Therapeutic use of pulsed electromagnetic field therapy reduces prostate volume and lower urinary tract symptoms in benign prostatic hyperplasia.

BACKGROUND: Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) etiology remains poorly understood, but chronic low-grade inflammation plays a role. Pulsed electromagnetic field therapy (PEMF) (1-50 Hz) is effective in reducing tissue inflammation. OBJECTIVES: We designed a pilot study to evaluate the effects of PEMF on prostate volume (PV) in BPH. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This is a prospective interventional trial on 27 naive patients with BPH and lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS). At baseline (V0 ), all patients had blood tests, transrectal ultrasound, and questionnaires (IPSS, IIEF-15) and received a perineal PEMF device (Magcell® Microcirc, Physiomed Elektromedizin). PEMF was delivered on perineal area 5 minutes twice daily for 28 days, then (V1 ) all baseline evaluations were repeated. Afterward, nine patients continued therapy for 3 more months (PT group) and 15 discontinued (FU group). A 4-month evaluation (V2 ) was performed in both groups. RESULTS: A reduction was observed both at V1 and at V2 in PV: PVV0 44.5 mL (38.0;61.6) vs PVV1 42.1 mL (33.7;61.5, P = .039) vs PVV2 41.7mL (32.7;62.8, P = .045). IPSS was reduced both at V1 and at V2 : IPSSV0 11 (5.7;23.2) vs IPSSV1 10 (6;16, P = .045) vs IPSSV2 9 (6;14, P = .015). Baseline IPSS was related to IPSS reduction both at V1 (rs  = 0.313;P = .003) and at V2 (rs  = 0.664;P < .001). PV reduction in patients without metabolic syndrome (ΔPVV1nMetS -4.7 mL, 95%CI -7.3;-2.0) was greater than in affected patients (ΔPVV1MetS 1.7 mL, 95%CI -2.69;6.1)(P = .017, Relative RiskMetS  = 6). No changes were found in gonadal hormones or sexual function. DISCUSSION: PEMF was able to reduce PV after 28 days of therapy. Symptoms improved in a short time, with high compliance and no effects on hormonal and sexual function or any side effects. Patients with moderate-severe LUTS and without MetS seem to benefit more from this treatment. CONCLUSION: PEMF reduces PV and improves LUTS in a relative short time, in BPH patients. These benefits seem greater in those patients with moderate-severe LUTS but without MetS.

Application of 180W XPS GreenLight laser vaporization of the prostate for treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia.

PURPOSE: To evaluate safety, efficacy and clinical outcomes after photovaporization of the prostate with the 180W-XPS Greenlight laser in patients with low urinary tracts symptom secondary to benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). MATERIALS AND METHODS: All 102 patients with lower urinary tract symptoms who underwent 180W XPS laser vaporization of the prostate from April 2017 to April 2018 were enrolled. The preoperative parameters, postoperative functional, uroflowmetry outcomes and complications were collected. RESULTS: All patients were successfully treated with 180W XPS laser vaporization. Mean preoperative prostate volume was 81±28.7 ml and mean laser time was 28.2±12.5 minutes. No major complications intraoperatively or postoperatively were observed and no blood transfusions were required. Comparing to preoperative characteristics, International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), maximum flow rate (Qmax) and post-void residual (PVR) parameters were improved significantly and sustained during the follow-up period. At 3, 6 and 12-month follow-ups, mean urinary peak flow increased from 6.2±2.1 ml per second to 19.8±4.6, 19.4±4.7 and 19.6±4.9 ml per second, respectively. Mean International Prostate Symptom Scores decreased over time, from 28.9±4.5 to 8.2±1.6, 6.2±1.22 and 5.88±1.15 at 3, 6, 12 months, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: 180W XPS Greenlight laser vaporization is a safe and effective treatment option for patients with lower urinary tract symptoms secondary to BPH.

