Is day-case surgery feasible for laser endoscopic enucleation of the prostate? A systematic review.

PURPOSE: Laser endoscopic enucleation of the prostate (EEP) for benign prostatic obstruction has become increasingly prevalent worldwide. Considering the medical cost-savings and concomitantly fewer nosocomial infections, the feasibility of same-day postoperative discharge of patients who have undergone laser EEP in terms of its safety and effectiveness has become a subject matter of growing interest. We aimed to review those studies focussing on day-case surgery (DCS) in patients undergoing laser EEP. METHODS: A systematic search was conducted using PubMed-MEDLINE and Web of Science databases until October 2022 with the following search terms: "same day discharge AND laser enucleation of the prostate", "day-case AND laser enucleation of the prostate", "same day surgery AND laser enucleation of the prostate" and "one day surgery AND laser enucleation of the prostate" by combining PICO (population, intervention, comparison, outcome) terms. We identified 15 eligible studies. RESULTS: While 14 of the studies focussed on holmium laser EEP, one focused on thulium laser vapoenucleation of the prostate. We observed an improvement in functional parameters in all studies we reviewed, and DCS success and readmission rates ranged between 35.3-100% and 0-17.8%, respectively. The complication rates varied between 0 and 36.7%, most of the complicatons were Clavien-Dindo (CD) I and II. CD ≥ III complications did not significantly differ between same day discharge (SDD) and non-SDD groups in the studies. CONCLUSION: Laser EEP is feasible and promising DCS treatment option delivering improved functional parameters compared to baseline values, and lower perioperative complication and readmission rates in certain patients.

Experts' recommendations in laser use for the endoscopic treatment of prostate hypertrophy: a comprehensive guide by the European Section of Uro-Technology (ESUT) and Training-Research in Urological Surgery and Technology (T.R.U.S.T.)-Group.

PURPOSE: To identify expert laser settings for BPH treatment and evaluate the application of preventive measures to reduce complications. METHODS: A survey was conducted after narrative literature research to identify relevant questions regarding laser use for BPH treatment (59 questions). Experts were asked for laser settings during specific clinical scenarios. Settings were compared for the reported laser types, and common settings and preventive measures were identified. RESULTS: Twenty-two experts completed the survey with a mean filling time of 12.9 min. Ho:YAG, Thulium fiber laser (TFL), continuous wave (cw) Tm:YAG, pulsed Tm:YAG and Greenlight™ lasers are used by 73% (16/22), 50% (11/22), 23% (5/22), 13.6% (3/22) and 9.1% (2/22) of experts, respectively. All experts use anatomical enucleation of the prostate (EEP), preferentially in one- or two-lobe technique. Laser settings differ significantly between laser types, with median laser power for apical/main gland EEP of 75/94 W, 60/60 W, 100/100 W, 100/100 W, and 80/80 W for Ho:YAG, TFL, cwTm:YAG, pulsed Tm:YAG and Greenlight™ lasers, respectively (p = 0.02 and p = 0.005). However, power settings within the same laser source are similar. Pulse shapes for main gland EEP significantly differ between lasers with long and pulse shape modified (e.g., Moses, Virtual Basket) modes preferred for Ho:YAG and short pulse modes for TFL (p = 0.031). CONCLUSION: Ho:YAG lasers no longer seem to be the mainstay of EEP. TFL lasers are generally used in pulsed mode though clinical applicability for quasi-continuous settings has recently been demonstrated. One and two-lobe techniques are beneficial regarding operative time and are used by most experts.

A Delphi consensus to standardize the technique of anatomical endoscopic enucleation of prostate: a study by ESUT endoscopic enucleation of prostate study group.

