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Introduction: Greenlight photo-selective vaporization of the prostate (GL-PVP) has gained international acceptance as a safe and effective alternative procedure for the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), especially in anticoagulated men. This descriptive analysis aims to characterize the current state of GL-PVP, pooling data from international centers., Methods: Data from 3627 patients who underwent GL-PVP with the XPS-180 W system in seven international centers performed by eight expert surgeons between 2011 and 2019 were retrospectively analyzed. Demographic, perioperative, and postoperative data were collected, including IPSS, QoL, Qmax, PVR, and PSA, and complications., Results: At baseline, median age, prostate volume, PSA, and IPSS were 70 years (interquartile range 64-77), 64 (47-90), 3.1 ng/mL (1.8-6), and 22 (19-27), respectively. Median lasing and operative time were 34 (23-48) and 62 min (46-85), respectively. Median energy use was 250.0 kJ (168.4-367.9), with 92.6% of procedures being completed with one laser fiber. In 60.1% of cases, catheter was removed on postoperative day 1 with median length of 2 days. All-cause mortality within 30 days was 0.3%. Median PSA reduction at 3 months and 60 months compared to baseline was 43.9 and 46.4%, respectively (p < 0.001). All functional outcomes (IPSS, QoL, Qmax, and PVR) were significantly improved across study period when compared to baseline (p < 0.001). For those men with longer follow-up available, the observed surgical BPH retreatment rate was 1.5% CONCLUSION: Using the largest multi-user, international database of GL-PVP, Greenlight XPS laser treatment in experienced hands is a safe, effective, and durable BPH treatment option., (© 2021. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature.)

Purpose: Testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) remains controversial in men with treated prostate cancer. We assessed its safety and functional impacts in patients after definitive surgical treatment with robotic-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP)., Methods: We performed a retrospective analysis of 1303 patients who underwent RARP during the years 2006-2019. We identified men with symptoms of andropause and low serum testosterone who received TRT post-RARP; then we divided the cohort into two groups accordingly for comparison. Biochemical recurrence (BCR) was the primary endpoint. Secondary endpoints included functional outcomes. Predictors of BCR, including the effect of TRT on BCR, were evaluated using univariable and multivariable logistic regression., Results: Among the forty-seven men who received TRT, the mean age was 60.83 years with a median follow-up of 48 months. Three (6.4%) and 157 (12.56%) patients experienced BCR in TRT and non-TRT groups, respectively. Baseline characteristics were similar between both groups except for higher mean BMI in the TRT group (p = 0.03). In the multivariate analysis (MVA), higher pre-RARP prostate-specific antigen (PSA) (p = 0.043), higher International Society of Urological Pathology score (p < 0.001), seminal vesical invasion (p = 0.018) and positive surgical margin (p < 0.001) were predictors of BCR. However, TRT was not (p = 0.389). In addition, there was a significant change in the Sexual Health Inventory for Men (p = 0.022), and serum testosterone level (p < 0.001) before and 6 months after initiation of TRT., Conclusion: Our findings suggest that TRT, in well-selected, closely followed, symptomatic men post-RARP is an oncologically safe and functionally effective treatment in prostate cancer patients post-RARP., (© 2020. Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature.)

Purpose: Most Canadian hospitals face significant reductions in operating room access during the summer. We sought to assess the impact of longer wait times on the oncological outcomes of localized prostate cancer patients following robotic-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP)., Methods: We conducted a retrospective review of a prospectively maintained RARP database in two high-volume academic centers, between 2010 and 2019. Assessed outcomes included the difference between post-biopsy UCSF-CAPRA and post-surgical CAPRA-S scores, Gleason score upgrade and biochemical recurrence rates (BCR). Multivariable regression analyses (MVA) were used to evaluate the effect of wait times., Results: A total of 1057 men were included for analysis. Consistent over a 10 year period, summer months had the lowest surgical volumes despite above average booking volumes. The lowest surgical volume occurred during the month of July (7.1 cases on average), which was 35% less than the cohort average. The longest average wait times occurred for patients booked in June (93 ± 69 days, p < 0.001). On MVA, patients booked in June had significantly more chance of having an increase in CAPRA score [HR (95% CI) 1.64 (1.02-2.63); p = 0.04] and in CAPRA risk group [HR (95% CI) 1.82 (1.04-3.19); p = 0.03]. Cohort analysis showed fair correlation between CAPRA-score difference and wait time (Pearson correlation: r =  - 0.062; p = 0.044)., Conclusion: Our cohort results demonstrate that conventional RARP wait times are significantly and consistently prolonged during summer months over the past 10 years, with worse post-RARP oncological outcomes in terms of CAPRA scores. Other compensatory mechanisms to sustain consistent yearly operative output should be considered., (© 2020. Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature.)