Association between physical activity, lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) and prostate volume.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the association between lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) severity and physical activity (PA) across workplace, home, and leisure domains. To determine the mediating role of prostate enlargement on LUTS severity and PA. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The study included 405 men without prostate cancer or prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia. LUTS severity was ascertained using the American Urological Association Symptom Index and prostate size by ultrasonography. PA was assessed using validated questionnaires, with conversion to metabolic equivalent of task (MET)-h/week to estimate leisure-time PA energy expenditure. Analysis used multivariable linear regression, controlling for body mass index (BMI), age, race, and treatment for benign prostatic hyperplasia, cardiovascular disease and diabetes. RESULTS: Higher leisure-time PA energy expenditure and light housework activities were significantly associated with lower LUTS severity. Prostate volume was not significantly associated with PA in adjusted analyses, and controlling for prostate volume did not affect the association between LUTS severity and PA. Stratification by BMI showed a moderate interaction (P = 0.052), suggesting that PA was more strongly associated with LUTS severity among obese men. CONCLUSIONS: In this cross-sectional analysis, leisure-time and home-time PA was inversely associated with LUTS severity. The association between PA and LUTS severity was stronger for irritative symptoms and among obese men, and was not mediated through changes in prostate size. Our results indicate the need for further detailed investigation of PA and LUTS.

The effects of dutasteride or tamsulosin alone and in combination on storage and voiding symptoms in men with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) and benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH): 4-year data from the Combination of Avodart and Tamsulosin (CombAT) study.

OBJECTIVE: • To assess the effects of combined therapy with dutasteride and tamsulosin on voiding and storage symptoms compared with those of dutasteride or tamsulosin alone, using 4-year data from the Combination of Avodart and Tamsulosin (CombAT) study. PATIENTS AND METHODS: • Men (n = 4844) aged ≥ 50 years with moderate-to-severe lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) due to benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH), a prostate volume of ≥ 30 mL, and a serum prostate-specific antigen level of 1.5-10 ng/mL. • CombAT was a multicentre, double-blind, parallel-group study. • Oral dutasteride (0.5 mg) or tamsulosin (0.4 mg) alone or in combination was taken daily for 4 years. • Mean changes from baseline in storage and voiding symptoms at 4 years were assessed using subscales of the International Prostate Symptom Score. RESULTS: • At 4 years, the mean reduction in the storage subscore was significantly greater in the combined therapy group vs the dutasteride (adjusted mean difference -0.43) and tamsulosin (adjusted mean difference -0.96) monotherapy groups (P < 0.001). • Also at 4 years, the mean reduction in the voiding subscore was significantly greater in the combined therapy group vs the dutasteride (adjusted mean difference -0.51) and tamsulosin (adjusted mean difference -1.60) monotherapy groups (P < 0.001). • The improvement in the storage subscore with combined therapy was significantly better (P < 0.001) than dutasteride and tamsulosin from 3 months and 12 months, respectively. Similarly, the improvement in the voiding subscore with combined therapy was significantly better than dutasteride (P < 0.001) and tamsulosin (P ≤ 0.006) from 3 months and 6 months, respectively. • Improvements in the storage and voiding symptom subscores with combined therapy were achieved irrespective of prostate volume, although in men with the highest baseline prostate volumes (≥ 58 mL), combined therapy was not better than dutasteride. CONCLUSIONS: • In men with a prostate volume of ≥ 30 mL, combined therapy with dutasteride plus tamsulosin provided better long-term (up to 4 years) control of both storage and voiding LUTS compared with tamsulosin monotherapy. • Combined therapy was better than dutasteride monotherapy in men with prostate volumes of ≥ 30 to < 58 mL, but not in men with a prostate volume of ≥ 58 mL.

Is the ultrasound-estimated bladder weight a reliable method for evaluating bladder outlet obstruction?

