Double-Blinded Prospective Randomized Clinical Trial Comparing Regular and Moses Modes of Holmium Laser Lithotripsy.

Objective: To compare regular and Moses modes of holmium laser lithotripsy during ureteroscopy in terms of fragmentation/pulverization and procedural times in addition to perioperative complications. Patients and Methods: After obtaining ethics approval, a prospective double-blinded randomized trial was conducted for patients undergoing holmium laser lithotripsy during retrograde ureteroscopy. Patients were randomly assigned to either regular or Moses modes. Patients and surgeons were blinded to the laser mode. Lumenis 120W generator with 200 Moses D/F/L fibers were used. Demographic data, stone parameters, perioperative complications, and success rates were compared. The degree of stone retropulsion was graded on a Likert scale from 0-no retropulsion to 3-maximum retropulsion. Results: A total of 72 patients were included in the study (36 per arm). Both groups were comparable in terms of age and preoperative stone size (1.4 cm vs 1.7 cm, p > 0.05). When compared with the regular mode, Moses mode was associated with significantly lower fragmentation/pulverization time (21.1 minutes vs 14.2 minutes; p = 0.03) and procedural time (50.9 minutes vs 41.1 minutes, p = 0.03). However, there were no significant differences in terms of lasing time (7.4 minutes vs 6.1 minutes, p > 0.05) and total energy applied to the stones (11.1 kJ vs 10.8 kJ, p > 0.05). Moses mode was associated with significantly less retropulsion (mean grade was 1.0 vs 0.5, p = 0.01). There were no significant differences between both modes in terms of intraoperative complications (11.1% vs 8.3%, p > 0.05), with one patient requiring endoureterotomy for stricture in the Moses group. Success rate at the end of 3 months was comparable between both groups (83.3% vs 88.4%, p > 0.05). Conclusion: Moses technology was associated with significantly lower fragmentation/pulverization and procedural times. The reduced fragmentation/pulverization time seen using Moses technology could be explained by the significantly lower retropulsion of stones during laser lithotripsy.

18 Years of Holmium Laser Enucleation of the Prostate: A Single Center Experience.

PURPOSE: We report our experience with long-term outcomes of holmium laser enucleation of the prostate during a period of 18 years. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We reviewed a prospectively collected database from March 1998 through June 2016 for patients who underwent holmium laser enucleation of the prostate for symptomatic benign prostatic hyperplasia as performed or supervised by a single expert surgeon. Demographic and perioperative data were collected, including scores on the I-PSS (International Prostate Symptom Score), quality of life, peak flow rate, post-void residual urine and prostate specific antigen. Perioperative and late adverse events were also assessed. RESULTS: At a median followup of 9.1 years 1,476 patients with a mean age of 70.7 years were included in study. Mean catheter time and hospital stay were 1.2 and 1.3 days, respectively. Mean ± SD I-PSS and quality of life scores (15.9 ± 6.5 vs 6.8 ± 5.6 and 3.1 ± 1.4 vs 1.5 ± 1.4, respectively, each p <0.001) were significantly improved after holmium laser enucleation of the prostate compared to preoperative values. Likewise the mean peak flow rate and post-void residual urine were significantly improved (mean 7.2 ± 4.0 vs 17.7 ± 10.4 ml per second and 204 ± 258 vs 43 ± 73 ml, respectively, each p <0.001) in the 132 patients who could be followed more than 10 years. Perioperative blood transfusion was required in 0.8% of patients. Prostate specific antigen was significantly reduced by 66.7% at the most recent followup (p <0.001). Postoperative complications included urethral stricture and bladder neck contracture in 21 (1.4%) and 30 patients (2.1%), respectively. Repeat holmium laser enucleation of the prostate was required in 21 patients (1.4%). CONCLUSIONS: Holmium laser enucleation of the prostate is a safe, effective and durable procedure to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia during long-term followup.

DrillCutTM vs VersaCutTM prostate tissue morcellation devices after holmium laser enucleation: A prospective, randomized controlled trial.

