Advancements in nanomedicine: Precision delivery strategies for male pelvic malignancies - Spotlight on prostate and colorectal cancer.

BACKGROUND: Pelvic malignancies consistently pose significant global health challenges, adversely affecting the well-being of the male population. It is anticipated that clinicians will continue to confront these cancers in their practice. Nanomedicine offers promising strategies that revolutionize the treatment of male pelvic malignancies by providing precise delivery methods that aim to improve the efficacy of therapeutic outcomes while minimizing side effects. Nanoparticles are designed to encapsulate therapeutic agents and selectively target cancer cells. They can also be loaded with theragnostic agents, enabling multifunctional capabilities. OBJECTIVE: This review aims to summarize the latest nanomedicine research into clinical applications, focusing on nanotechnology-based treatment strategies for male pelvic malignancies, encompassing chemotherapy, radiotherapy, immunotherapy, and other cutting-edge therapies. The review is structured to assist physicians, particularly those with limited knowledge of biochemistry and bioengineering, in comprehending the functionalities and applications of nanomaterials. METHODS: Multiple databases, including PubMed, the National Library of Medicine, and Embase, were utilized to locate and review recently published articles on advancements in nano-drug delivery for prostate and colorectal cancers. CONCLUSION: Nanomedicine possesses considerable potential in improving therapeutic outcomes and reducing adverse effects for male pelvic malignancies. Through precision delivery methods, this emerging field presents innovative treatment modalities to address these challenging diseases. Nevertheless, the majority of current studies are in the preclinical phase, with a lack of sufficient evidence to fully understand the precise mechanisms of action, absence of comprehensive pharmacotoxicity profiles, and uncertainty surrounding long-term consequences.

A systematic review of cytoreductive prostatectomy outcomes and complications in oligometastatic disease.

Objective: To analyze outcomes and complications of cytoreductive prostatectomy (CRP) for oligometastatic prostate cancer (PCa) in order to elucidate its role in this space. Methods: We performed a systematic literature search using three databases (Medline, Scopus, and Web of Science). The primary endpoints were oncologic outcomes. The secondary endpoints were complication rates and functional results. Results: In all studies, overall survival was better or at least comparable variable in the groups with CRP compared to no local treatment. The greatest benefit from CRP in 5-year overall survival in one study was 67.4% for CRP versus 22.5% for no local treatment. Cancer-specific survival (CSS) showed the same trend. Several authors found significant benefits from CSS in the CRP group: from 79% vs. 46% to 100% vs. 61%. CRP was a predictor of better CSS (hazard ratio 0.264, p=0.004). Positive surgical margin rates differed widely from 28.6% to 100.0%. Urinary continence in CRP versus RP for localized PCa was significantly lower (57.4% vs. 90.8%, p<0.0001). Severe incontinence occurred seldom (2.5%-18.6%). Total complication rates after CRP differed widely, from 7.0% to 43.6%. Rates of grades 1 and 2 events prevailed. Patients on ADT alone also showed a considerable number of complications varying from 5.9% to 57.7%. Conclusion: CRP improves medium-term cancer control in patients with oligometastatic PCa. The morbidity and complication rates of this surgery are comparable with other approaches, but postoperative incontinence rate is higher compared with RP for localized disease.

Can weight-adjusted waist circumference index become a single anthropometric predictor of prostate-specific antigen concentration? A National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey analysis (2003-2010).

Recent studies have introduced the weight-adjusted waist circumference index (WWI) as a viable obesity indicator that may better reflect centripetal obesity and its associated risks. In examining the connection between WWI and prostate-specific antigen (PSA), this study leveraged data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2003-2010, including 5732 participants. Our initial analysis indicated a significant positive association between WWI and PSA levels. However, subsequent models that adjusted for covariates such as age, race, and a range of metabolic and cardiovascular health-related factors revealed that the strength and significance of this relationship were attenuated. Model 1 showed a highly significant correlation (p < 0.0001). Yet, in Model 2, which accounted for age and race, the association softened (p = 0.0520). Moreover, when a full spectrum of health covariates was included in Model 3, the association was no longer significant (p = 0.9775). These findings suggest that while an unadjusted correlation exists, its potential use as a diagnostic predictor is limited without considering the broader health context. Therefore, it is crucial to review such data with multiple considerations in mind, and extensive attention should be paid to the evaluation of covariates.