OBJECTIVE: • To evaluate the correlation between ultrasound-estimated bladder weight (UEBW) in patients with different degrees of bladder outlet obstruction (BOO). METHODS: • We evaluated 50 consecutive non-neurogenic male patients with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) referred to urodynamic study (UDS). All patients self-answered the International Prostate Score Symptoms (IPSS) questionnaire. After the UDS, the bladder was filled with 150 mL to determine UEBW. • Patients with a bladder capacity under 150 mL, a previous history of prostate surgery or pelvic irradiation, an IPSS score <8, a bladder stone or urinary tract infection were excluded. • After a pressure-flow study, the Schafer linear passive urethral resistance relation nomogram was plotted to determine the grade of obstruction: Grades I-II/VI were defined as mild obstruction, Grades III-IV/VI as moderate obstruction, and Grades V-VI/VI as severe obstruction. RESULTS: • The UEBW was 51.7 ± 26.9, 54.1 ± 30.0 and 54.8 ± 28.2 in patients with mild, moderate and severe BOO, respectively (P= 0.130). The UEBW allowed us to define four groups: (i) UEBW <35 g; (ii) 35 g ≤ UEBW < 50 g; (iii) 50 g ≤ UEBW < 70 g; and (4) UEBW ≥ 70 g. • We did not find any differences in age, prostate weight, IPSS, PVR, cystometric bladder capacity, presence of detrusor overactive and degree of obstruction in the aforementioned groups. CONCLUSION: • Despite the fact that some studies have emphasized the value of UEBW as an efficient non-invasive method for evaluating lower urinary tract obstruction, our study suggests that UEBW does not present any individual correlation with LUTS or objective measurements of BOO.

Photoselective vaporization of the prostate using the 120-W lithium triborate laser in enlarged prostates (>120 cc).

UNLABELLED: OBJECTIVE • To evaluate experience with high power LBO laser for large prostates PATIENTS AND METHODS: • Prospective database of 288 men treated with PVP from November 2006-2009 • 33 men identified to have transrectal ultrasound measured prostate size >120 cc • All but 9 men not in urinary retention or on anticoagulant medications • Average ASA Score 2.25 (range 1-4) with 11 having an ASA Score of 3 or more RESULTS: • Mean operating time and laser time 109 and 86 minutes respectively • IPSS, QoL and Qmax changes from baseline to 3 months for those not in retention were 24 to 8.6, 5.0 to 1.8 and 7.5 mL/s to 19.6 mL/s respectively • Post void residual in these men fell from a mean of 235 mL to 88 mL • Average fall in PSA was 38% for 22 men with paired PSA data • Post operative urinary retention in 4 men resolved. 2 late onset clot urinary retention CONCLUSION: • Early results demonstrate PVP to be safe and efficacious on early follow up in a high risk group of patients with significantly enlarged prostates, anticoagulation and urinary retention.

The 12-year symptomatic outcome of transurethral resection of the prostate for patients with lower urinary tract symptoms suggestive of benign prostatic obstruction compared to the urodynamic findings before surgery.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate whether bladder outlet obstruction (BOO), detrusor underactivity (DUA) and detrusor overactivity (DO) affect the long-term outcome of transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) for patients having lower urinary tract symptoms suggestive of benign prostatic obstruction. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Of 92 patients who had TURP after a urodynamic study between 1995 and 1997, 43 (47%) were alive at the time of the survey in February 2008. Nine patients were excluded because of prostate cancer, neurological diseases and the impossibility of symptomatic examination. The International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) and quality-of-life (QoL) index were determined at baseline, 3 months, 3, 7 and 12 years after surgery for 34 patients. RESULTS: Although the improved IPSS and QoL index at 3 months gradually deteriorated with time, patients at 12 years were still significantly better than those at baseline. The IPSS in patients without BOO deteriorated faster than in those with it, whereas neither DUA nor DO influenced the slope of change in IPSS. Regardless of the preoperative urodynamic findings, the QoL index remained improved for 12 years. Two-thirds of patients with DUA but not BOO were satisfied with their urinary condition at 12 years. CONCLUSION: The symptomatic improvement provided by TURP lasts for >10 years, although there is a gradual deterioration with time. The QoL index remained improved for 12 years regardless of the preoperative urodynamic findings.