INTRODUCTION: We aimed to compare efficacy, safety, and cost of disposables of the DrillCutTM morcellator with the VersaCutTM morcellator after holmium laser enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP). METHODS: After obtaining ethical approval, consecutive patients undergoing HoLEP for symptomatic benign prostatic hyperplasia were randomized to have their enucleated prostates morcellated by either Karl Storz® DrillCutTM or Lumenis® VersaCutTM morcellators. All procedures were performed by two experienced urologists. Patients' demographics and perioperative data were recorded. Both morcellators were compared for their safety, efficacy, and cost-effectiveness. RESULTS: Eighty-two patients were included in the study (41 per each arm). Both groups were comparable in terms of age, preoperative prostate size (114 vs. 112 mL; p>0.05), enucleation time (95.3 vs. 91.7 minutes; p>0.05), and morcellation time (22.6 vs. 17.3 minutes; p>0.05). The DrillCutTM was associated with significantly lower morcellation rate when compared with the VersaCutTM (3.6 vs. 4.9 g/min; p= 0.03). In terms of safety, there was no significant difference between both morcellators in complication rates (2.4% vs. 7.3 %; p=0.1). However, there was one case of bladder perforation requiring exploration with the VersaCutTM. The DrillCutTM was associated with significantly higher cost of disposables when compared with the VersaCutTM ($247.5 vs. $160.9; p<0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Despite the small sample size, the DrillCut™ was associated with lower morcellation rate when compared with the VersaCutTM. However, this difference may not be clinically significant. Although both morcellators were comparable in their safety, the DrillCutTM was associated with higher cost of disposables when compared with the VersaCutTM.

Moses technology in a stone simulator.

INTRODUCTION: The objective of this study was to compare fragmentation efficiency of the conventional regular mode of holmium laser to the Moses contact mode on a stone simulator. METHODS: The Lumenis® PulseTM P120 H holmium laser system, together with Moses D/F/L fibers were used to compare regular mode with Moses contact mode in a stone simulator model using flexible ureteroscopy with artificial stones. Efficiency of laser lithotripsy was measured by procedural time. Degree of stone retropulsion was also compared between regular and Moses modes using a Likert scale from 0 (no retropulsion) to 3 (maximum retropulsion). RESULTS: Using the stone simulator model, a significant reduction in stone retropulsion was noticed when comparing regular mode to the Moses contact mode (mean Grade 2.5 vs. Grade 1; p<0.01). When compared with the regular mode, the Moses contact mode was associated with significantly shorter procedural time during fragmentation (13.9 vs. 9.1 minutes; p≤0.01) and dusting (9.3 vs. 7.1 minutes; p≤0.01). In addition, when compared with the regular mode, the laser pedal was pressed significantly less often with the Moses mode during fragmentation (86 vs. 43 times; p<0.01) and dusting (50 vs. 26 times; p<0.01). Moses contact mode was associated with significantly higher percentage of lasing vs. pausing when compared with the regular mode for both fragmentation (0.8 J/10 Hz) and pulverization (0.4 J/50 Hz) settings (both p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Using the stone simulator setup, Moses technology was associated with more efficient laser lithotripsy (shorter operative time) due to significantly reduced stone retropulsion.

Assessment of urology postgraduate trainees' competencies in flexible ureteroscopic stone extraction.