Unleashing novel horizons in advanced prostate cancer treatment: investigating the potential of prostate specific membrane antigen-targeted nanomedicine-based combination therapy.

Prostate cancer (PCa) is a prevalent malignancy with increasing incidence in middle-aged and older men. Despite various treatment options, advanced metastatic PCa remains challenging with poor prognosis and limited effective therapies. Nanomedicine, with its targeted drug delivery capabilities, has emerged as a promising approach to enhance treatment efficacy and reduce adverse effects. Prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) stands as one of the most distinctive and highly selective biomarkers for PCa, exhibiting robust expression in PCa cells. In this review, we explore the applications of PSMA-targeted nanomedicines in advanced PCa management. Our primary objective is to bridge the gap between cutting-edge nanomedicine research and clinical practice, making it accessible to the medical community. We discuss mainstream treatment strategies for advanced PCa, including chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and immunotherapy, in the context of PSMA-targeted nanomedicines. Additionally, we elucidate novel treatment concepts such as photodynamic and photothermal therapies, along with nano-theragnostics. We present the content in a clear and accessible manner, appealing to general physicians, including those with limited backgrounds in biochemistry and bioengineering. The review emphasizes the potential benefits of PSMA-targeted nanomedicines in enhancing treatment efficiency and improving patient outcomes. While the use of PSMA-targeted nano-drug delivery has demonstrated promising results, further investigation is required to comprehend the precise mechanisms of action, pharmacotoxicity, and long-term outcomes. By meticulous optimization of the combination of nanomedicines and PSMA ligands, a novel horizon of PSMA-targeted nanomedicine-based combination therapy could bring renewed hope for patients with advanced PCa.

Chimeric antigen receptor-modified T cells therapy in prostate cancer: A comprehensive review on the current state and prospects.

Recent immunotherapy research has focused on chimeric antigen receptor-modified T cells (CAR-Ts). CAR-T therapies have been clinically applied to manage hematologic malignancies with satisfactory effectiveness. However, the application of CAR-T immunotherapy in solid tumors remains challenging. Even so, current CAR-T immunotherapies for prostate cancer (PCa) have shown some promise, giving hope to patients with advanced metastatic PCa. This review aimed to elucidate different types of prostate tumor-associated antigen targets, such as prostate-specific membrane antigen and prostate stem cell antigen, and their effects. The current status of the corresponding targets in clinical research through their applications was also discussed. To improve the efficacy of CAR-T immunotherapy, we addressed the possible applications of multimodal immunotherapy, chemotherapy, and CAR-T combined therapies. The obstacles of solid tumors were concisely elaborated. Further studies should aim to discover novel potential targets and establish new models by overcoming the inherent barriers of solid tumors, such as tumor heterogeneity and the immunosuppressive nature of the tumor microenvironment.

Research progress on deep learning in magnetic resonance imaging-based diagnosis and treatment of prostate cancer: a review on the current status and perspectives.

Multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (mpMRI) has emerged as a first-line screening and diagnostic tool for prostate cancer, aiding in treatment selection and noninvasive radiotherapy guidance. However, the manual interpretation of MRI data is challenging and time-consuming, which may impact sensitivity and specificity. With recent technological advances, artificial intelligence (AI) in the form of computer-aided diagnosis (CAD) based on MRI data has been applied to prostate cancer diagnosis and treatment. Among AI techniques, deep learning involving convolutional neural networks contributes to detection, segmentation, scoring, grading, and prognostic evaluation of prostate cancer. CAD systems have automatic operation, rapid processing, and accuracy, incorporating multiple sequences of multiparametric MRI data of the prostate gland into the deep learning model. Thus, they have become a research direction of great interest, especially in smart healthcare. This review highlights the current progress of deep learning technology in MRI-based diagnosis and treatment of prostate cancer. The key elements of deep learning-based MRI image processing in CAD systems and radiotherapy of prostate cancer are briefly described, making it understandable not only for radiologists but also for general physicians without specialized imaging interpretation training. Deep learning technology enables lesion identification, detection, and segmentation, grading and scoring of prostate cancer, and prediction of postoperative recurrence and prognostic outcomes. The diagnostic accuracy of deep learning can be improved by optimizing models and algorithms, expanding medical database resources, and combining multi-omics data and comprehensive analysis of various morphological data. Deep learning has the potential to become the key diagnostic method in prostate cancer diagnosis and treatment in the future.

