International Prostate Symptom Score Quality Research Articles

Korean Medicine Treatment Accompaning Myofascial Trigger-Point Accupuncture for Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms after Radical Prostatectomy : A Case Report

Objectives: The purpose of this study is to report a case of Korean medicine treatment accompaning myofascial trigger-point accupuncture for severe & persistent lower urinary tract symptoms after radical prostatectomy.Materials and Methods: A prostate cancer patient with severe & persistent lower urinary tract symptoms after radical prostatectomy conducted 26 months ago, was treated with Korean medicine accompaning myofascial trigger-point accupuncture. The International Prostate Symptom Score(IPSS), the IPSS Quality of Life(IPSS-QoL) and the Overactive Bladder Symptom Score(OABSS) questionaires were administered to evaluate the effect of treatment for lower urinary tract symptoms.Results: After 5 month treatment with Korean medicine accompaning myofascial trigger-point accupuncture, IPSS, IPSS-QoL and OABSS progressed from 28 to 8, from 5 to 2 and from 12 to 4 respectively.Conclusion: This case study suggests that Korean medicine accompaning myofascial trigger-point accupuncture may contribute to treat severe & persistent lower urinary tract symptoms after radical prostatectomy.

Patient reported outcomes of intermittent self-dilatation after direct vision internal urethrotomy.

Long-term results on quality of life (QoL) as well as clinical outcomes of intermittent self-dilatation (ISD) of the urethra after direct visual internal urethrotomy (DVIU) are scarce. The aim of this study was to prospectively evaluate patient reported outcomes (PROs) on voiding symptoms and QoL in a large cohort of urethral stricture patients performing ISD. We identified a total of 121 patients who performed ISD following DVIU between 2008 and 2013. Baseline assessment was conducted for each patient before ISD was started. Follow-up visits were scheduled in 6-month intervals. Each assessment included the following questionnaires: International prostate symptom score (IPSS), IPSS quality of life index (IPSS-QoL), patient global impression of severity (PGI-S), and patient global impression of improvement (PGI-I). Additional parameters were maximum urinary flow rate (Qmax ), postvoid residual urine, rate of complications, and stricture recurrence. Linear mixed models were used to examine the change over the course of the follow-up visits to the baseline. The median age of the patients was 58 years (interquartile range [IQR]: 43-70). The median follow-up was 17 months (IQR: 7-30). Mean change from baseline IPSS was -6.1, -5.9, -4.2, and -4.8 points at 6, 24, 36, and 48 months. Mean change from baseline IPSS-QoL was -1.3, -1.4, -1.6, and -1.8 points, respectively. Mean PGI-I was 1.7 points at 6, 1.9 points at 24, 1.9 points at 36, and 2.2 points at 48 months after ISD initiation. Mean change of Qmax ranged from 1.7 at 6 to 2.2 mL/sat 48 months. The median complication rate was 3.3% per 6-month ISD interval. Overall, 11 patients developed stricture recurrence (9%). ISD after DVIU had no negative impact on patients' QoL (IPSS-QoL, PGI-I, PGI-S). Urodynamic parameters remained stable for up to 48 months with low complications and an acceptable stricture recurrence rate.

Urinary tract symptoms that should be improved to enhance post-operative urinary quality of life in patients treated with low-dose-rate brachytherapy for prostate cancer: An importance-performance analysis.

To evaluate international prostate symptom score and urinary quality of life in patients with prostate cancer who underwent low-dose-rate brachytherapy, and to identify lower urinary tract symptoms that must be improved to enhance post-operative urinary quality of life and factors associated with lower urinary tract symptoms. This study included 193 patients who underwent low-dose-rate brachytherapy alone (145 Gy). Importance-performance analysis was conducted to identify lower urinary tract symptoms that should be prioritized to improve urinary quality of life. Association between lower urinary tract symptom scores and each factor was investigated. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was used to evaluate dosimetric parameters related to lower urinary tract symptom score to predict an average score of ≥ 3. Cut-off values were determined. One to nine months post-implantation was a period of significantly increased urinary quality of life scores compared with baseline (p < 0.05 each). The importance-performance analysis conducted for 1-9 months revealed that frequency, nocturia, and weak stream required improvement. Multivariate analysis showed that each lower urinary tract symptom score presented a significant association with its baseline value (p < 0.001 each, positive correlation). Frequency, incomplete emptying, urgency, and straining scores were significantly associated with prostate volume, whereas weak stream and intermittency scores were associated with dose covering 90% of the prostate and dose covering 90% of the urethra, respectively (p < 0.05 each, positive correlations). Cut-off values for these doses were 167.01 Gy and 136.84 Gy, respectively. This study highlights the importance of prioritizing specific lower urinary tract symptoms for improvement in post-operative urinary quality of life, and identifies the associated factors that can help in personalized treatment planning and goal-setting for better patient satisfaction.