INTRODUCTION: We aimed to assess flexible ureteroscopic stone extraction skill of urology postgraduate trainees (PGTs) at an Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) and to determine whether previous experience in the operating theatre or practice on the simulator correlated with performance. METHODS: After obtaining ethics approval, PGTs from postgraduate years (PGYs) 3-5 were recruited from all four Quebec urology training programs during an OSCE. After a short orientation to the UroMentor™ simulator, PGTs were asked to perform Task 10 for 15 minutes, where two small stones from the left proximal ureter and renal pelvis were extracted using a basket. Competency of PGTs in performing the task was assessed using objective assessment from the simulator and subjective evaluations using Ureteroscopy-Global Rating Scale (URS-GRS). Simulator performance reports and URS-GRS scores were analyzed. RESULTS: Thirty PGTs (9 PGY-3, 11 PGY-4, 10 PGY-5) participated in this study. PGTs had performed a mean of 55.9 semi-rigid and 45.7 flexible ureteroscopies prior to the study. Mean URS-GRS score of the participants was 20.0±4.4. Using norm-referenced method with three experts, cutoff score of 19 on the URS-GRS was determined to indicate competency. Sixty percent (18/30) of PGTs were competent. All eight PGTs who had practiced on the simulator were competent. Previous experience in the operating theatre and PGY level did not correlate with performance. CONCLUSIONS: This study confirmed the feasibility of incorporating the UroMentor at OSCEs to assess competency of urology PGTs in ureteroscopic stone extraction skill. PGTs who practiced on the simulator scored significantly higher than those who did not practice; however, the software needs to be updated to improve its face validity and to include more complex tasks, such as holmium laser lithotripsy. Future studies with larger sample sizes and more complex cases are needed to confirm these results.

Use of the Moses Technology to Improve Holmium Laser Lithotripsy Outcomes: A Preclinical Study.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate in vitro and in vivo effects of Moses technology in Holmium laser and to compare it with the Regular mode in terms of lithotripsy efficiency and laser-tissue interactions. METHODS: The Lumenis® Pulse™ P120H holmium laser system together with Moses D/F/L fibers were used to compare the Regular mode with the Moses modes in stone retropulsion by using a high-speed camera, and stone ablation efficiency. In addition, a porcine ureteroscopy model was used to assess stone fragmentation and dusting as well as laser-tissue interaction with the ureteral wall. RESULTS: After a laser pulse, in vitro stone displacement experiments showed a significant reduction in retropulsion when using the Moses mode. The stone movement was reduced by 50 times at 0.8 J and 10 Hz (p < 0.01). The pronounced reduction of retropulsion in the Moses mode was clearly observed during fragmentation setting (high energy) and dusting (low energy, high Hz). In addition, stone fragmentation tests showed that the Moses modes resulted in a significantly higher ablation volume when compared with the Regular mode (160% higher; p < 0.001). In vivo assessment also supported the reduction in retropulsion when treating stones in the porcine kidney. Histological analysis of the porcine ureter after direct lasing in the Moses mode suggested less damage than in the Regular mode. CONCLUSIONS: The Moses technology resulted in more efficient laser lithotripsy, in addition to significantly reduced stone retropulsion, and displayed a margin of safety that may result in a shorter procedural time and safer lithotripsy.

Objective Structured Assessment of Technical Skills for the Photoselective Vaporization of the Prostate Procedure: A Pilot Study.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Photoselective vaporization of the prostate (PVP) is a frequently performed procedure by postgraduate trainees (PGTs). However, there is no PVP-specific objective assessment tool to evaluate the acquisition of PVP skills. The aim of the present study was to develop and validate an objective structured assessment of technical skills tool for the PVP procedure (PVP-OSATS). METHODS: This study was conducted in two phases. Phase I included the development of PVP-OSATS and assessment of its reliability and construct validity. Panel discussion among experts led to the development of the PVP-OSATS tool with 12 parameters, each scored from 1 (worst) to 5 (best) with a maximum score of 60. Laser prostatectomy experts and PGTs from postgraduate years (PGY) 4 and 5 were recruited. Inter-rater reliability, using Cohen's and Fleiss's kappa, was calculated for all parameters. To assess for construct validity, PGTs were compared with experts. Phase II included assessment of the concurrent validity of this novel tool. This was performed by recruiting Quebec urology PGTs between PGY-3 and -5 to test their PVP skills during the semiannual objective structured clinical examination using the validated GreenLight(™) simulator. RESULTS: During phase I,116 intraoperative PVP-OSATS assessments were collected; 102 for PGTs and 14 for experts. Cohen's and Fleiss's kappa was adequate (k ≥ 0.6) for all 12 parameters, confirming adequate inter-rater reliability. There was significant difference between PGTs and experts in all PVP-OSATS parameters (p ≤ 0.01) except in respect to anatomical landmarks and instrument damage. During phase II, there was significant positive correlation between PVP-OSATS scores inside the operating room and global scores obtained by the GreenLight simulator (r = 0.814; p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: This study reports inter-rater reliability, construct, and concurrent validity of PVP-OSATS as a novel PVP-specific objective assessment tool.