Randomized prospective trial of the severity of irritative symptoms after HoLEP vs ThuFLEP.

PURPOSE: To compare the short-term postoperative functional outcomes and severity of irritative symptoms following holmium and thulium fiber laser enucleation (HoLEP and ThuFLEP). METHODS: This prospective randomized single-blinded study was performed in accordance with CONSORT. The inclusion criteria were IPSS > 20 or Qmax < 10 ml/s. Patients were randomized between HoLEP and ThuFLEP. Demographics, objective data (PSA, prostate volume, etc.), data on urinary and sexual function (IPSS, IIEF, QoL, QUID, Qmax, ICIQ-MLUTS) were collected. Detailed perioperative information and postoperative data on functional outcomes at 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12 weeks and 6 months were collected. RESULTS: Data on 163 participants were included (77-HoLEP, 86-ThuFLEP). No differences were found in surgery duration; number of postoperative complications (Clavien-Dindo I-III), catheterization time and hospital stay. Functional outcomes up to 6 months didn't differ between the groups (IPPS, IIEF, QoL, QUID, ICIQ-MLUTS, Qmax, p > 0.05). Total ICIQ-MLUTS, bother and voiding scores at 1 and 3 months significantly increased compared with the baseline in both groups (p < 0.05). No difference between the groups were observed. In HoLEP the SUI series rate was 1.3% and 1.3% after 3 and 6 months following the procedure; in ThuFLEP: it was 3.5% and 2.3% respectively (p = 0.35 and p = 0.54). CONCLUSION: The preliminary results of the study showed no apparent differences in functional outcomes (IPSS, Qmax), rate of SUI or irritative symptoms. Both ThuFLEP and HoLEP are efficient ways of treating benign prostatic obstruction. Both surgeries are comparable in terms of duration and postoperative complication rates.

hTERT, hTR and TERT promoter mutations as markers for urological cancers detection: A systematic review.

The clinical relevance of telomerase subunits (human reverse transcriptase - hTERT, and human telomerase RNA - hTR) and TERT promotor mutations as biomarkers in genitourinary cancers was reviewed through the systematic analysis of the current literature. We performed a systematic literature search using 2 databases (Medline and Scopus) over the past 20 years. Primary outcomes were sensitivity and specificity of hTR, hTERT and TERT promoter mutations. Secondary outcomes were the biomarkers predictive values for tumor characteristics. Regarding bladder cancer, hTERT in urine showed high sensitivity (mean values: 55%-96%), and specificity (69%-100%): it correlated with bladder cancer grade and/or stage. hTR sensitivity ranged from 77% to 92%. With adapted cut-off, it demonstrated 72% to 89% specificity. TERT promoter mutation rate was up to 80% both in tissue and urine, resulting in 62%-92% sensitivity for primary tumors and 42% for relapse. Specificity ranged from 73% to 96%, no correlations with stage were observed. In prostate cancer, hTERT in tissue, prostate secretion and serum showed high sensitivity (97.9%, 36%, and 79.2%-97.5%, respectively) and specificity values (70%, 66%, 60%-100%). hTR showed very high sensitivity (88% in serum and 100% in tissue) although specificity values were highly variable depending on the series and techniques (0%-96.5%). In RCC, hTERT sensitivity on tissue ranged from 90 to 97%, specificity from 25 to 58%. There was an association of hTERT expression with tumor stage and grade. hTERT showed high accuracy in genitourinary cancers, while the value of hTR was more controversial. hTERT and TERT promotor mutations may have predictive value for bladder cancer and RCC staging and grading, while no such relationship was observed in CaP. Although telomerase subunits showed clinically relevant values in genitourinary cancers, developing fast and cost-effective methods is required before contemplating routine use.