PURPOSE: Our objective was to establish a standardized technique for Anatomical Endoscopic Enucleation of Prostate (AEEP) utilizing a consensus statement to provide robust recommendations for urologists who are new to this procedure. METHODS: The participants were electronically sent a questionnaire in three consecutive rounds. In the second and third rounds, the anonymous aggregate results of the previous round were presented. Experts' feedback and comments were then incorporated to refine existing questions or to explore more controversial topics in greater depth. RESULTS: Forty-one urologists participated in the first round. In the second round, all Round 1 participants received a 22-question survey, resulting in a consensus on 21 items. In the third round, 76% (19/25) of the second-round respondents also participated, reaching a consensus on 22 additional items. The panelists consensually agreed on detaching the urethral sphincter at the beginning of the enucleation and not at the end of the enucleation. To prevent incontinence, it was recommended that the apical mucosa be preserved through various approaches between 11 and 1 o'clock while gently disrupting the lateral lobes in their apical part, avoiding an excess energy delivery approximation to the apical mucosa. CONCLUSION: To optimize laser AEEP procedures, urologists must follow expert guidelines on equipment and surgical technique, including early apical release, using the 3-lobe technique for enucleation, preserving apical mucosa with appropriate approaches, gently disrupting lateral lobes at their apical regions, and avoiding excessive energy delivery near the apical mucosa. Following these recommendations can lead to improved outcomes and patient satisfaction.

"VirtualBasket" ureteroscopic holmium laser lithotripsy: intraoperative and early postoperative outcomes.

BACKGROUND: The "VirtualBasket" technology (Cook Medical, Bloomington, IN, USA) is the result of pulse modulation during holmium laser emission: the laser emits part of the energy to create an initial bubble, and a second pulse is emitted when the vapor bubble is at its maximum expansion, so that it can pass through the previously created vapor channel. The aim of this study was to outline the outcomes of the "VirtualBasket" technology in ureteral and renal stones. METHODS: 160 Patients were randomly assigned to holmium laser lithotripsy with or without the "VirtualBasket" technology in ureteric or renal cases (40 per 4 groups). All procedures were performed by four experienced urologists. The Quanta System Cyber Ho 100W laser generator with 365 µm fibers was used for all the ureteral cases, whereas 272 µm fibers were used for all the cases in the renal pelvis. Demographic data, stone parameters, perioperative complications and success rates were compared. A statistical analysis was carried out to assess patients' data and outcomes. All the reported P values were obtained with the two-sided exact method at the conventional 5% significance level. The degree of stone retropulsion was graded on a Likert scale from zero (no retropulsion) to 3 (maximum retropulsion). RESULTS: All groups were comparable in terms of age, and preoperative stone size (ureter stone size: 1.2 vs. 1.1 cm; renal pelvis stone size: 1.55 vs. 1.62 cm). Compared to the regular mode, the "VirtualBasket" technology was associated with significantly lower fragmentation time (mean time for ureteral stones: 20.4 vs. 16.1 minutes, P<0.05; mean time for renal stones: 28.7 vs. 19.8 minutes, P<0.05) and total procedural time (mean time for ureteral stones 49 vs. 35.7 minutes; mean time for renal stones 67.1 vs. 52.4 minutes). There were no significant differences in terms of energy delivered to the stones, intraoperative complications and success rate at 1 month. The "VirtualBasket" technology was associated with significantly lower retropulsion. CONCLUSIONS: The "VirtualBasket" technology is associated with significantly lower fragmentation and procedural times. The reduced fragmentation time is a result of the significantly lower retropulsion of the stones during laser lithotripsy, which improves stone fragmentation efficiency.

Determination of Face and Content Validity of Cadaveric Model for Holmium Anatomic Endoscopic Enucleation of the Prostate Training: An ESUT AEEP Group Study.