Management of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia Larger than 100 ml: Simple Open Enucleation Versus Transurethral Laser Prostatectomy.

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is one of the most common causes of lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) in aging men. Over the age of 60, more than a half of men have BPH and/or bothersome LUTS. Contemporary guidelines advocate surgery as the standard of care for symptomatic BPH after failure of medical therapy, where the choice of the appropriate surgical procedure depends on the prostate size. Transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) and simple open prostatectomy (OP) have been considered for decades the reference-standard techniques for men with prostate smaller and larger than 80 ml, respectively. However, both procedures are potentially associated with considerable perioperative morbidity which prompted the introduction of a variety of minimally invasive surgical techniques with comparable long-term outcomes compared to TURP and OP. Nevertheless, the management of prostates larger than 100 ml remains a clinical challenge. Transurethral anatomical enucleation of the prostate utilizing different laser energy represents an excellent alternative concept in transurethral BPH surgery. These procedures gained popularity and demonstrated similar outcomes to OP with the advantages of favorable morbidity profiles and shorter catheter time and hospital stay. Despite the fact that OP remains a viable treatment option for patients with bothersome LUTS secondary to very large prostates, this procedure has been to a large extent replaced by these emerging enucleation techniques. Given the advent of surgical alternatives, the current review presents an evidence-based comparison of the efficacy and safety profile of the currently available transurethral laser techniques with the standard OP for the management of BPH due to adenomas larger than 100 ml.

Holmium laser transurethral incision of the prostate: Can prostate size predict the long-term outcome?

INTRODUCTION: We determine the impact of prostate size on the long-term outcome of holmium laser transurethral incision of the prostate (Ho-TUIP) for bladder outlet obstruction (BOO) secondary to benign prostate enlargement (BPE). METHODS: A retrospective review of prospectively collected data was performed for patients undergoing Ho-TUIP by a single surgeon for patients presenting with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) secondary to BOO. Patients were stratified into 2 groups: Group 1 included patients with prostate ≤30 cc and Group 2 included patients with prostate >30 cc. Demographic, operative and follow-up data were recorded and analyzed. In addition, intraoperative and long-term adverse events were included. RESULTS: In total, 82 patients underwent surgery between March 1998 and March 2013, including 9 (11%) reoperated patients. Only prostate size independently predicted reoperation after Ho-TUIP (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 95% confidence interval [CI] 7.12 [2.92-9.14], p = 0.01). The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis showed an optimal cutoff value of prostate volume of 29 cc to characterize long-term reoperation after TUIP, with area under the curve (AUC) of 0.96, sensitivity of 89.7 and specificity of 88.9. Group 1 included 51 patients and Group 2 included 31 patients. The international prostate symptoms score (IPSS) and peak flow rate (Qmax) significantly improved in both groups at different follow-up points. At the 12-month follow-up, the percent change in IPSS and Qmax were comparable between both groups. However, after 12 months, the degree of improvement in all voiding parameters was significantly higher in Group 1 (p < 0.001 at all points of follow-up). After a median follow-up of 5.3 years (range: 1-13), both groups had comparable early and late adverse events with significantly higher reoperation rate in Group 2 (3.9% vs. 22.6%, p = 0.02). Overall retrograde ejaculation was detected in 25.6% of sexually active men and it was comparable between both groups (23.5% vs. 29%, p = 0.61). On multivariable analysis, patients with prostate volume >30 cc were associated with significantly higher reoperation for BOO (aOR 95% CI 5.72 [2.83-8.14], p = 0.02), significantly higher IPSS (aOR 1.72), higher quality of life index (aOR 1.72) and lower Qmax (aOR 0.28). CONCLUSION: Ho-TUIP is a durable, safe and efficient treatment of BOO secondary to a small-sized prostate. The long-term outcome could be improved and the re-operation rate could be minimized with appropriate selection of cases, with prostate glands no bigger than 30 cc.