How Lasers Ablate Stones: In Vitro Study of Laser Lithotripsy (Ho:YAG and Tm-Fiber Lasers) in Different Environments.

Introduction: There are two main mechanisms of stone ablation with long-pulsed infrared lasers: photothermal and photomechanical. Which of them is primary in stone destruction is still a matter of discussion. Water holds importance in both mechanisms but plays a major role in the latter. We sought to identify the prevailing mechanism of stone ablation by evaluating the stone mass loss after lithotripsy in different media. Materials and Methods: We tested a holmium:yttrium-aluminum-garnet (Ho:YAG) laser (100 W; Lumenis), a thulium-fiber laser U1 (TFL U1) (120 W; NTO IRE-Polus, Russia), and a SuperPulse thulium-fiber laser U2 (TFL U2) (500 W; NTO IRE-Polus). A single set of laser parameters (15 W = 0.5 J × 30 Hz) was used. Contact lithotripsy was performed in phantoms (BegoStones) in different settings: (a) hydrated phantoms in water, (b) hydrated phantoms in air, (c) dehydrated phantoms in water, and (d) dehydrated phantoms in air. Laser ablation was performed with total energy of 0.3 kJ. Phantom mass loss was defined as the difference between the initial phantom mass and the final phantom mass of the ablated phantoms. Results: All lasers demonstrated effective ablation in hydrated phantoms ablated in water; no visual differences between the lasers were detected. The ablation of dehydrated phantoms in air was also effective with visible vapor during ablation and condensation on the cuvette wall. Dehydrated phantoms in water and in air show minimal to no ablation accompanied with formation of white crust on phantom surface. Among laser types, TFL U2 had the highest phantom mass loss in all groups except for dehydrated phantoms ablated in air. Conclusions: Our results suggest that both photothermal and thermomechanical ablation mechanisms (explosive vaporization) occur in parallel during laser lithotripsy. In Ho:YAG and TFL U2 stone ablation explosive vaporization prevails, whereas in TFL U1 ablation photothermal mechanism appears to predominate.

A systematic review of irreversible electroporation in localised prostate cancer treatment.

Irreversible electroporation is a treatment option used for focal therapy. In this systematic review, we summarise data on irreversible electroporation outcomes in patients with localised prostate cancer. We performed a literature search in 3 databases and included articles with own data on irreversible electroporation results in patients with localised prostate cancer. Primary outcome was procedure efficacy measured as the absence of cancer in the treatment area on the follow-up biopsy. Secondary outcomes were the absence of prostate cancer recurrence in the treatment area on MRI, out-of-field recurrence, complications and functional outcomes (erectile function and micturition). In-field recurrence rate was 0%-39% and out-field 6.4%-24%. In all studies, PSA level decreased: twice lower than baseline after 4 weeks and by 76% after 2 years. Most of the authors noted sexual and urinary toxicity during the first half year after surgery. However, functional outcomes recovered to baseline after 6 months with mild decrease in sexual function. Complication rates after irreversible electroporation were 0%-1% of Clavien-Dindo III and 5%-20% of Clavien-Dindo I-II. Irreversible electroporation has promise oncological outcomes, rate of post-operative complications and minimal-to-no effects on erectile and urinary function. However, medium and long-term data on cancer-specific and recurrence-free survival are still lacking.

