyperplasia].

Recurrent bladder neck sclerosis is one of the common complications of endoscopic treatment of benign prostate hyperplasia, which often leads to multiple re-operations, including complex open and laparoscopic reconstructive procedures. One of the most promising minimally invasive methods for preventing recurrence of bladder neck sclerosis is balloon dilatation under transrectal ultrasound guidance. To improve the results of using this technique, a urethral catheter with a biopolymer coating, capable of depositing a drug and eluting it under the influence of diagnostic ultrasound, was proposed.

Persistent storage symptoms following Y-V plasty reconstruction for the treatment of refractory bladder neck contracture.

PURPOSE: Refractory bladder neck contracture (BNC) following transurethral prostatectomy is rare and difficult to manage. Success rate of endoscopic treatment decline considerably after repeated treatments. Bladder neck reconstruction are often the last resort to treat refractory BNC failing endoscopic treatments. In general, experience is limited with this type of bladder neck reconstruction, particularly in adult patients. This study aims to determine the success rate, functional and patient-reported outcomes (PRO) of open Y-V plasty in treatment of refractory BNC after transurethral prostatectomy. The study also aims to determine the rate, and potential predictors of persistent storage symptoms after Y-V plasty. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between January 2016 and February 2021, 18 consecutive patients with refractory BNC who underwent open Y-V plasty were included in this study. All patients presented with voiding dysfunction after two or more failed attempts of endoscopic treatments followed by a 3-month period of outpatient serial dilation program. Clinicopathological data were extracted from medical records including baseline demographics, aetiology of BNC, previous endoscopic treatment, operative time, length of stay, complications, uroflow findings, International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) and OAB-V8. Primary outcome was the success of open YV plasty, defined as no need for further instrumentation such as indwelling catheterization, urethral dilatation, urethrotomy, or open surgery. Simple linear regression analysis was performed to determine predictor factors for postoperative OAB-V8. Variables that showed p < 0.25 were included in the multiple linear regression analysis. RESULTS: Most common aetiology of BNC was transurethral resection of prostate gland (n = 18, 100%). Mean age at surgery age (SD) was 65.5 (7.3) years. Mean follow-up was 14.8 (7) months. Success rate was 100%. Postoperative Qmax improved significantly [pre-OP 6.7 (8.1) ml/s vs. post-OP was 14.8 (7.3) ml/s, p < 0.001]. Mean postvoid residual decreased significantly [pre-OP 223.3 (254.3) ml vs. post-OP 45.1 (71.0) ml, p < 0.01)]. Persistent storage symptoms were reported in 61% of patients. BMI and baseline IPSS score are significant predictors for the postoperative OAB V8 change (adjusted b (95% confidence interval) = 1.037 (0.2-1.9), 0.64 (0.28-0.99), respectively, R2 = 0.59). CONCLUSION: Y-V plasty reconstruction for refractory BNC represents a feasible and successful option with high success rate and favorable outcomes. While functional and patient-reported outcomes had significantly improved post-operatively, persistent storage symptoms after this procedure still exist. BMI and baseline IPSS score are significant predictors for persistent storage symptoms after bladder neck reconstruction.

Are all procedures for benign prostatic hyperplasia created equal? A systematic review on post-procedural PSA dynamics and its correlation with relief of bladder outlet obstruction.

PURPOSE: To evaluate and provide a comprehensive literature review of Prostate specific antigen (PSA) dynamics after various surgical procedures for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). METHODS: A thorough PubMed database search was performed over last 30 years including terms "PSA" and various surgical procedures for BPH. PSA nadir after various procedure was evaluated. The post-operative improvement in International Prostate Symptom Score, maximum void rates and post-void residue after surgeries were recorded. An indirect correlation was made between PSA nadir and outcome of various BPH surgical procedures. RESULTS: Enucleation procedures like simple prostatectomy and endoscopic enucleation of prostate (EEP) produced maximum drop in PSA level after surgery and were associated with the highest improvement in post-operative parameters. The PSA nadir following resection techniques like transurethral resection of prostate and Holmium laser resection of prostate and vaporization technique was variable and less robust when compared to EEP. Newer techniques like Aquablation, Rezum, Urolift, Prostate artery embolization and Temporary implantable nitinol devices (iTIND) produce relatively less reduction in PSA and lesser percentile improvement in post-operative parameters. CONCLUSIONS: Various surgical procedures for BPH result in varying PSA nadirs level. Enucleation procedures and simple prostatectomy produce the most drastic and sustained decrease in PSA. There is a possible indirect evidence suggesting that the level of PSA nadir corresponds closely with the degree of post-operative improvement and durability of the procedure. Establishing the new PSA nadir at 3-6 months after the procedure is recommended as a part of routine surveillance for prostate cancer in eligible patients.