Purpose: In this review, we will discuss the state of the literature regarding Aquablation, its limitations, and opportunities for its application in the treatment of benign prostatic enlargement (BPE)., Methods: A comprehensive review of original research on Aquablation was conducted. Articles related to transurethral resection of the prostate, holmium laser enucleation of the prostate, greenlight photoselective vaporization of the prostate, and simple prostatectomy were reviewed for discussion., Results: For small-medium prostates (30-80 mL), Aquablation's main advantages include better ejaculatory function and similar functional outcomes compared to TURP. For large prostates (80-150 mL), Aquablation demonstrates shorter operative time and superior ejaculatory function when compared to simple prostatectomy, HoLEP, and Greenlight PVP. In addition, Aquablation displays shorter hospital stays than simple prostatectomy. The integration of software programming and semi-automatic technology increases the reproducibility of the procedure and helps standardize overall outcomes, while also accelerating the learning curve. Its ability to preserve antegrade ejaculation makes Aquablation a very compelling option for sexually active patients. However cost and postoperative bleeding risks remain a concern., Conclusion: The current evidence suggests that Aquablation is a safe and effective alternative for BPE for small to large prostates. Further prospective clinical trials, with comparisons to other BPE modalities, and data from longer follow-up periods are still required., (© 2020. Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature.)

Purpose: The aim of the study is to evaluate the impact of having a nadir and persistently detectable ultrasensitive prostate-specific antigen (uPSA) between 0.01 and 0.1 ng/ml post-robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP), on future biochemical recurrence (BCR)., Methods: We conducted a retrospective analysis of a prospectively maintained cohort of 1359 men who underwent RARP, between 2006 and 2019. Patients were followed with uPSA at 1, 3, 6, 9, 12, 18, 24, 30, 36 months and annually thereafter. We included patients with PSA nadir values between 0.01 and 0.1 ng/ml within 6 months of surgery and with at least 2 follow-up measurements within the same range. We divided patients based on their BCR status and analyzed uPSA changes. Multivariable Cox-regression models (CRMs) were used to analyze variables predicting BCR-free survival (BCR-FS)., Results: We identified 167 (12.3%) patients for analyses, with a mean follow-up time of 60.2 ± 31.4 months. In our cohort, 5-year BCR-FS rate was 86%. Overall, 32 (19.1%) patients had BCR, with a mean time to BCR of 43.7 ± 24.3 months. BCR-free patients had stable mean uPSA values ≤ 0.033 ng/ml, while patients who developed BCR showed a slowly rising trend over time, with a significant difference between groups starting at 9 months (p < 0.02). In multivariable CRMs, a rising uPSA starting at 9 months was an independent predictor of BCR (HR: 2.7; 95% CI 1.6-3.82; p = 0.013)., Conclusion: In the present cohort, our results demonstrated that a considerable number of men have detectable uPSA values ranging between 0.01 and 0.1 ng/ml post-RARP. They can still be followed regularly to avoid patients' anxiety and salvage radiotherapy. Close follow-up is still required.