Ex vivo and animal study of the blue diode laser, Tm fiber laser, and their combination for laparoscopic partial nephrectomy.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the feasibility of using a novel blue diode laser (blue laser), a thulium fiber laser (Tm laser), and their combination as a directed-energy surgical tool in laparoscopic partial nephrectomy (LPN). STUDY DESIGN/MATERIALS AND METHODS: The blue laser emitting at 442 nm, the Tm laser emitting at 1,940 nm wavelengths, and the combination of them were tested. First, cutting and coagulative abilities of the lasers were characterized ex vivo on porcine kidney in air and CO2 . Histological staining was performed to assess the efficiency of ablation and coagulation. Next, experimental LPN was performed on a porcine model at zero ischemia. Upper and lower segments of both kidneys were resected. Total operation time and resection time were measured; bleeding and carbonization were evaluated. RESULTS: Ex vivo data show that laser-induced ablation and coagulation processes do not differ substantially between CO2 and air environments. Histological analysis of ex vivo incisions demonstrates that the blue laser produced deep ablation with relatively narrow coagulation zone, whereas Tm laser was less efficient in terms of ablation but possessed excellent coagulative properties. Experimental LPN revealed that the blue laser provided fast cutting with minimal carbonization, whereas Tm laser induced slow cutting with strong carbonization. The combination of the blue and Tm lasers provided the most promising results demonstrating the highest resection rate, almost carbonization free resection surface and clinically acceptable hemostasis enabling LPN without the need for vessel clamping. CONCLUSIONS: The blue laser can be efficiently utilized in LPN. Furthermore, the combination of the blue and Tm lasers into a single modality may be beneficial for further development of successful laser-assisted LPN. Lasers Surg. Med. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Retrospective Assessment of Endoscopic Enucleation of Prostate Complications: A Single-Center Experience of More Than 1400 Patients.

Introduction: Endoscopic enucleation of the prostate (EEP) is a safe method of treating benign prostatic hyperplasia, regardless of prostate volume and type of applied energy. To date, however, there has been no study that examines complication rates with respect to the type of applied energy. This study aims to address this problem by providing a retrospective analysis of >1400 patients who have undergone prostate enucleation. Materials and Methods: We performed a retrospective analysis of all patients undergoing EEP between 2013 and 2018 at a single tertiary institution. This analysis included patients who had undergone one of three forms of EEP: holmium laser enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP), thulium fiber laser enucleation of the prostate (ThuFLEP), or monopolar enucleation of the prostate (MEP). We compared intraoperative and early postoperative complications, as well as complications at 3 and 6 months follow-up. Results: A total of 1413 patients were included in this study; 36% patients underwent HoLEP, 57.5% had ThuFLEP, and 6.5% MEP. The most frequent complication in the early postoperative period was a mild fever (2.76% of the cases). The morcellation was delayed to a separate stage because of intensive hemorrhaging in 1.4% of the cases. Bladder tamponade was found in 1.1% of the cases. We found no correlation between complication rate and either prostate volume or energy source. Stress urinary incontinence was found in 3.9% of patients at 3 months and in only 1.4% of patients at 6 months after the operation. Urethral stricture at 6 months after the surgery was found in 1.4% of patients, whereas bladder neck sclerosis was found in only 0.9% of these cases. No significant difference was observed between these complication frequencies and any preoperative factors or energy source. Conclusions: All EEP types are safe with equal rates of complications intraoperatively, postoperatively, and at 6 months follow-up.

Repair of cystocele and apical genital prolapse using 6-strap mesh implant.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the outcomes of surgical repair of anterior apical prolapse using the 6-strap mesh implant. STUDY DESIGN: The prospective study included 100 patients with genitourinary prolapse. We used advanced 6-strap mesh implant. The results were assessed at 1 (n = 100) and 12 (n = 93) months after surgery. Maximum follow-up was over 4 years. The anatomical outcomes according to the Pelvic Organ Prolapse Quantification system and intraoperative and postoperative complications were assessed. Stage II and higher prolapse was considered to be a recurrence. The quality of life and sexual function were assessed using Pelvic Organ Prolapse Distress Inventory 20, Pelvic Floor Impact Questionnaire 7, and Pelvic Organ Prolapse/Incontinence Sexual Questionnaire 12. RESULTS: Median age was 57 years (34-78 years (95% confidence interval)). All patients had stage III cystocele. The anterior vaginal wall descent in all the patients was associated with uterine descent: 37 (37%), stage II; 60 (60%), stage III; in 3 (3%), stage IV. In eight cases, postoperative de novo stress urinary incontinence developed. The quality of life improved in 93 (93%) women as judged by the Pelvic Floor Distress Inventory 20 data and in 87 (87%) women, according to the Pelvic Floor Impact Questionnaire 7 data. The desirable anatomical result (⩽stage I according to the Pelvic Organ Prolapse Quantification system) was achieved in 97 (97%) patients. With the exception of mesh fragment excision due to erosion (grade 3a), all the complications were classified as grade I according to the Clavien-Dindo classification. CONCLUSION: Genitourinary prolapse repair using 6-strap mesh is efficacious and relatively safe. The method demonstrates good anatomical results in relation to both anterior and apical prolapses with relatively short-term complications.