Detrusor underactivity influences the efficacy of TURP in patients with BPO.

PURPOSE: To investigate the effect of detrusor underactivity on the efficacy of TURP in patients with benign prostate obstruction. METHODS: A retrospective study of 350 patients with benign prostate obstruction who underwent TURP was carried out. Different degrees of bladder outlet obstruction were grouped by the bladder outlet obstruction index. ROC curves were used to calculate the optimal cut-off point for the bladder contractility index used to divide the DU patients into mild DU and severe DU patients. The effect of DU on the efficacy of TURP in benign prostate obstruction patients was studied by comparing the subjective and objective parameters preoperatively and 3 months postoperatively between severe DU, mild DU and non-DU benign prostate obstruction patients in two obstruction groups (20 ≤ BOOI < 40 and BOOI ≥ 40). RESULTS: According to the ROC curve, the optimal cut-off point for the bladder contractility index was 82; thus, 69 patients were considered mild DU patients (82 ≤ BCI < 100), 67 patients were considered severe DU patients (BCI < 82), and 214 patients were considered non-DU patients (BCI ≥ 100). Both the postoperative subjective and objective parameters of the non-DU, mild DU and severe DU patients significantly improved in two obstruction groups. However, in the 20 ≤ BOOI < 40 group, the successful improvement rates for the IPSS, IPSS-S, IPSS-V, QoL and fQmax in the severe DU patients were only 38.2%, 38.2%, 44.1%, 41.2% and 38.2%, respectively. CONCLUSION: Patients with varying degrees of benign prostate obstruction can benefit from TURP, but for patients with severe DU in the 20 ≤ BOOI < 40 group, TURP should be considered only after deliberation.

Blueberry Prevents the Bladder Dysfunction in Bladder Outlet Obstruction Rats by Attenuating Oxidative Stress and Suppressing Bladder Remodeling.

Various berries demonstrate antioxidant activity, and this effect is expected to prevent chronic diseases. We examined whether a diet containing blueberry powder could prevent the development of bladder dysfunction secondary to bladder outlet obstruction (BOO). Eighteen 8-week-old male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into three groups: Sham (sham operated + normal diet), N-BOO (BOO operated + normal diet) and B-BOO (BOO operated + blueberry diet). Four weeks after BOO surgery, the N-BOO group developed bladder dysfunction with detrusor overactivity. The B-BOO group showed significantly improved micturition volume and micturition interval. The urinary levels of 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) and malondialdehyde (MDA) were measured as oxidative stress markers. In the N-BOO group, 8-OHdG increased 1.6-fold and MDA increased 1.3-fold at 4 weeks after surgery, whereas the increase in 8-OHdG was significantly reduced by 1.1-fold, despite a similar increase in MDA, in the B-BOO group. Bladder remodeling was confirmed due to bladder hypertrophy, fibrosis and increased connexin43 expression in the N-BOO group, but these histological changes were reduced in the B-BOO group. The intake of blueberries prevented the development of bladder dysfunction secondary to BOO. This effect seems to be related to antioxidation and the inhibition of bladder remodeling.

Transurethral prostate surgery as a preventive method against progression of chronic kidney disease in patients with urodynamically proven bladder outlet obstruction.