Purpose: We aimed to compare postoperative functional outcomes following robotic-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) in elderly men with localized prostate cancer., Methods: A retrospective review of a prospectively maintained database of men who underwent RARP between January 2007 and November 2018 was performed. Patients over 65 years of age were selected (N = 302) and then stratified by age group: 66-69 years old (N = 214) and ≥ 70 years old (N = 88). Full continence was defined as strict 0-pad per day usage. Preoperative potency included those with a Sexual Health Inventory for Men score ≥ 17. Preoperative and postoperative functional outcomes were assessed. Kaplan-Meier analysis was used to estimate time to recovery of continence in both groups., Results: Both groups had comparable preoperative parameters. Continence rates at 1, 3, 6, 9, 12, 18 and 24 months in the 66-69-year-old group were 6%, 34%, 61%, 70%, 74%, 80% and 87%, respectively. Comparatively in the ≥ 70-year-old group, continence rates were significantly lower at all time points (3%, 22%, 50%, 56%, 66%, 69% and 75%, respectively). Men in the 66-69-year-old group were significantly more likely to be continent after RARP when compared to patients 70 years of age and above [(Hazards ratio (HR) 0.73; 95%confidence interval 0.54-0.97, (p = 0.035)]., Conclusion: Our results suggest that RARP is feasible in elderly patients. Nevertheless, elderly patients in the ≥ 70-year-old group had significantly inferior postoperative continence rates compared to patients aged 66-69 years. Such information is valuable when counselling men during preoperative RARP planning to ensure that they have realistic postoperative expectations.

Background: Prostate size estimation is a valuable clinical measure widely utilized in urology. This study evaluated the accuracy of preoperative transabdominal ultrasound (TAUS) compared to radical prostatectomy specimens and transrectal ultrasound (TRUS) in estimating prostate volume and identifying presence of median lobe, across different size groups, using the standard ellipsoid formula. The effect of median lobe on accuracy was also assessed. Materials and Methods: Ninety-eight men undergoing robot-assisted radical prostatectomy were enrolled in this study. Preoperative evaluation of prostate volume was done using measurements obtained from TAUS using the Clarius C3 handheld wireless point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) and from TRUS Clarius EC7. Participants were grouped based on prostate size (<30, 30–60, and >60 g). Mean absolute percentage of error was used to evaluate accuracy. Mean percentage of error determined if there was an overestimation or underestimation. Correlation between each TAUS size group, true prostate weight and TRUS was assessed. Results: Irrespective of body mass index, TAUS accurately identified median lobe in all men. No statistically significant difference was found between specimen weight and TAUS prostate size for the >60 g group. Among this same group, a strong correlation was noted between specimen weight and TAUS prostate size (r = 0.911, p < 0.001). There was also a strong correlation between TAUS and TRUS measurements for this group (r = 0.950, p < 0.001). Presence of median lobe did not have an impact on measurement accuracy. Conclusions: Bedside handheld wireless POCUS provides rapid, inexpensive, noninvasive, and clinically accurate TAUS prostate assessments for larger prostates. Such features as identifying median lobes and measuring prostate volumes are valuable tools, whereas patient counseling on lower urinary tract symptoms, elevated prostate-specific antigen, and benign prostate hyperplasia are surgical options. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

INTRODUCTION: The objective of our study was to evaluate the efficacy and durability of GreenLight laser prostatectomy for the management of acute urinary retention (AUR) and chronic urinary retention (CUR) and to determine outcomes compared to patients without preoperative urinary retention (UR). METHODS: We conducted a retrospective study of prospectively collected data from individuals who underwent GreenLight laser prostatectomy at our institution from May 2018 to July 2022. Patient demographics and outcome measures were recorded, including indications for the procedure, median urinary volume drained, or median postvoid residual urine volume (PVR) before catheterization or GreenLight laser prostatectomy. CUR was defined as PVR >300 mL in males able to void and initial catheter drainage >1000 mL in males unable to void in the absence of pain. All patients had postoperative followup visits at one, three, six, and 12 months. Our evaluation included the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), quality-of-life (QoL) assessment, maximum urinary flow rate (Qmax), PVR, and catheter-free status. RESULTS: One hundred sixty-eight males who underwent GreenLight laser prostatectomy were included in our study. The UR group consisted of 88 patients (50 AUR and 38 CUR), and the lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) group was comprised of 80 individuals. There were no statistically significant differences between the AUR and CUR subgroups regarding demographics. The UR group had a significantly higher age and a significantly higher postoperative catheterization time compared to the LUTS cohort. The CUR subgroup had a significantly higher PVR at one, three, and six months compared to the AUR subgroup, although other outcome measures were similar between the two cohorts. During three- and six-month followup visits, the UR group had a significantly higher PVR than the LUTS cohort. At 12 months postoperative, the LUTS group had a higher catheter-free rate than the UR group (p=0.001). The successful first trial of void (TOV) rate for the UR and LUTS groups were 83% and 80%, respectively. At 12-month followup, the catheter-free rate for the UR and LUTS cohorts was 87.5% and 100%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: GreenLight laser prostatectomy is an effective and durable treatment for UR, with a high catheter-free rate and comparable outcomes when performed to manage LUTS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