A new algorithm in patients with elevated and/or rising prostate-specific antigen level, minor lower urinary tract symptoms, and negative multisite prostate biopsies.

Patients with elevated and/or rising prostate-specific antigen (PSA), minor lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS), and no evidence for prostate cancer on (multiple) extended prostate biopsies are a regularly encountered problem in urological practice. Even now, patients are seen with no objective explanation of this persistent elevated and/or rising PSA. So far, many strategic proposals have been elaborated and published to deal with this specific population including the use of different PSA derivates; applying different biopsy schemes--strategies--biopsy target imaging; diagnostic use of prostate cancer genes; and many more. In this review, we propose a new algorithm in which an urodynamic evaluation should be included since bladder outlet obstruction (BOO) can be expected. Once BOO is confirmed, a transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) can be offered to these patients. This procedure will result in subjective and biochemical improvement and allows extensive histological examination. Current literature was reviewed with regard to this specific population. This research was performed using the commercially available Medline online search tools and applying the following search terms: "diagnostic TURP"; "elevated PSA"; and "prostate biopsy". Furthermore, subsequent reference search was executed on retrieved articles.

Three-dimensional ultrasound bladder characteristics and their association with prostate size and lower urinary tract dysfunction among men in the community.

OBJECTIVES: To characterize ultrasound bladder measures, and to determine whether these measures were associated with measures of lower urinary tract dysfunction. METHODS: Three-dimensional ultrasounds were used to assess bladder surface area (SA), bladder wall thickness (BWT), and estimated bladder weight (EBW) in a random sample of the Olmsted County, Minnesota, male population. Uroflowometry was used to determine maximum urinary flow rates, and ultrasound was used to assess postvoid residual volume. Prostate volume was assessed with transrectal ultrasound and prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels were assessed from serum samples. Correlation and linear regression analyses assessed relationships between bladder measures and prostate volume, PSA, maximum flow rate, and postvoid residual. RESULTS: Among 259 men, median bladder SA was 228 cm(2) (25th, 75th percentiles: 180, 279), median BWT was 2.3 mm (25th, 75th percentiles: 1.8, 2.7), and median EBW was 48.5 g (25th, 75th percentiles: 43.7, 53.0). Decreased bladder SA was correlated with increased PSA level, increased prostate volume, higher American Urological Association Symptom Index (AUASI) scores (r(s) = -0.13 to -0.21; P = .03-.001), and decreased maximum flow rate (r(s) = 0.21, P = .001). Increased BWT was correlated with increased PSA level (r(s) = 0.22, P = .0003), increased prostate volume (r(s) = 0.17, P = .01), and decreased maximum flow rate (r(s) = -0.14, P = .03). Increased EBW was correlated with increased maximum flow rate (r(s) = 0.14, P = .03) and decreased AUASI score (r(s) = -0.13, P = .04). CONCLUSIONS: Decreased SA and EBW were moderately associated with decreased maximum flow rate and increased AUASI scores, suggesting that such measures may provide insight into detrusor dysfunction.

Contemporary patients with LUTS/BPH requiring prostatectomy have long-term history of treatment with alpha1-blockers and large prostates compared with past cases.

OBJECTIVES: To retrospectively investigate the characteristics of patients with lower urinary tract symptoms suggestive of benign prostatic hyperplasia for which surgery was needed during the past 20 years. In particular, the chronologic change in prostate volume at surgery and the status of alpha(1)-blocker use before surgery and its duration were studied. METHODS: The data from 371 consecutive patients with lower urinary tract symptoms/benign prostatic hyperplasia who had undergone surgery in our institute from 1987 through 2006 were retrospectively analyzed. The number of surgeries, type of surgical procedure, content and duration of medical treatment of lower urinary tract symptoms/benign prostatic hyperplasia before surgery, prostate volume on transrectal ultrasonography at baseline and at surgery, and the weight of the removed tissue were determined from the medical charts. RESULTS: The number of surgeries suddenly began to decrease between 1987 and 1990 and again from 1991 to 1994, probably owing to the introduction of 2 nonselective alpha(1)-blockers at those times in Japan. The percentage of use of alpha(1)-blockers before surgery and the duration of use increased in each period. More than 80% of recent patients had received alpha(1)-blockers before surgery, with an average duration of 3 years. Recent patients had a large prostate volume at baseline and at surgery compared with previous patients. Corresponding to the large prostate, open subcapsular prostatectomy was indicated in 18% of the recent patients. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with surgical treatment after long-term use of alpha(1)-blockers had large prostates at baseline and at surgery. Although alpha(1)-blockers delayed the need for surgery by a few years, patients with a large prostate volume might finally need to undergo surgery.