Pathologic response and surgical outcomes in patients undergoing nephrectomy following receipt of immune checkpoint inhibitors for renal cell carcinoma.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the pathologic response, safety, and feasibility of nephrectomy following receipt of immune checkpoint inhibition (ICI) for renal cell carcinoma (RCC). METHODS: Patients who underwent nephrectomy for RCC after exposure to nivolumab monotherapy or combination ipilimumab/nivolumab were reviewed. Primary surgical outcomes included operative time (OT), estimated blood loss (EBL), length of stay (LOS), readmission rates, and complication rates. Pathologic response in the primary and metastatic sites constituted secondary outcomes. RESULTS: Eleven nephrectomies (10 radical, 1 partial) were performed in 10 patients after ICI with median postoperative follow-up 180 days. Six patients received 1 to 4 cycles of ipilimumab/nivolumab, while 5 received 2 to 12 infusions of nivolumab preoperatively. Five surgeries were performed laparoscopically, and 4 patients underwent concomitant thrombectomy. One patient exhibited complete response (pT0) to ICI, and 3/4 patients who underwent metastasectomy for hepatic, pulmonary, or adrenal lesions exhibited no detectable malignancy in any of the metastases resected. No patients experienced any major intraoperative complications, and all surgical margins were negative. Median OT, EBL, and LOS were 180 minutes, 100 ml, and 4 days, respectively. Four patients experienced a complication, including 3 that were addressed with interventional radiology procedures. One patient died of progressive disease >3 months after surgery, and 1 patient succumbed to pulmonary embolism complicated by sepsis. No complications or readmissions were noted in 6 patients. CONCLUSION: Nephrectomy following ICI for RCC is safe and technically feasible with favorable surgical outcomes and pathologic response. Timing of the nephrectomy relative to checkpoint dosing did not seem to impact outcome. Biopsies of lesions responding radiographically to ICI may warrant attention prior to surgical excision.

Extracorporeal ureter handling during laparoscopic pyeloplasty: tips and tricks for beginners.

INTRODUCTION: Laparoscopic preparation of the ureter is a challenging part of upper urinary tract reconstruction, due to limited depth perception provided by the camera and lack of wristed motion of most laparoscopic instruments needed for adequate spatulation and scar tissue removal. One solution has been to perform the more difficult portions of the surgery in an extracorporeal manner. A hybrid intracorporeal-extracorporeal approach to upper tract ureteral reconstruction facilitates ureteral preparation at the stage of mastering the technique. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This retrospective study included 100 patients with primary ureteropelvic junction obstruction, who underwent laparoscopic pyeloplasty from 2014 to 2017. The patients were stratified into 2 groups: those who underwent conventional laparoscopic surgery and those who were managed with the hybrid approach. For the hybrid approach, externalizing the ureter to skin level required additional mobilization of the upper urinary tract. RESULTS: A total of 47 patients underwent conventional laparoscopic pyeloplasty and 53 - hybrid surgery. The maximum body mass index was 32. The hybrid approach was 8.5 minutes shorter compared to the conventional approach (p <0.001). No complications higher than Clavien-Dindo IIIb (n = 2) were observed (in both groups). Complete success (the resolution of pain and/or hydronephrosis) was observed in 92.5% in the hybrid group and in 95.7% in the conventional treatment group. CONCLUSIONS: Hybrid pyeloplasty may be considered safe and effective. It has the advantage of making the surgery less challenging and time-consuming while offering improved precision. The advantages of the technique are particularly apparent during training. This technique can be recommended in the learning process of the surgeon.