Incidental Prostate Cancer Diagnosis During Holmium Laser Enucleation: Assessment of Predictors, Survival, and Disease Progression.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence and predictors of incidental prostate cancer (IPCa) after Holmium laser enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP) and to assess its functional and oncological outcomes. METHODS: A prospectively maintained database was reviewed for cases with IPCa at the time of HoLEP. Patients with preoperative PCa were excluded. Patients were divided into two groups based on the presence (group I [GI]) or absence of cancer (group II [GII]) in histopathology. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed. RESULTS: Of 1242 patients, 70 (5.64%) were identified to have IPCa. Prostate size was comparable between both groups. GI patients had significantly higher preoperative prostate-specific antigen (PSA) and total PSA density (tPSAD) compared to cancer-free patients. T1a and T1b adenocarcinomas were detected in 54 (77.1%) and 16 (22.9%) patients, respectively. After a median follow-up of 48 (1-171) months, both groups were comparable in all functional outcomes but the quality of life was significantly better in GII. Patients' age and preoperative tPSAD independently predicted IPCa after HoLEP. A tPSAD cutoff value of 0.092 has a sensitivity and specificity of 0.83 and 0.67, respectively. Seven patients (11.7%) needed adjuvant therapy while other GI patients opted for active surveillance. The Kaplan-Meier analysis demonstrated an overall survival of 72.8% at 5 years and 63.5% at 10 years for patients with PCa. CONCLUSION: PCa is not uncommonly identified after HoLEP, even in those with negative preoperative biopsies. In older patients, total PSAD could be a predictor using a cutoff <0.1. After HoLEP, active surveillance for low-grade PCa carries good functional and oncological outcomes.

Postoperative Lower Urinary Tract Storage Symptoms: Does Prostate Enucleation Differ from Prostate Vaporization for Treatment of Symptomatic Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia?

PURPOSE: To assess the degree of postoperative storage symptoms after GreenLight™ laser photoselective vaporization of the prostate (PVP) and Holmium laser enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP) for management of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and its predictors. METHODS: A retrospective review was performed for patients who underwent HoLEP or PVP for non catheter-dependent patients with BPH. Patients were followed up at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months and then annually by International Prostate Symptoms Score (IPSS), quality of life index, peak flow rate, residual urine volume, and prostate-specific antigen (PSA) level. Moderate or severe storage symptoms were defined as IPSS storage subscore ≥ 9. RESULTS: Of 1673 laser procedures, a total of 1100 procedures met the inclusion criteria including 809 HoLEPs and 291 PVPs. The HoLEP group had significantly larger preoperative prostates and longer operative time. In the HoLEP group, postoperative IPSS was significantly better than in the PVP group at all follow-up points (P<0.05). Storage subscore was significantly higher after PVP and did not improve until 6 months postoperatively when it became comparable with that of the HoLEP group. The number of patients with IPSS-storage score ≥ 9 were significantly higher in the PVP group at 1 and 3 months follow-up (37.3% vs 15.1%, P<0.001) and (26.4% vs 17.5%, P=0.004), respectively. XPS-180W was associated with the lowest storage symptoms among the three GreenLight generations at all follow-up visits. In multivariate analysis, baseline IPSS-storage subscore ≥ 9, prolonged operative time >100 minutes, and lower percent of postoperative PSA level reduction significantly predicted less improvement of postoperative storage symptoms regardless of the laser procedure. CONCLUSION: Storage urinary symptoms significantly improved more after HoLEP compared with PVP, irrespective of the generation of GreenLight laser used. Recovery from bothersome storage urinary symptoms after prostate vaporization is time dependent, and baseline degree of storage symptoms, prolonged operative time, and lower percent of postoperative PSA level reduction negatively predicts postoperative improvement of storage symptoms regardless of the laser procedure.