Detection rate of prostate cancer using prostate specific antigen in patients presenting with lower urinary tract symptoms: a retrospective study.

BACKGROUND: Need for undertaking prostate biopsies for detection of prostate cancer is often decided on the basis of serum levels of prostate specific antigen (PSA). AIM: To evaluate the case detection rate of prostate cancer among patients presenting with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) on the basis of PSA levels and to assess the scope of prostate biopsy in these patients. SETTING AND DESIGN: A retrospective study from a tertiary care center. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The clinical and histopathological data of 922 patients presenting with LUTS in the last five years was obtained from the medical record section. They had been screened for prostate cancer using PSA and /or digital rectal examination examination followed by confirmation with prostate biopsy. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED: Detection rate and receiver operating characteristic curve were performed using SPSS 16 and Medcalc softwares. RESULTS: The detection rate of prostate cancer according to the PSA levels was 0.6%, 2.3%, 2.5%, 34.1% and 54.9% in the PSA range of 0-4, 4-10, 10-20, 20-50 and> 50 ng/ml, respectively. Maximum prostate cancer cases were detected beyond a PSA value of 20 ng/ml whereas no significant difference in the detection rate was observed in the PSA range of 0-4, 4-10 and 10-20 ng/ml. CONCLUSION: A low detection rate of prostate cancer observed in the PSA range of 4-20 ng/ml in LUTS patients indicates the need for use of higher cutoff values of PSA in such cases. Therefore we recommend a cutoff of 20 ng/ml of PSA for evaluation of detection rate of prostate cancer among patients presenting with LUTS.

Respuesta de la glándula prostática a la inflamación: pastrón morfológico y modulación de moléculas epiteliales de defensa / Response of the prostate gland to the inflammation: pastrón morphologic and modulation of molecules epiteliales of defense

La próstata es el sitio más propenso a desarrollar procesos inflamatorios y alteraciones del crecimiento celular dentro del tracto genital masculino. Las prostatis, sindrome clínico que experimentan los pacientes con inflamación de la próstata, constituyen una importante causa deterioro en la calidad de vida en hombres de todas las edades y un proceso de difícil tratamiento. Estudios recientes han postulado que los epitelios expuestos a injurias poseen mecanismos de defensa propios de la inmunidad innata, con la participación de moléculas específicas tales como TLR4 para reconocimiento bacteriano, los antibacterianos SP-D y defensinas, citocinas proinflamatorias y las inmunomoduladoras UG, PBP y Gal-1.(AU)

Respuesta de la glándula prostática a la inflamación: pastrón morfológico y modulación de moléculas epiteliales de defensa / Response of the prostate gland to the inflammation: pastrón morphologic and modulation of molecules epiteliales of defense

La próstata es el sitio más propenso a desarrollar procesos inflamatorios y alteraciones del crecimiento celular dentro del tracto genital masculino. Las prostatis, sindrome clínico que experimentan los pacientes con inflamación de la próstata, constituyen una importante causa deterioro en la calidad de vida en hombres de todas las edades y un proceso de difícil tratamiento. Estudios recientes han postulado que los epitelios expuestos a injurias poseen mecanismos de defensa propios de la inmunidad innata, con la participación de moléculas específicas tales como TLR4 para reconocimiento bacteriano, los antibacterianos SP-D y defensinas, citocinas proinflamatorias y las inmunomoduladoras UG, PBP y Gal-1.