Novel Thulium Fiber Laser for Enucleation of Prostate: A Retrospective Comparison with Open Simple Prostatectomy.

INTRODUCTION: The objective of this study was to assess the efficacy and safety of novel thulium fiber laser enucleation of the prostate (ThuFLEP) vs conventional open simple retropubic prostatectomy (OP) for large volume benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). METHODS: We performed a retrospective review of patients who underwent surgical treatment for large volume BPH (>80 cc) from 2015 to 2017. Preoperative patient examination included the assessment of functional parameters: International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), quality of life (QoL), maximum urine flow rate (Qmax), and postvoid residual urine volume. The hemoglobin level was measured before and after the operation. RESULTS: A total of 130 patients were included in the study. Of these, 40 patients underwent OP, and 90 patients underwent ThuFLEP. Groups were similar in terms of preoperative functional parameters (IPSS, QoL, and Qmax). The mean operative time was comparable for both procedures (p = 0.285) as well as the mass of adenomatous tissue resected (p = 0.412). Resection speed was comparable (OP-0.9 vs ThuFLEP-1.0 g/min, p = 0.52). Patients in OP had significantly longer catheterization time and length of hospital stay (9.0 days vs 3.3 days, p < 0.001). At 6 months, stress urinary incontinence rate were 1.1% after ThuFLEP and 2.5% after OP. CONCLUSIONS: Despite the equally high efficacy of both modalities for infravesical obstruction due to BPH, ThuFLEP is a minimally invasive modality that is associated with a shorter hospital stay, a significantly greater return to normal activities, and a considerable reduction in rehabilitation time. Our results demonstrated that the ThuFLEP is a highly efficacious, minimally invasive modality for the management of BPH in large volume glands (>80 cc).

Impact of endoscopic enucleation of the prostate with thulium fiber laser on the erectile function.

BACKGROUND: The impact of number of endoscopic enucleation of the prostate techniques (holmium laser enucleation - HoLEP for example) on erectile function have already been investigated. However, the thulium-fiber laser, in this setting remains unstudied. In this study, we compared sexual function outcomes in patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) treated with transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) or thulium-fiber laser enucleation (ThuFLEP). METHODS: We performed a retrospective analysis of patients who underwent transurethral resection and endoscopic enucleation of the prostate for BPH; inclusion criteria was the presence of infravesical obstruction (IPSS > 20, Qmax < 10 mL/s). Erectile function (EF) was assessed using the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-5) both prior to endoscopic examination, and six months after. RESULTS: A total of 469 patients with BPH were included in the study; of these, 211 underwent to ThuFLEP, and 258 TURP. Preoperative IIEF-5 in TURP and ThuFLEP groups were 11.7 (±4.5) and 11.1 (±5.0), respectively (p = 0.17). At six month the IIEF-5 score was unchanged (p = 0.26 and p = 0.08) and comparable in both groups (p = 0.49). However, mean IIEF-5 score shown significant increase of 0.72 in ThuFLEP group, comparing to decrease of 0.24 in TURP patients (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Both TURP and ThuFLEP are effective modalities in the management of infravesical obstruction due to BPH. At six months follow-up after surgery, both techniques lead to comparable IIEF-5 score. However, our results demonstrated that the ThuFLEP is more likely to preserve the erectile function leading to increase of IIEF-5 at six months in contrast to TURP which lead to slight drop in IIEF-5 score.