OBJECTIVE: The present study was aimed to investigate (1) whether urodynamic factors are responsible for kidney damage in patients with bladder outlet obstruction (BOO) and (2) whether transurethral prostate surgery for BOO can alleviate the damage to the kidneys. METHODS: This prospective observational study involved men aged 50-80 years. Prostate size and urodynamic test were performed during screening period. Laboratory tests to measure the glomerular filtration rate, the urinary protein to creatinine ratio and dipstick urinalysis were performed before and 6 months after the transurethral prostate surgery. RESULTS: Sixty-seven patients completed the laboratory study among a hundred enrolled patients with urodynamically proven BOO. Among the urodynamic parameters, only low bladder compliance (lower than 60 mL/cmH2O) was associated with clinically significant proteinuria (p < 0.001). Transurethral prostate surgery significantly improved proteinuria (p = 0.007), especially in patients with low bladder compliance (p = 0.004), and subsequently decreased the risk grade of CKD progression (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Low bladder compliance in patients with BOO may be a risk factor for kidney damage. Transurethral prostate surgery to relieve BOO could be a preventive method against CKD progression in patients with low bladder compliance.

Introduction of prostate artery embolization (PAE) in Sweden.

Background: Transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) is 'Gold Standard' treatment for moderate-to-severe lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) due to benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH) with bladder-outlet obstruction (BOO). However, TURP is associated with a risk of complications, so minimally invasive methods have been developed. Prostate artery embolization (PAE) is a new minimally invasive procedure. This study reports the outcomes of PAE when introduced in a 'real life' clinical setting in a Swedish County hospital. Methods: A prospective, single-center, single-arm study in a consecutive vascular-anatomy 'all comers' population, eligible for TURP or adenomaenukleation, but unsuitable for this, treated with PAE from January 2015 to June 2018. Defined improvement of IPSS/QoL scores, or freedom from urinary catheter if previous urinary catheter-dependent, or clean intermittent catheterization (CIC) were considered as clinically successful treatments. PAE was performed until arterial stasis using the Perfected technique. Most patients were treated during a day-care procedure. Results: Of 37 treated men, bilateral PAEs were achieved in 32 patients, unilateral PAEs in four patients, and bilateral failure in one patient due to difficult vascular anatomy. Clinically successful treatment was achieved in 84%, without serious adverse events. Conclusions: PAE was introduced in Sweden, showing PAE as a novel and good minimally invasive alternative in treatment of symptomatic BPH, possible to perform as a day-care procedure.

Effect of urodynamic preoperative detrusor overactivity on the outcomes of transurethral surgery in patients with male bladder outlet obstruction: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of urodynamic detrusor overactivity (DO) on the outcomes of transurethral surgery in patients with male bladder outlet obstruction (BOO). MATERIALS AND METHODS: We systematically searched the PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases for articles published between January 1989 and June 2017. All results of eligible studies were synthesized. RESULTS: Nine articles met the eligibility criteria. These studies included a total of 932 patients with a median number of 92 patients per study (range 40-190). Of the nine studies, the conventional transurethral prostatectomy was adopted in four studies, photoselective vaporization of prostate in three studies, and other surgical modalities in two studies. In patients with DO positive, the pooled mean difference (MD) was not significant for a better or poorer improvement in the International Prostate Symptom Score [pooled MD, - 0.27; 95% confidence interval (CI), - 1.75 to 1.22; studies, 9; participants, 827], quality-of-life score (pooled MD, - 0.14; 95% CI, - 0.46 to 0.18; studies, 7; participants, 734), maximal flow rate (pooled MD, 0.79; 95% CI, - 1.57 to 3.14; studies, 8; participants, 781), and post-void residual volume (pooled MD, 2.81; 95% CI, - 4.70 to 10.32; studies, 6; participants, 509) compared to patients with DO negative. Some comparisons showed between-study heterogeneity despite the strict criteria of the eligible studies. However, there was no clear evidence of publication bias in the funnel plots. CONCLUSIONS: Our meta-analysis results demonstrated that preoperative urodynamic DO has no diagnostic role in the prediction of surgical outcomes in patients with male BOO.

Role of poor urethral sphincter relaxation in men with voiding dysfunction refractory to α-blocker therapy: Clinical characteristics and predictive factors.