Assessment of photoselective vaporization of prostate skills during Urology Objective Structured Clinical Examinations (OSCE).

INTRODUCTION: We evaluated the use of the GreenLight Simulator (GL-SIM) (American Medical Systems, Guelph, ON) in the skill assessment of postgraduate trainees (PGTs) in photoselective vaporization of the prostate (PVP). We also sought to determine whether previous PVP experience or GL-SIM practice improved performance. METHODS: PGTs in postgraduate years (PGY-3 to PGY-5) from all 4 Quebec urology training programs were recruited during 2 annual Objective Structured Clinical Examinations (OSCEs). During a 20-minute OSCE station, PGTs were asked to perform 2 exercises: (1) identification of endoscopic landmarks and (2) a PVP of a 30-g normal prostate. Grams vaporized, global scores, and number of correct anatomical landmarks were recorded and correlated with PGY level, practice on the GL-SIM, and previous PVP experience. RESULTS: In total, 25 PGTs were recruited at each OSCE, with 13 PGTs participating in both OSCEs. When comparing scores from the first and second OSCEs, there was a significant improvement in the number of grams vaporized (2.9 vs. 4.3 g; p = 0.003) and global score (100 vs. 165; p = 0.03). There was good correlation between the number of previously performed PVPs and the global score (r = 0.4, p = 0.04). Similarly, PGTs with previous practice on the GL-SIM had significantly higher global score (100.6 vs. 162.6; p = 0.04) and grams vaporized (3.1 vs. 4.1 g; p = 0.04) when compared with those who did not practice on GL-SIM. Furthermore, there were significantly more competent PGTs among those who had previously practiced on the GL-SIM (32.7% vs. 10.2%; p = 0.009). PGY level did not significantly affect grams vaporized or global score (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Performance on the GL-SIM at OSCEs significantly correlated with previous practice on the GL-SIM and previous PVP experience rather than PGY level. Furthermore, there were significantly more competent PGTs among those who had previously practiced on the GL-SIM.

Reoperation After Holmium Laser Enucleation of the Prostate for Management of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia: Assessment of Risk Factors with Time to Event Analysis.

PURPOSE: To determine risk factors of reoperation after holmium laser enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP) for management of lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) secondary to benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) with time to event analysis. METHODS: A prospectively maintained database was reviewed for patients undergoing HoLEP. Baseline and follow-up data were compared in terms of International Prostate Symptoms Score, quality of life, peak flow rate, residual urine, and prostate-specific antigen (PSA) at 1, 6, and 12-months and then annually. Perioperative and late adverse events were recorded. Reoperation was defined as the need for any surgical intervention to relieve bothersome LUTS after HoLEP. Multivariate logistic regression was used to determine covariates associated with reoperation and the Kaplan-Meier curve assessed the time to reoperation. RESULTS: A total of 1216 HoLEP procedures were performed between March 1998 and October 2013 with a mean prostate volume of 94.8 ± 52.7 cc. Catheter time and hospital stay were 1.4 ± 1.9 and 1.3 ± 1.6 days, respectively. After a median follow-up of 7.6 years (1-14 years), 52 (4.3%) patients needed reoperation for recurrent LUTS, including 13 (1.07%) for residual/recurrent adenoma, 14 (1.15%) for bladder neck contracture (BNC), and 25 (2.05%) for de novo urethral stricture. In multivariate regression, smaller prostate size (< 62 cc), PSA reduction < 50%, and history of previous prostate surgery were significantly associated with recurrence of adenoma. BNC was significantly associated with smaller glands (< 54 cc) while longer operative time and postoperative catheterization were significantly associated with urethral stricture. Kaplan-Meier curve demonstrates post-HoLEP freedom from reoperation of 96.9% at 5 years and 95.1% at 10 years. CONCLUSIONS: In a single center large series, HoLEP has 95% reoperation-free probability at 10 years. Relatively small-size prostate may have an impact on recurrence of adenoma and bladder neck contracture. PSA reduction < 50% was significantly associated with recurrence of adenoma while longer operative time and postoperative catheterization were significantly associated with postoperative urethral stricture.