BACKGROUND: Bench and virtual reality nonbiological simulator models for anatomic endoscopic enucleation of the prostate (AEEP) surgery have been reported in the literature. These models are acceptable but have limited practical applications. OBJECTIVE: To validate a fresh-frozen human cadaver model for holmium AEEP training and assess its content validity. DESIGN SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS: Holmium AEEP operations on fresh-frozen cadavers performed by an experienced surgeon were recorded, and a video, including the main steps of the operation, was produced. OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS AND STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: The video and an accompanying questionnaire were subsequently distributed electronically to ESUT AEEP study group experts and associates (N = 32) for assessment of the AEEP training model. A ten-point Likert global rating scale was used to measure the content validity. RESULTS AND LIMITATIONS: A total of 26 answers were returned (81%). The experts agreed on the model's suitability for AEEP training (mean Likert score: 8). According to the responses, "identifying anatomic structures and landmarks" was the most valuable aspect of the model in terms of AEEP training (median Likert score: 9). Conversely, the experts found the model's ability, in terms of demonstrating laser and tissue reactions, to be weak (median Likert score: 6). CONCLUSIONS: Based on the content validity assessment, the fresh-frozen cadaver-training model for laser AEEP seems to be a promising model for demonstrating and learning the correct prostate enucleation technique. PATIENT SUMMARY: An increasing number of researchers have proposed that anatomic endoscopic enucleation of the prostate (AEEP) should replace transurethral resection of the prostate surgery and become the gold standard for treatment of bladder outlet obstruction due to benign prostatic hyperplasia. AEEP requires anatomic familiarity for enucleation, technical knowledge, and a solid training program before starting with the first cases. This is the first cadaver study to assess the content validity of a fresh-frozen human cadaver model for AEEP training.

Bladder neck sparing during robot-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy: Six-year experience.

OBJECTIVE: Prostate cancer is the most frequently diagnosed cancer among men in developed countries. Radical prostatectomy (RP) is the standard surgical treatment for patients with organ-confined disease and robot-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (RALP) procedures get more popular in the past 20 years. The most important factor of continence after RP is the preservation of the functional sphincter mechanisms. Tunc et al. described the novel bladder neck preserving technique in RALRP in 2015. The purpose of this study is to present our long-term results of our novel technique during RALP performed by single surgeon (LT). METHODS: In this study, 331 patients who went under procedure RALP between January 2012 and December 2017 analyzed retrospectively. Bladder neck sparing technique was performed for all patients used by a four-armed da Vinci robotic surgical system (Intuitive Surgical, Inc., Sunnyvale, CA). Quality of life (QoL) scores were assessed before RALP, after urethral catheter removal, and at the 1st month after RALP used by SF-12 QoL questionnaire. Patients without urine leakage during coughing or sneezing, as well as those who stayed totally dry, were considered as continent. Those who used more than 1 protective pad per day and/or had urine leakage during coughing, sneezing, or during the night were considered incontinent. RESULTS: The mean operation time, docking time, and anastomosis time were 76.9±28.9, 7.2±2.2, and 18±3.1 min, respectively. Estimated blood loss was 51.6±22.9 ml. The mean hospital stay was 2.2±0.8 days. The mean duration of the catheter was 7.1±1.3 days. After catheter removal, 310 (93.6%) of patients were continent immediately. During follow-up, 318 (96%) were continent after 1 month and 329 (99.3%) were totally continent after 1 year. No patient received surgical treatment for stress incontinence. CONCLUSION: Since we have defined bladder neck sparing technique, we have realized that our technique is very effective with our long-term results. Our novel technique provided very early continence at the time of catheter removal after RALP within short-term follow-up in addition to favorable oncologic results.

Is 'Omega Sign' anatomical endoscopic enucleation of the prostate technique reproducible?

We aimed to evaluate the learning curve of the surgically standardised 'Omega Sign' anatomical endoscopic enucleation (AEEP) of the prostate surgery technique for junior surgeons. This study is a retrospective comparison of cases that underwent AEEP by a mentor surgeon and three junior surgeons who have completed their learning curve. A video-based laser enucleation of the prostate assessment tool (LEAT) composed of 8 steps of the technique was used to assess a senior surgeon and junior surgeons' surgical compatibility and consistency. The surgeon who defined Omega Sign technique was determined as group 1, and cases by three junior surgeons were identified as group 2. The end points were to assess the reproducibility and repeatability and operative post-operative outcomes of the technique. 55 patients' videos were rated by five experienced endourologists. There was no significant difference in LEAT scores between the groups among all steps. The most symmetry was found in the 1st and 3rd steps. Inter-rater consistency was also high for each step, with no statistically significant difference between the evaluators. The standardised anatomical 'Omega Sign' technique is reproducible for the junior surgeons. The operative steps can be performed with high consistency, and the functional and perioperative outcomes are comparable with the senior surgeon.