Associations of lower urinary tract symptoms with prostate-specific antigen levels, and screen-detected localized and advanced prostate cancer: a case-control study nested within the UK population-based ProtecT (Prostate testing for cancer and Treatment) study.

OBJECTIVE: To determine associations of lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) with prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels and screen-detected localized and advanced prostate cancer. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: A case-control study nested within the UK population-based ProtecT (Prostate testing for cancer and Treatment) study. Men aged 50-69 years were invited for PSA testing and those with a PSA level of >or=3.0 ng/mL were invited for biopsy. We determined whether LUTS were associated with a PSA level of >or=3.0 ng/mL and prostate cancer using logistic regression models adjusted for age, family history of prostate cancer and PSA level as appropriate. Areas under receiver operating characteristic curves (AUC) were compared between models with and without symptoms. RESULTS: In all, 65 871 men had a PSA test: 7251 had a PSA level of >or=3.0 ng/mL including 2467 subsequently diagnosed with prostate cancer (2119 localized, 348 advanced). LUTS were positively associated with a PSA level of >or=3.0 ng/mL: odds ratios (ORs) were 1.18 (95% confidence interval, CI 1.01-1.38), 1.69 (95% CI 1.32-2.16), and 1.60 (95% CI 1.33-1.93) for daytime urination frequency (hourly vs less frequent), urgency and hesitancy (most/all the time vs never), respectively. LUTS among men with a PSA level of >or=3 ng/mL were negatively associated with prostate cancer: ORs were 0.44 (95% CI 0.22-0.83), 0.74 (95% CI 0.63-0.87), and 0.83 (95% CI 0.73-0.94) for nocturia (4+ vs 0), leakage and hesitancy (occasionally/sometimes vs never), respectively. LUTS improved the prediction of a PSA level of >or=3.0 ng/mL (AUC 0.635 vs 0.606, P < 0.001) and prostate cancer (AUC 0.661 vs 0.638; P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: A history of LUTS before PSA testing marginally improves the prediction of an individual's risk for prostate cancer; men with a PSA level of >or=3 ng/mL and LUTS were more likely to be diagnosed with benign disease than prostate cancer.

Association of lower urinary tract symptoms and chronic ischaemia of the lower urinary tract in elderly women and men: assessment using colour Doppler ultrasonography.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate, using transrectal colour Doppler ultrasonography, (TRCDUS) whether perfusion of the bladder and prostate is reduced in elderly patients with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS), common in later life, as experimental data suggest that chronic ischaemia has a key role in the development of LUTS. PATIENTS, SUBJECTS AND METHODS: In 32 elderly patients with LUTS (12 women, mean age 82.3 years, group 1; and 20 men, 79.4 years, group 2) perfusion of the bladder neck (in women) and of the bladder neck and prostate (in men) was measured using TRCDUS and the resistive index (RI) and colour pixel density (CPD) determined, assessed by a TRUS unit and special software. To assess the age-related effect two control groups of 10 young healthy women (mean age 42.3 years, group 3) and 10 age-matched healthy men (mean age 41.5 years, group 4) were also enrolled. RESULTS: Irrespective of gender, there was markedly lower bladder perfusion in elderly patients with LUTS than in the younger subjects. The mean (SD) RI of the bladder neck in group 1, of 0.88 (0.06), and group 2, of 0.80 (0.08), was higher than in control groups 3, of 0.62 (0.05), and group 4, of 0.64 (0.09). The results were similar for the CPD measurements. The frequency of daily and nightly micturition showed a strong negative correlation with perfusion in the urinary bladder. CONCLUSION: In elderly patients with LUTS there was decreased perfusion of the bladder neck and prostate when assessed using TRCDUS. Therefore, decreased perfusion in the urinary bladder might be responsible for the development of LUTS with advancing age.