OBJECTIVES: This study evaluates the diagnostic value of poorly relaxed external sphincter (PRES) in men with voiding dysfunction. We analyzed clinical and video-urodynamic characteristics to identify predictive factors of PRES in patients with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) refractory to α-1 adrenoceptor blocker (α-blocker) therapy. METHODS: This retrospective study included 3379 men with LUTS in whom the initial 1-month α-blocker therapy failed. Clinical parameters and video-urodynamic results were analyzed. Patients with bladder outlet disorders including bladder neck obstruction (BNO), benign prostatic obstruction (BPO), urethral stricture (US), or PRES were categorized according to video-urodynamic findings. Predictive factors for PRES were analyzed. RESULTS: A total of 3379 men were included in this study. Among the patients with voiding dysfunction, 905 (43.6%) had BPO, 624 (30.0%) had BNO, 487 (23.4%) had PRES, and 62 (3.0%) had US. Patients with PRES were younger and had a higher maximum flow rate, larger bladder capacity, smaller total prostate volume (TPV) and transition zone index, and a lower rate of LUTS of urgency or urge urinary incontinence (UUI) than other groups. On multivariate analysis, only small TPV and lower urgency/UUI rate were predictive factors of PRES. A scale composed of voided volume, TPV, and urgency/UUI predicted PRES with high specificity. CONCLUSIONS: PRES was the etiology of voiding dysfunction in 23.4% of the men with LUTS refractory to α-blocker therapy. A simple scale composed of voiding volume, TPV, and urgency/UUI was useful in predicting the presence of PRES before video-urodynamic studies.

Suppression of Oxidative Stress of Modified Gongjin-Dan (WSY-1075) in Detrusor Underactivity Rat Model Bladder Outlet Induced by Obstruction.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the anti-oxidative stress and preventive effect of modified Gongjin-dan (WSY-1075) in a detrusor underactivity rat model. METHODS: Rats were randomly allocated to three groups: shamoperated (control), bladder outlet obstruction-induced detrusor underactivity (BOO-DU), and BOO-DU with WSY-1075 (WSY) groups. WSY-1075 was orally administrated to rats 200 mg daily for 2 weeks prior to the operation and 4 weeks after the operation. Bladder outlet obstruction was surgically induced in rats by ligation around the urethra avoiding total obstruction. Cystometrography was conducted on rats in each group for examination of bladders. RESULTS: Compared with the control group, bladder outlet obstruction led to a significant increase in oxidative stress with consequent changes to molecular composition, and decrease in maximal detrusor pressure (P<0.05). WSY-1075 treatment significantly suppressed oxidative stress and prevented degenerative and dysfunctional changes in bladder, as compared with BOO-DU group (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: WSY-1075 had beneficial effect on prevention of BOO-DU.

Transurethral Bipolar Enucleation of the Prostate Is an Effective Treatment Option for Men With Urinary Retention.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate outcomes of transurethral bipolar enucleation (TuBE) of the prostate in patients with refractory lower urinary tract symptoms. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective analysis was performed on patients who underwent TuBE from July 2014 to March 2015. Perioperative factors evaluated included International Prostate Symptom Score, Sexual Health Inventory for Men score, prostate-specific antigen, postvoid residual volume, transrectal ultrasound volume measurement, estimated blood loss, operative time, pathologic weight, and complications. Postoperative evaluation was performed at 6 weeks and 3 months. RESULTS: Forty-nine patients were identified. Mean age was 67 years and mean follow-up was 4.4 months. Twenty-eight patients (57%) were in retention. Preoperative, 6-week, and 3-month mean postvoid residual volumes were 278 mL, 66 mL, and 87 mL (P < .01); mean International Prostate Symptom Scores were 22, 9, and 8 (P < .01); mean quality of life scores were 5.0, 1.9, and 1.9; and Sexual Health Inventory for Men scores were 7.1, 8.4, and 7.0 (P = .35), respectively. Twenty-eight patients (57%) were able to have erections preoperatively and were still able to postoperatively. All (100%) of the patients in retention were able to void postoperatively. Mean operative time was 93 minutes, estimated blood loss was 49 mL, and pathologic weight was 18 g. Urinary tract infection occurred in 3 patients (6%), urethral stricture in 1 (2%), and bladder neck contracture in 2 (4%). Mean prostate-specific antigen decreased from 3.2 ng/dL to 0.9 ng/dL at 3 months (P < .01). CONCLUSION: TuBE is an effective operation for refractory urinary tract symptoms including those who are in urinary retention.

Preventive Effect of Hydrogen Water on the Development of Detrusor Overactivity in a Rat Model of Bladder Outlet Obstruction.