Laser enucleation for prostates larger than 100 mL: Comparison of HoLEP and ThuLEP.

Recently, with the advancements in laser technology, Holmium laser enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP) and Thulium laser enucleation of the prostate (ThuLEP) have come to the fore in the surgical treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). We aimed to evaluate and compare the outcomes of HoLEP and ThuLEP in patients with >100 ml prostate volume. Patients who underwent HoLEP and ThuLEP between July 2017 and March 2020 were reviewed retrospectively. The patients were divided into two groups as HoLEP (Group 1, n = 121) and ThuLEP (Group 2, n = 104). Perioperative parameters, functional outcomes, continence status, intra and post-operative complications were compared between groups in the post-operative 1st and 6th month. No significant difference was found in terms of total laser energy (TLE), morcellation efficiency (ME), enucleated tissue weight (ETW), complication rates (CR) and continence status of patients between both groups (p > .05). In favour of ThuLEP group, there were statistically significant differences regarding total operation time (TOT), laser efficiency (LE), enucleation time (ET) and enucleation efficiency (EE) between groups (p ≤ .05). HoLEP and ThuLEP can be used safely and effectively in prostates larger than 100 ml.

The effects of bladder neck sparing with an additional anterior urethral fixation on postoperative continence after robot-assisted radical prostatectomy.

OBJECTIVE: Urinary incontinence remains one of the main problems affecting the quality of life after radical prostatectomy. Along with the improved understanding of the precise anatomy of the prostate, urethra and their surrounding structures, minimally invasive surgical techniques have been refined and described, aiming to improve functional outcomes without oncological compromise. This study aimed to investigate the impacts of anterior urethral fixation (AUF) and bladder neck sparing (BNS) on the early continence success after Robot-assisted Radical Prostatectomy (RALP). METHODS: This retrospective study included 120 patients who underwent RALP between January 2018 and June 2019. Patients were allocated to one of two groups; group 1 (n=60) underwent RALP with BNS, group 2 (n=60) underwent RALP with both AUF and BNS. The patient continence status was measured at baseline on day 7 and in the 1st, 3rd, and 6th months postoperatively. RESULTS: Concerning Incontinence Impact Questionnaire-7 form, statistically significant better results in group 2 were recorded in all visits, but the last (month 6) (p=0.023). Following catheter removal, postmicturition symptoms, including incomplete emptying and post-micturition dribble rate, were significantly higher in group 1 after catheter removal and in the 1st month (13.3% vs. 0 p=0.006). This difference was not recorded at the next visits (months 3 and 6). CONCLUSION: Our findings showed that the combination of AUF and BNS significantly increases early continence rates and decreases post-mictional symptoms after RALP without hampering oncologic outcomes.

Comparison of outcomes of Holmium enucleation of the prostate for small- and moderate-sized prostates.

There is an ongoing discussion in the literature on the surgical treatment option for small prostate size benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH) patients. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of Holmium laser enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP) surgery in small (<30 ml) and moderate (30-80 ml) prostate size as accepted in European Association of Urology guideline. We retrospectively analysed our database between May 2016 and May 2019 and patients who underwent HoLEP surgery. Patients who have prostate size <80 ml were included the study. These patients were divided into two group: group 1 with prostate size <30 ml (n: 64) and group 2 with prostate size 30-80 ml (n: 101). Enucleation time (ET), morcellation time (MT), total operation time (OT), enucleation efficiency (EE), morcellation efficiency (ME), intra- and post-operative complications were analysed. While EE and Hb drop were better in favour of group 2; PSA drop, ET, MT, OT and ME were superior in favour of group 1. In group 1, intra-operative complications were higher (6 vs. 2; p < .05) and post-operative complications did not differ statistically between groups (p = .14). No statistically significant finding was found between groups regarding incontinence. In conclusion, HoLEP is a reliable method in terms of its results in patients with small prostates.

Simulation models and training curricula for training in endoscopic enucleation of the prostate: A systematic review from ESUT.