INTRODUCTION: We evaluated the impact of age on perioperative morbidity and clinical outcomes in patients undergoing GreenLight laser prostatectomy for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). METHODS: We conducted a retrospective study of prospectively collected data from individuals who underwent GreenLight laser prostatectomy from May 2018 to July 2022. Patient demographics and outcome measures were recorded, including indications for the procedure and American Society of Anesthesiology (ASA) scores. All patients had postoperative followup visits at one, three, six, and 12 months. Our evaluation included the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), quality of life (QoL) assessment, maximum urinary flow rate (Qmax), postvoid residual volume (PVR), and catheter-free status. RESULTS: One-hundred-sixty-eight males who underwent GreenLight laser prostatectomy were included. The non-octogenarian group consisted of 111 patients and the octogenarian group comprised 57 individuals. Based on ASA scores, most octogenarians were deemed high-risk (ASA III: 91.2%), while over half of non-octogenarians were lower-risk (ASA II: 53.2%) (p<0.001). Intraoperative parameters, including operative time, vaporization time, lasing time, and energy did not differ significantly between groups. There was no difference in the proportion of intraoperative complications between non-octogenarians and octogenarians (0.9% vs. 3.5%). Postoperative complications were not statistically significant between the two groups (p=0.608). There was also no observed difference in the proportion of patients requiring readmission (p=0.226) or retreatment (p=1.0). CONCLUSIONS: GreenLight laser prostatectomy is a safe and effective treatment for BPH regardless of age. It provides similar surgical and functional outcomes as younger men while maintaining the QoL of octogenarians. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: In light of the recent Canadian Urological Association (CUA) and other urological associations' (America Urological Association, European Association of Urology) recommendations for the treatment of benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH) with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS), open simple prostatectomy (OSP) remains the recommended approach for large prostates with measured volumes over 80 cc.1 We sought to assess the current state of OSP and other BPH surgical training across Canadian urology residency programs and the use of guideline-recommended imagery prior to BPH surgery. Methods: A survey was distributed among Canadian urology program directors in June 2019. We identified the various surgical modalities available for the treatment of BPH offered by each program and obtained the annual number of OSP performed at each academic residency program. Additionally, we evaluated if preoperative transrectal ultrasound (TRUS) of the prostate was routinely performed to obtain the prostate volume during patient counselling, as recommended by 2018 CUA guidelines. Results: All 13 program directors from the Canadian urology programs responded to our survey. OSP and monopolar transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) remain the most common across programs and are practiced in all centers. Greenlight photovaporization, bipolar TURP, holmium laser enucleation of the prostate, and robot-assisted simple prostatectomy were practiced in 76.8%, 69.2%, 23.1%, and 23.1% of centers, respectively. The mean number of OSP per academic training program was 4.7 cases annually. Moreover, only five (38%) academic centers routinely performed a preoperative TRUS to evaluate prostate volume for BPH counselling. Conclusions: Although recognized and referenced as the BPH gold standard for the treatment of prostates over 80 cc, Canadian urology trainees' annual OSP exposure remains extremely limited. Considering the degree of importance given (category A) to the direct observation (of a minimum of five) of this intervention during residency training in the new Royal College's practice guidelines, it may be unrealistic to reach these national standards considering the annual case OSP volumes in Canadian academic urology faculties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]