GreenLight™ laser (XPS) photoselective vapo-enucleation versus holmium laser enucleation of the prostate for the treatment of symptomatic benign prostatic hyperplasia: a randomized controlled study.

PURPOSE: After the advent of the GreenLight XPS™ (180 W) 532 nm laser, photoselective vapo-enucleation of the prostate could compete with holmium laser enucleation of the prostate as a size independent procedure. We assessed whether photoselective vapo-enucleation of the prostate-XPS is not less effective than holmium laser enucleation of prostate for improvement of lower urinary tract symptoms secondary to benign prostatic hyperplasia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A randomized controlled noninferiority trial comparing holmium laser enucleation of the prostate to photoselective vapo-enucleation of the prostate-XPS 180 W was conducted. I-PSS, flow rate, residual urine, prostate specific antigen and prostate volume changes as well as perioperative and late adverse events were compared. Noninferiority of I-PSS at 1 year was evaluated using a 1-sided test at 5% level of significance. The statistical significance of other comparators was assessed at the (2-sided) 5% level. RESULTS: Overall 50 and 53 patients were included in the holmium laser enucleation and photoselective vapo-enucleation of the prostate groups, respectively. Operative time, hospital stay and time to catheter removal were comparable between the groups. There was significant, comparable improvement in I-PSS and post-void residual urine volume at 1, 4 and 12 months. After 4 months prostate size reduction was significantly higher in the holmium laser enucleation of prostate group (74.3% vs 43.1%, p=0.001). At 12 months maximum urine flow rate was significantly higher in the holmium laser enucleation of prostate group (26.4 ±11.5 vs 18.4 ±7.5 ml per second, p=0.03). Re-intervention was needed in 2 and 3 cases in the holmium laser enucleation and photoselective vapo-enucleation of the prostate groups, respectively (p=1.0). Mean estimated cost per holmium laser enucleation of prostate procedure was significantly lower than per photoselective vapo-enucleation of the prostate procedure. CONCLUSIONS: Compared to holmium laser enucleation of prostate, GreenLight XPS laser photoselective vapo-enucleation of the prostate is safe, noninferior and effective in treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia.

Changing patients' profile presenting for surgical management of benign prostatic hyperplasia over the past 16 years: A single-centre perspective.