The introduction of endoscopic anatomical enucleation of the prostate created a new educational field. We investigated the current literature for simulators, phantoms, and other training models that could be used as a tool for teaching urologists alone or within the boundaries of a course or a curriculum. A systematic review was performed according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses statement and the European Association of Urology Guidelines office's recommendations for conducting systematic reviews. Seven out of 51 studies met our inclusion criteria and are presented in the current review. The VirtaMed UroSim HoLEP (Holmium Laser Enucleation of the Prostate) Simulator achieved excellent scores for face, content, and construct validity, and participants agreed that it could be used for training. In addition, this simulator offers the opportunity for morcellation training. The Kansai University model for HoLEP does not support morcellation simulation and has only demonstrated face and content validity. The CyberSim (Quanta System, Solbiate Olona, VA, Italy) has not been yet evaluated, but it seems that it can be used for training without tutoring. Only one training curriculum was revealed from the search. The Holmium User Group-Mentorship Program has been proposed since 2005 for training urologists for HoLEP. Simulators and courses or curricula based on a simulator could be valuable learning and training tools. The existent models seem efficient but have not been widely evaluated and accepted yet. It seems that the training field for transurethral enucleation of the prostate will be rapidly developed soon.

Impact of diabetes mellitus on urinary continence after holmium laser enucleation of the prostate due to lower urinary tract symptoms: a retrospective study.

INTRODUCTION: Diabetes mellitus (DM) is known as a risk factor of stress urinary incontinence after Holmium laser enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP). We aimed to compare the postoperative continence status of patients with and without DM, after HoLEP surgery. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 214 patients who underwent HoLEP between January 2017 and January 2020 were retrospectively assessed. Functional outcomes, perioperative total operation time (TOT)(min), enucleation time (ET)(min), enucleation efficiency (EE)(g/min), enucleated tissue weight (ETW)(g), morcellation efficiency (ME)(g/min), morcellation time (MT)(min), continence status, intraoperative and postoperative complications according to Clavien-Dindo classification were recorded. RESULTS: A total of 96 patients had DM additional to benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH) (Group 1), while 118 patients had only benign prostate hyperplasia without DM (Group 2). When comparing preoperative and postoperative functional outcomes, a statistically significant improvement was observed in both groups from baseline to the 1st and 6th month follow-up (p ≤0.001). There were no statistically significant differences between groups in postoperative stress urinary incontinence at postoperative months 1 and 6 (1.7% vs 2.1%, p = 1 and 0.8% vs 1%, p = 1; respectively). There was no significant difference between groups in intraoperative and postoperative complications (p >0.05). CONCLUSIONS: HoLEP is safe to perform in patients with DM at low complication and urinary incontinence rates.

The "Omega Sign": a novel HoLEP technique that improves continence outcomes after enucleation.

PURPOSE: Holmium-laser enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP) has been a promising prostate surgery since its first introduction. Although there are 10 different HoLEP techniques in the literature, stress urinary incontinence (SUI) is common, because surgery is not performed based on the topographic anatomy of the external sphincter. We have developed a new HoLEP method named as the ''Omega Sign technique", which is based on the topographic anatomy of the external sphincter and could provide better continence outcomes by decreasing SUI rates. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The data of 400 patients who underwent HoLEP by a single surgeon between May 2016 and February 2019 were retrospectively reviewed. The patients were divided into two groups, the first underwent the Gilling's technique (Group 1) and the second the novel ''Omega Sign'' technique (Group 2). Continence status and post-micturition symptoms (PMS) were evaluated according to the standards recommended by the international continence status. RESULTS: The data of 400 HoLEP procedures between May 2016 and February 2019 were analyzed, comparing Group 1 (n = 200) and Group 2(n = 200). SUI rate was significantly lower in Group 2 at the day of catheter removal and first month (p < 0.005). In addition, urge urinary incontinence (UUI) rate and PMS were significantly lower in Group 2. CONCLUSIONS: We could demonstrate improved continence results, comparable functional outcomes and equally minimal complications with the standard HoLEP technique. We believe that, the novel 'Omega sign' technique decreases SUI rates and will become standardised and easy to understand, thereby bringing and creating a shorter learning curve.

HoLEP after prostate biopsy: does it have any impact?