PURPOSE: Bladder ischemia and oxidative stress contribute to the pathogenesis of bladder dysfunction caused by bladder outlet obstruction. H2 reportedly acts as an effective antioxidant. We investigated whether oral ingestion of H2 water would have a beneficial effect on bladder function in a rat model of bladder outlet obstruction. MATERIALS AND METHODS: H2 water was made by dissolving H2 gas in ordinary drinking water using a hydrogen water producing apparatus. The bladder outlet obstruction model was surgically induced in male rats. Rats with obstruction were fed H2 water or ordinary drinking water. On week 4 postoperatively cystometry was performed. Oxidative stress markers and the bladder nerve growth factor level were determined. Bladder tissues were processed for pharmacological studies and histological analysis. RESULTS: The micturition interval and micturition volume significantly decreased in obstructed rats given ordinary drinking water. These decreases were significantly suppressed by oral ingestion of H2 water. Increased post-void residual volume in obstructed rats was significantly reduced by H2 water. Obstruction led to a significant increase in bladder weight, oxidative stress markers and nerve growth factor. H2 water significantly suppressed these increases without affecting bladder weight. There was no significant difference in histological findings between rats with bladder obstruction given H2 water and ordinary drinking water. Decreased responses of detrusor muscle strips from obstructed bladders to KCl, carbachol and electrical field stimulation were reversed by H2 water ingestion. CONCLUSIONS: Results suggest that H2 water could ameliorate bladder dysfunction secondary to bladder outlet obstruction by attenuating oxidative stress.

Evaluation of holmium laser for transurethral deroofing of severe and multiloculated prostatic abscesses.

PURPOSE: Our objective was to evaluate the use of a holmium laser for transurethral deroofing of a prostatic abscess in patients with severe and multiloculated prostatic abscesses. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From January 2011 to April 2014, eight patients who were diagnosed with prostatic abscesses and who underwent transurethral holmium laser deroofing at Pusan National University Hospital were retrospectively reviewed. RESULTS: Multiloculated or multifocal abscess cavities were found on the preoperative computed tomography (CT) scan in all eight patients. All patients who underwent transurethral holmium laser deroofing of a prostatic abscess had successful outcomes, without the need for secondary surgery. Of the eight patients, seven underwent holmium laser enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP) for the removal of residual adenoma. Markedly reduced multiloculated abscess cavities were found in the follow-up CT in all patients. No prostatic abscess recurrence was found. Transient stress urinary incontinence was observed in three patients. The stress urinary incontinence subsided within 3 weeks in two patients and improved with conservative management within 2 months in the remaining patient. CONCLUSIONS: Transurethral holmium laser deroofing of prostatic abscesses ensures successful drainage of the entire abscess cavity. Because we resolved the predisposing conditions of prostatic abscess, such as bladder outlet obstruction and prostatic calcification, by simultaneously conducting HoLEP, there was no recurrence of the prostatic abscesses after surgery. We recommend our method in patients requiring transurethral drainage.

Can we predict which patients will experience resolution of detrusor overactivity after transurethral resection of the prostate?

PURPOSE: We determined which clinical and urodynamic variables may be related to persistent detrusor overactivity after transurethral resection of the prostate. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We studied 46 patients with bladder outlet obstruction due to benign prostatic hyperplasia who were treated with transurethral prostate resection from 2011 to 2012. All patients underwent urodynamic analysis preoperatively and 12 months postoperatively. Clinical and urodynamic variables in the preoperative period were correlated with the resolution of detrusor overactivity postoperatively. RESULTS: Patients with detrusor overactivity in the preoperative period were older (65.2 vs 61.1 years, p = 0.041) and had a higher I-PSS (International Prostate Symptom Score) (25.2 vs 19, p = 0.014) and higher maximum flow rate (8.6 vs 6.6 ml per second, p = 0.039). Patients with persistent detrusor overactivity were statistically older than those with resolution (69 vs 63 years, p = 0.043). Detrusor overactivity persisted in 63.6% of patients with maximum cystometric capacity less than 250 ml compared to 20% of those with greater than 250 ml (p = 0.024). When analyzing urodynamic variables together, we found a 66.7% chance of persistent detrusor overactivity in patients with maximum cystometric capacity less than 250 ml and detrusor overactivity amplitude greater than 40 cm H2O (p = 0.041). When these characteristics were associated with early detrusor overactivity, the chance of persistent detrusor overactivity was 83.3% (p = 0.013). CONCLUSIONS: Advanced patient age together with low maximum cystometric capacity, and early and high detrusor overactivity amplitude are the most important predictors of persistent detrusor overactivity after relief of bladder outlet obstruction.