INTRODUCTION: We assessed the change of patients' profile presenting for symptomatic benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) over 16 years and its impact on surgical outcomes over this time. METHODS: We reviewed a prospectively maintained database of patients treated with laser for symptomatic BPH since March 1998. Patients were divided into 3 consecutive time-based groups: Group 1 for patients who underwent surgery before April 2004; Group 2, between April 2004 and March 2009; and for Group 3 from April 2009 to August 2014. We reviewed demographic and preoperative data, including prostate volume; international prostate symptoms score (IPSS), quality of life (QoL), and peak flow rate (Qmax). We also recorded any perioperative and long-term complications. RESULTS: A total of 1835 patients were included in our study, including 542 (29.5%) in Group 1, 614 (33.5%) in Group 2, and 679 (37%) in Group 3. Preoperative prostate volume was positively correlated with age at surgery (r = 0.62, p < 0.001), total energy used (r = 0.47, p < 0.001), and total operative time (r = 0.47, p < 0.001). Patients in Group 3 were significantly older (75.28 ± 8.47 in Group 3 vs. 71.11 ± 8.9 in Group 2 vs. 65.3 ± 9.04 years in Group 1, p <0.001), were more coagulopathic (18.7% Group 3 vs. 12.3% Group 2 vs. 5.9% Group 1, p < 0.001), and had significantly larger prostates (87.96 ± 49.80 in Group 3 vs. 78.44 ± 50.84 in Group 2 vs. 74.50 ± 46.53 Group 1, p < 0.001). Preoperative prostatic medications significantly increased over time (72.6% in Group 1 vs. 85.5% in Group 2, vs. 87.4% Group 3, p < 0.001). IPSS, QoL and Qmax were significantly abnormal in patients in Group 3 (p < 0.001). After a mean follow-up of 3 years, the number of patients who did not require reoperation progressively increased (94.1% Group 1 vs. 96.1% Group 2 vs. 98.3% Group 3). Age (>72 years), prostate volume (>80 cc), operative time (>95 minutes), and preoperative PSA (>6 ng/dL) were significantly associated with postoperative urinary incontinence. CONCLUSIONS: Patients presenting for surgery due to symptomatic BPH over the last 16 years were significantly older, more morbid, and had larger prostates and more abnormal voiding parameters. Over time, patients used prostatic medications more frequently. Despite the changes in patient profiles, perioperative safety and complication rates between groups were comparable, likely due to advancements in laser technology and techniques. Age (>72 years), prostate volume (>80 cc), operative time (>95 minutes), and preoperative PSA (>6 ng/dL) were significantly associated with reversible postoperative urinary incontinence.

Holmium:YAG transurethral incision versus laser photoselective vaporization for benign prostatic hyperplasia in a small prostate.

PURPOSE: We assess the perioperative, short-term and long-term functional outcomes of treating bladder outlet obstruction secondary to a small prostate by 1 of 2 laser techniques. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective review using a prospectively maintained database was performed of patients treated for bladder outlet obstruction secondary to a prostate smaller than 40 ml. Patients who were treated with GreenLight™ photoselective vaporization of the prostate or holmium laser transurethral incision of the prostate were included in the study. RESULTS: From January 2002 through December 2010, 191 cases of 1,682 laser prostate surgeries were described. GreenLight photoselective vaporization of the prostate was performed in 144 (75.4%) cases and holmium laser transurethral incision of the prostate was performed in 47 (24.6%) cases. A significantly shorter mean operating time, hospital stay and catheter duration were observed in the holmium laser transurethral incision of the prostate group (30.3 ± 16 minutes, 0.8 ± 0.8 days and 1.3 ± 1.9 days, respectively) than in the photoselective vaporization of the prostate group (45.8 ± 22 minutes, 0.3 ± 0.4 days and 0.4 ± 0.6 days, respectively, p <0.05). At 1 and 5 years after photoselective vaporization of the prostate there were reductions in mean International Prostate Symptom Score, quality of life score and residual urine with improvement in mean maximal flow rate of 57.7% and 62.8%, 58.3% and 57.2%, 65.4% and 73%, and 127.6% and 167.1%, respectively. At 1 and 5 years after holmium laser transurethral incision of the prostate there were reductions in mean International Prostate Symptom Score, quality of life score and residual urine with improvement of mean maximal flow rate of 55.3% and 52.8%, 49.2% and 49%, 45% and 78.1%, and 67.4% and 35.4%, respectively. Subjective and objective urine flow parameters were comparable at different followup points. There was no significant difference between the 2 groups in terms of early and late complications (p >0.05). Reoperation rates were 10.4% and 6.4% in the photoselective vaporization of the prostate and holmium laser transurethral incision of the prostate groups, respectively (p >0.05). The mean estimated cost per holmium laser transurethral incision of the prostate procedure was significantly lower than per photoselective vaporization of the prostate procedure (509.34CAD vs 1,765.92CAD, p = 0.002). CONCLUSIONS: Holmium laser transurethral incision of the prostate and GreenLight photoselective vaporization of the prostate seem to be equally effective, safe and durable surgical treatment options for small prostates even in high risk patients.