PURPOSE: Holmium laser enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP) has recently become the recommended treatment for prostate in all sizes in benign prostate hyperplasia surgery. A recent prostate biopsy performed prior to the HoLEP procedure can make surgeons concerned about the surgery. We aimed to investigate the per- and postoperative outcomes of the HoLEP procedure in patients who underwent prostate biopsy and to evaluate the most appropriate surgery time after biopsy. METHODS: The data of 160 patients who underwent HoLEP by a single surgeon between March 2017 and December 2019 were retrospectively reviewed. The patients were divided into two groups, Group 1 consisted of 80 patients without prostate biopsy and Group 2 consisted of 80 patients with prior prostate biopsy. All HOLEP procedures in group 2 were performed at least 2 weeks following biopsy. Per- and postoperative outcomes, complications were evaluated. RESULTS: No significant differences were found between groups in terms of by enucleation time, efficiency of laser, efficiency of enucleation, hospitalization time, and catheterization removal time. Only morcellation time was shorter in biopsy naïve patients. There were no statistical differences in postoperative outcomes. Previous prostate biopsy did not affect the continence status in our study group. There were not any Clavien grade 4 or higher complications. Urinary tract infection was higher in early post-biopsy period, there was no difference among the groups. CONCLUSiON: Our study confirms that HoLEP is a safe and efficient surgical procedure for the patients with prior prostate biopsy. We believe that it can be safely performed 2nd week following prostate biopsy.

Indications, techniques, and role of new minimally invasive benign prostate hyperplasia surgical options.

Novel emerging techniques for the surgical treatment of benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH) related to lower urinary tract symptoms are being investigated very seriously to help search for a better method, and the studies are getting their place in the literature. In this review article, UroLift® system, (i)TIND®, Aquablation®, Rezum® system, and prostatic artery embolization have been discussed according to the literature and both European and American urological guidelines. All related randomized controlled trials are discussed under the appropriate headings. Indications, technique, and the role of these minimally invasive surgical options for BPH are assessed. These methods, which are still being studied, are promising for the future. As the studies get completed, the indications will become clearer, and these techniques will find their respective places as the personalized treatment options.

Holmium laser enucleation of the prostate for the treatment of size-independent BPH: A single-center experience of 600 cases.

OBJECTIVE: Holmium laser enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP) is an endourologic minimal invasive intervention of benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH). The interest on HoLEP is increasing in the literature. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the learning curve and our preliminary results. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A retrospective analysis on 600 patients with BPH who underwent HoLEP between July 2015 and April 2019 was performed. Perioperative measures including enucleation efficiency (EE), morcellation efficiency (ME), and percentage of resected tissue weight (PRW) were recorded. Hospitalization time (HT) and catheterization time (CT) were measured. Functional outcomes, Clavien-Dindo classification complications, and continence status were assessed at 1-, 3-, and 6-month follow-up. RESULTS: The mean age, prostate size, and prostate-specific antigen levels of the patients were 64.54 years, 91 g, and 4.54 ng/mL, respectively. There were 38.3% of patients with ≥100 g prostate size. The measured EE, ME, and PRW were 1.12 g/min, 4 g/min, and 72%, respectively. The mean HT and CT were 24.53 h and 21.50 h, respectively. Functional outcomes showed significant improvement at 1-, 3-, and 6-month follow-up. Intraoperative and postoperative complications were comparable with the literature. The most common perioperative complication was superficial bladder mucosal injury (n=8, 1.33%). Only one patient had persistent stress urinary incontinence at 6-month follow-up. CONCLUSION: As mentioned in the literature, HoLEP indications are independent from prostate size. Our results showed similarity with the literature on functional outcomes, complication rates, and continence status. With its superior results, our HoLEP series from Turkey supports that HoLEP will replace transurethral resection of the prostate as the known current gold standard.