Evaluation of holmium laser for transurethral deroofing of severe and multiloculated prostatic abscesses

PURPOSE: Our objective was to evaluate the use of a holmium laser for transurethral deroofing of a prostatic abscess in patients with severe and multiloculated prostatic abscesses. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From January 2011 to April 2014, eight patients who were diagnosed with prostatic abscesses and who underwent transurethral holmium laser deroofing at Pusan National University Hospital were retrospectively reviewed. RESULTS: Multiloculated or multifocal abscess cavities were found on the preoperative computed tomography (CT) scan in all eight patients. All patients who underwent transurethral holmium laser deroofing of a prostatic abscess had successful outcomes, without the need for secondary surgery. Of the eight patients, seven underwent holmium laser enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP) for the removal of residual adenoma. Markedly reduced multiloculated abscess cavities were found in the follow-up CT in all patients. No prostatic abscess recurrence was found. Transient stress urinary incontinence was observed in three patients. The stress urinary incontinence subsided within 3 weeks in two patients and improved with conservative management within 2 months in the remaining patient. CONCLUSIONS: Transurethral holmium laser deroofing of prostatic abscesses ensures successful drainage of the entire abscess cavity. Because we resolved the predisposing conditions of prostatic abscess, such as bladder outlet obstruction and prostatic calcification, by simultaneously conducting HoLEP, there was no recurrence of the prostatic abscesses after surgery. We recommend our method in patients requiring transurethral drainage.

Actual treatment of overactive bladder and urge urinary incontinence.

Overactive bladder (OAB) is defined by its hallmark symptom, urgency. It can be associated with urge urinary incontinence (UUI), and dramatically impact the patients' quality of life. Etiologies of OAB are numerous, and under this common wording, virtually all the population is covered (men as well as women, patients with or without neurogenic disease, and all age categories). OAB and UUI management have been historically based on non-interventional therapies, antimuscarinics, and surgery. In the last decade, innovations in the treatment of this highly prevalent condition have been multiple, and further insights came from various horizons (drug invention, innovative use of existing drugs, new medical devices, tissue engineering, gene and cell therapy). Notably, the use of BoNT and neuromodulation techniques have deeply modified the algorithm of specialized OAB management, delaying surgery indications and offering mini-invasive alternatives to patient refractory to behavioral and medical treatment. Whilst some of these techniques are about to reach maturity, numerous questions remain unsolved about their indications, long term effects, rank in the armamentarium, cost-effectiveness, hypothetical combination or sequential use. The present review depicts the actual wide range of options available for OAB management in adults, focusing on the latest evolutions. When relevant, a distinction was made between genders and OAB subtypes (idiopathic vs neurogenic) regarding treatment outcomes.

Safety and efficacy of Eraser laser enucleation of the prostate: preliminary report.

PURPOSE: We ascertained the safety and efficacy of the 1,318 nm diode Eraser laser (Rolle and Rolle, Salzburg, Austria) for transurethral enucleation of the prostate. This laser has been successfully used to resect lung metastasis. It cuts and coagulates vascular rich tissue safely and effectively. We describe a prospective, randomized trial of Eraser laser prostate enucleation vs bipolar transurethral prostate resection. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 60 patients with lower urinary tract symptoms suggesting bladder outlet obstruction and a mean prostate size of 59.5 ml on transrectal ultrasound were randomized to Eraser laser prostate enucleation or bipolar transurethral prostate resection. Patients were assessed preoperatively, and 1 and 6 months postoperatively. RESULTS: Eraser laser prostate enucleation was equivalent to bipolar transurethral prostate resection in improvement in International Prostate Symptom Score, maximal flow rate and quality of life. Laser enucleation was significantly superior to bipolar transurethral resection for measured blood loss (mean ± SD 116.83 ± 97.02 vs 409.83 ± 148.61 ml), catheter time (mean 32.80 ± 8.74 vs 65.73 ± 13.72 hours) and hospital time (mean 45.13 ± 14.77 vs 91.20 ± 11.76 hours, each p <0.05). Using the validated Clavien-Dindo system there were 3 grade Id and 1 grade II complications. CONCLUSIONS: Eraser laser prostate enucleation and bipolar transurethral prostate resection were equally safe and effective to relieve bladder outflow obstruction and lower urinary tract symptoms. This laser technique has the advantage of less blood loss, and shorter catheter time and hospital stay.