A Randomized Trial Comparing The Learning Curve of 3 Endoscopic Enucleation Techniques (HoLEP, ThuFLEP, and MEP) for BPH Using Mentoring Approach-Initial Results.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the differences in the learning curve associated with different techniques of endoscopic enucleation of the prostate. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ninety patients were randomly assigned into 3 groups (30 patients in each): HoLEP, ThuFLEP or MEP. Inclusion criteria for the study included prostate volume <80 cc, IPSS > 20, or Qmax < 10. The EEPs were performed by 3 surgeons experienced in transurethral resection of the prostate. Assignment of surgeons to surgical technique was also randomized. None of the surgeons had prior experience in EEP. RESULTS: ThuFLEP was slightly superior (with no significant difference [P > .05]) to HoLEP and MEP in terms of overall enucleation rate-1.0 g/min vs 0.8 g/min and 0.7 g/min, respectively. We observed similar enucleation rates at the initial stages of training (first 20 surgeries) with insignificant increase in ThuFLEP efficiency. At next 10 surgeries ThuFLEP and HoLEP efficiency were higher than of MEP (P < .001) without significant difference between techniques of laser EEP (P = .07). CONCLUSION: Endoscopic enucleation of the prostate can be adopted safely and effectively within 30 surgeries if the technique is learned with a mentoring approach. EEP is shown to be safe and effective even in the initial stages of learning. Laser EEP (HoLEP, ThuFLEP) appears to lend itself to quicker adaptation compared MEP.

Retrospective Analysis of Short-Term Outcomes After Monopolar Versus Laser Endoscopic Enucleation of the Prostate: A Single Center Experience.

INTRODUCTION: Endoscopic enucleation of the prostate (EEP) has been recognized as a viable treatment modality for men with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). The aim of our study was to compare the efficacy and functional outcomes of three different techniques of EEP, including monopolar enucleation (MEP), holmium laser enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP), and thulium laser enucleation of the prostate (ThuLEP). METHODS: The study consisted of a retrospective comparison of pre- and postoperative parameters in men undergoing three types of EEP: MEP, HoLEP, and ThuLEP. Functional parameters were evaluated before and 6 months after surgery, which included the International Prostate Symptom Score, maximum flow rate, postvoid residual volume, prostate volume, and sodium levels of all patients. RESULTS: A total of 551 men with the mean age of 67.1 years were included in the study. Of these, MEP was performed on 95 patients, HoLEP was performed on 254 patients, and ThuLEP on 202 patients. The mean mass of morcellated tissue obtained during the three techniques did not differ significantly (p > 0.05). Mean procedure times of ThuLEP and HoLEP were shorter than MEP demonstrating 72, 76, and 86 minutes, respectively (p < 0.01). The mean catheterization time following laser EEPs was shorter than MEP as shown by 1.3, 1.3, and 3.8 days, respectively (p < 0.01). Hospital stay times of HoLEP and ThuLEP were shorter than MEP demonstrated by 3.3, 3.4, and 6.9 days, respectively (p < 0.01). Patients after MEP had significant decrease in postoperative hemoglobin and sodium levels. All the groups showed statistically significant improvement in the aforementioned parameters following treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Both techniques of laser enucleation proved to be efficacious in the management of BPH. MEP of the prostate seems to be a highly promising addition to the list of enucleation techniques and was determined to be an effective and acceptable procedure, despite a higher complication rate.

Holmium laser enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP) for small, large and giant prostatic hyperplasia: tips and tricks.

INTRODUCTION: Holmium laser enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP) allows to treat extremely large prostates (>200 cm3). The aim of the study was to compare the efficiency of HoLEP for prostates of different sizes. METHODS: Four hundred and fifty-nine patients were divided into three groups: group 1 included 278 patients (<100 cm3); group 2 included 169 patients (100-200 cm3); group 3 included 12 patients (>200 cm3). RESULTS: The duration of enucleation in group 1 was 56.5 ± 10.7 min; in group 2 was 96.4 ± 24.9 min; in group 3 was 120.9 ± 35 min. The duration of morcellation in group 1 was 37.5 ± 7.3 min; in group 2 was 63.3 ± 11.2 min; in group 3 was 84.0 ± 25.6 min. The enucleation efficiency in group 3 (1.70 g/min) was higher (p<0.05) than in group 1 (1.05 g/min) and group 2 (1.23 g/min). Morcelation efficiency was lower in groups 1 and 2 (1.58 and 1.87 g/min, respectively) than in group 3 (2.45 g/min) (p<0.05).Follow-up period lasted 18 months. There were no significant differences (p>0.05) in International Prostate Symptom Score, Qmax, quality of life and postvoid residual volume for 1, 3, 6, 12 and 18 months after surgery. CONCLUSIONS: HoLEP is a safe, highly efficacious and a size-independent procedure.