The effect of prostatic tissue density on the perioperative outcomes of Holmium laser enucleation of prostate (HoLEP): a pilot study.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effect of prostate tissue density (PTD) on perioperative Holmium laser enucleation of prostate (HoLEP) outcomes. METHODS: Two hundred fourteen patients underwent HoLEP between December 2016 and August 2018 (group 1: PTD < 1 g/mL and group 2: PTD ≥ 1 g/mL). Enucleation time (ET), morcellation time (MT), total operation time (TOT), total laser energy (TLE), efficiency of laser (EL), efficiency of enucleation (EE), efficiency of morcellation (EM), enucleation rate (ER), and enucleated tissue weight (ETW) were recorded. RESULTS: The mean ages of the groups 1, 2 were 61.36±5.92 and 63.1±7.52 years, respectively. TOT (76.4 vs 86.21 min), ET (69.18 vs 79.94 min), EE (0.80 vs 0.91 g/min), and ETW (55.8 vs 70.23 g) were not significantly different between the two groups. However, the MT was longer in group 2 (11.27 ± 8.57 min and 7.22 ± 5.46 min, p = 0.0001). Furthermore, EM was higher in group 1 (9.81 ± 5.61 g/min and 7.45 ± 4.14 g/min, p = 0.0003). The EL and TLE were similar in both groups. PTD positively correlated with MT (ρ = 0.272, p = 0.0005) and negatively correlated with EM (ρ = - 0.315, p = 0.0001). No correlations were identified between the PTD and EL or EE. CONCLUSIONS: PTD is a factor that influences the HoLEP on perioperative outcomes. The PTD particularly affects the morcellation phase of the surgery. Patients with higher PTD will have a longer duration of MT and lesser EM. Future studies with the use of different imaging methods will give insight into the duration and difficulty of the HoLEP.

The role of laparoscopic experience on the learning curve of HoLEP surgery: A questionnaire-based study.

OBJECTIVE: Holmium laser enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP) is an established method for treating benign prostatic obstruction. Nonetheless, its steep learning curve limits its wide distribution. The purpose of the present study was to demonstrate the impact of laparoscopic experience on HoLEP learning curve by evaluating the association between learning curves of surgeons performing both laparoscopy and HoLEP surgery. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A questionnaire was prepared to identify surgeon's experience on laparoscopy and HoLEP, as well as their learning curves. This questionnaire was then distributed via e-mail to 110 urologists who are actively involved in endourology/laparoscopy. RESULTS: Of the 110 urologists, 80 (72.7%) responded and completed the questionnaire. Of the 80 surgeons, 47 (58.8%) reported that they had completed the HoLEP learning curve with <20 cases. Moreover, 33 (41.2%) reported that they were able to complete the learning curve by performing >20 cases. Completion of the HoLEP learning curve in <20 cases was reached at 1.3%, 13.8%, and 43.8% by beginner, moderate skilled, and experienced laparoscopists, respectively (p<0.001). CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic experience appears to be beneficial for surgeons while learning HoLEP. Highly experienced laparoscopic surgeons have a shorter HoLEP learning curve.

Descending laparoscopic radical nephrectomy and proven advantages in long term. / Nefrectomía radical laparoscópica descendente. Ventajas a largo plazo demostradas.

OBJECTIVES: We aim to present and analyze the long term results of descending transperitoneal laparoscopic nephrectomy (TLN) technique (Tunc technique). METHODS: A total of 308 patients that underwent descending TLN were included to the study between January 2011 and March 2018. Mean operation time, mean estimated blood loss, duration of hospital stay, complications, mean tumor size, and pathologic margin status were analyzed. RESULTS: A total of 308 patients underwent the descending TLN technique. Mean tumor size was 6.5±1.83 (range 3.5-12 cm). Mean intraoperative estimated blood loss was 38±6.91mL. Mean operation time was 24.97±6.8 minutes. Duration of hospital stay was1.85±0.69 days. Only one patient received postoperative blood transfusion for chronic anemia. Two of the patients had endoGIA stapler malfunction. None of the patients required conversion to open surgery intraoperative. There was no positive margin status. CONCLUSIONS: We could prove the safety and effectiveness of descending TLN technique. The main advantages of descending TLN over traditional ascending nephrectomy technique are shorter operation time and hospital stay.