Chronic sacral nerve stimulation prevents detrusor structural and functional changes associated with bladder outlet obstruction--a rat model.

AIMS: Bladder outlet obstruction (BOO) can mediate structural and functional detrusor changes, which can lead to bothersome lower urinary tract symptoms. We investigate if sacral nerve stimulation (SNS) can prevent these structural and functional changes in a rat model of BOO. METHODS: 24 female Sprague-Dawley rats (250 gm) were divided into 4 groups: control (CTRL), BOO, SNS, and both (BOO/SNS). BOO was achieved by partially occluding the proximal urethra. SNS involved stimulating the S1-S4 dorsal roots with a unipolar S1 lead, 8 hours daily. Urodynamics were performed at baseline and after 6 weeks. Bladders were harvested, stained, and scored for detrusor hypertrophy and fibrosis (scale = 1-5). RESULTS: BOO caused an increase in mean voiding pressure (P(det) = 35 +/- 2 mmHg vs. 23 +/- 1 mmHg, p = 0.02), an increase in mean bladder capacity (C = 1230 +/- 250 microl vs. 484 +/- 60 microl, p = 0.03), and a decrease in mean volume at first non-voiding contraction (67 +/- 16 microl vs. 110 +/- 24 microl, p = 0.02) compared to CTRL. Addition of SNS neither significantly affected P(det) (30 +/- 3 mm Hg vs. 35 +/- 2 mmHg, p = 0.2), nor C (630 +/- 90 microl vs. 1230 +/- 250 microl, p = 0.06) compared to BOO, but eliminated non-voiding contractions. Detrusor hypertrophy and fibrosis were both significantly greater in BOO vs. CTRL and vs. BOO/SNS. CONCLUSIONS: Partial BOO caused functional and structural changes in the rat bladder. SNS in obstructed rats prevents these alterations, without adversely affecting detrusor contractility.

A randomized trial of photoselective vaporization of the prostate using the 80-W potassium-titanyl-phosphate laser vs transurethral prostatectomy, with a 1-year follow-up.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the potassium-titanyl-phosphate Greenlight(TM) 80-W laser ablation system for photovaporization of the prostate (PVP; Laserscope, San Jose, CA, USA) with transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP), as many technologies have been proposed as equivalent or superior to TURP without gaining widespread acceptance, due to lack of data from randomized trials. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In all, 120 patients were randomized to undergo either TURP or PVP after a full urological evaluation, which was repeated at 1, 3, 6 and 12 months after surgery. Irrigation use, duration of catheterization (DOC), length of hospital stay (LOS), blood loss, cost and operative time were also assessed. RESULTS: Both groups showed a significant increase in mean (sd) maximum urinary flow rate from baseline (P < 0.05); in the TURP group from 8.9 (3.0) to 19.4 (8.7) mL/s (154%), and in the PVP group from 8.8 (2.5) to 18.6 (8.2) mL/s (136%). The International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) decreased from 25.4 (5.7) to 10.9 (9.4) in the TURP group (53%), and from 25.3 (5.9) to 8.9 (7.6) in the PVP group (61%). The trends were similar for the bother and Quality of Life scores. There was no difference in sexual function as measured by Baseline Sexual Function Questionnaires. The DOC was significantly less in the PVP than the TURP group (P < 0.001), with a mean (range) of 13 (0-24) h vs 44.7 (6-192) h. The situation was similar for LOS (P < 0.001), with a mean (range) of 1.09 (1-2) and 3.6 (3-9) days in the PVP and TURP groups, respectively. Adverse events and complications were less frequent in the PVP group. Costs were also 22% less in the PVP group. CONCLUSIONS: This trial shows that PVP is an effective technique when compared to TURP, producing equivalent improvements in flow rates and IPSS with the advantages of markedly reduced LOS, DOC and adverse events. A long-term follow-up is being undertaken to ensure durability of these results.