OBJETIVOS: El objetivo fue presentar y analizar los resultados a largo plazo de la técnica de nefrectomía laparoscópica transperitoneal (TLN) descendente (técnica Tunc).MÉTODOS: Un total de 308 pacientes sometidos a TLN descendente se incluyeron en el estudio entre enero de 2011 y marzo de 2018. Se analizaron el tiempo medio de operación, la pérdida sanguínea estimada media, la duración de la estancia hospitalaria, las complicaciones, el tamaño tumoral medio y el estado del margen patológico. RESULTADOS: Un total de 308 pacientes se sometieron a la técnica de TLN descendente. El tamaño promedio del tumor fue de 6,5 ± 1,83 (rango de 3,5-12 cm). La pérdida de sangre estimada intraoperatoria media fue de 38 ± 6,91 ml. El tiempo medio de operación se calculó en 24,97 ± 6,8 minutos. La duración de la estadía hospitalaria fue de 1,85 ± 0,69 días. Solo un paciente recibió transfusión de sangre postoperatoria por anemia crónica. Dos de los pacientes tenían mal funcionamiento de la engrapadora endoGIA. Ninguno de los pacientes requirió conversión a cirugía abierta intraoperatoria. No hubo un estado de margen positivo. CONCLUSIONES: Podríamos demostrar la seguridad y efectividad de la técnica de TLN descendente. Las principales ventajas de la TLN descendente sobre la técnica tradicional de nefrectomía ascendente son el tiempo de operación más corto y la estancia hospitalaria.

Nefrectomía radical laparoscópica descendente. Ventajas a largo plazo demostradas / Descending laparoscopic radical nephrectomy and proven advantages in long term

Objetivos: El objetivo fue presentar y analizar los resultados a largo plazo de la técnica de nefrectomía laparoscópica transperitoneal (TLN) descendente (técnica Tunc). Métodos: Un total de 308 pacientes sometidos a TLN descendente se incluyeron en el estudio entre enero de 2011 y marzo de 2018. Se analizaron el tiempo medio de operación, la pérdida sanguínea estimada media, la duración de la estancia hospitalaria, las complicaciones, el tamaño tumoral medio y el estado del margen patológico. Resultados: Un total de 308 pacientes se sometieron a la técnica de TLN descendente. El tamaño promedio del tumor fue de 6,5 ± 1,83 (rango de 3,5-12 cm). La pérdida de sangre estimada intraoperatoria media fue de 38 ± 6,91 ml. El tiempo medio de operación se calculó en 24,97 ± 6,8 minutos. La duración de la estadía hospitalaria fue de 1,85 ± 0,69 días. Solo un paciente recibió transfusión de sangre postoperatoria por anemia crónica. Dos de los pacientes tenían mal funcionamiento de la engrapadora endoGIA. Ninguno de los pacientes requirió conversión a cirugía abierta intraoperatoria. No hubo un estado de margen positivo. Conclusiones: Podríamos demostrar la seguridad y efectividad de la técnica de TLN descendente. Las principales ventajas de la TLN descendente sobre la técnica tradicional de nefrectomía ascendente son el tiempo de operación más corto y la estancia hospitalaria

Objectives: We aim to present and analyze the long term results of descending transperitoneal laparoscopic nephrectomy (TLN) technique (Tunc technique). Methods: A total of 308 patients that underwent descending TLN were included to the study between January 2011 and March 2018. Mean operation time, mean estimated blood loss, duration of hospital stay, complications, mean tumor size, and pathologic margin status were analyzed. Results: A total of 308 patients underwent the descending TLN technique. Mean tumor size was 6.5 ± 1.83 (range 3.5-12 cm). Mean intraoperative estimated blood loss was 38 ± 6.91 mL. Mean operation time was 24.97 ± 6.8 minutes. Duration of hospital stay was1.85 ± 0.69 days. Only one patient received postoperative blood transfusion for chronic anemia. Two of the patients had endoGIA stapler malfunction. None of the patients required conversion to open surgery intraoperative. There was no positive margin status. Conclusions: We could prove the safety and effectiveness of descending TLN technique. The main advantages of descending TLN over traditional ascending nephrectomy technique are shorter operation time and hospital stay