Mid-term results of ReMEEX sling system in female stress urinary incontinence with various indications and feasibility of readjustment.

To examine efficacy and safety of ReMEEX implantation in patients with female stress urinary incontinence (SUI) associated with detrusor underactivity (DU), recurrence, or intrinsic sphincter deficiency (ISD). Retrospective cohort study included 303 females who underwent ReMEEX system (March 2008 to May 2021). Patients were stratified into three groups by purpose of surgery (SUI with DU, reoperation, and SUI with ISD) and evaluated with following criteria: cure (absence of subjective complaint of leakage and objective leakage in the stress test), improvement (rare leakage subjectively, but satisfaction regardless of stress test), and failure. Primary outcome was success rate of surgery assessed through patient interviews and a stress test. Surgical outcomes and complications were evaluated. Mean follow-up was 34.4 months (range, 6.0-145.0 months). At the final follow-up visit, 42.9% and 49.2% of patients were cured and improved. Twenty-one point five percent required tension readjustment (mean number, 1.2). The total complication rate was 19.5% (none for grade ≥4). Preoperative Qmax was significantly higher in the ISD group (p<0.001) and preoperative total International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) score was significantly higher in the DU group (p=0.044). Moreover, at postoperative 1 year, both total IPSS score and IPSS quality of life score were significantly higher in the DU group (both p=0.001). The success rate of ReMEEX system was 92.1% at mean follow-up of 34.4 months in female SUI with DU, reoperation, or ISD. It also enabled postoperative readjustment of sling tension, as needed, up to 130 months after surgery.

Outcomes of Artificial Urinary Sphincter Implantation in Patients with Detrusor Underactivity and Postprostatectomy Incontinence.

There is insufficient evidence for postoperative outcomes of artificial urinary sphincter (AUS) implantation for postprostatectomy incontinence (PPI) with detrusor underactivity (DU). Thus, we assessed the impact of preoperative DU on the outcomes of AUS implantation for PPI. Medical records of men who underwent AUS implantation for PPI were reviewed. Patients who had bladder outlet obstruction surgery before radical prostatectomy or AUS-related complications that required revision of AUS within three months were excluded. Patients were divided into two groups based on the preoperative urodynamic study including pressure flow study, a DU group, and a non-DU group. DU was defined as a bladder contractility index less than 100. The primary outcome was postoperative postvoid residual urine volume (PVR). The secondary outcomes included maximum flow rate (Qmax), postoperative satisfaction, and international prostate symptom score (IPSS). A total of 78 patients with PPI were assessed. The DU group consisted of 55 patients (70.5%) and the non-DU group comprised 23 patients (29.5%). Qmax was lower in the DU group than in the non-DU group and PVR was higher in the DU group as per a urodynamic study before AUS implantation. There was no significant difference in postoperative PVR between the two groups, although the Qmax after AUS implantation was significantly lower in the DU group. While the DU group showed significant improvements in Qmax, PVR, IPSS total score, IPSS storage subscore, and IPSS quality of life (QoL) score after AUS implantation, the non-DU group showed postoperative improvement in IPSS QoL score. There was no clinically significant impact of preoperative DU on the outcome of AUS implantation for PPI; thus, surgery can be safely performed in patients with PPI and DU.

A clinical study of effects of tamsulosin in ureteric stent related morbidity

Background: Most of the Ureteric surgery involves DJ stent Insertion to prevent post operative ureter related morbidity of the patients. This study aims towards the role of tamsulosin in relieving DJ stent related symptoms. Methods: Prospective study conducted between June 2018 to October 2020 in 58 patients randomised by random-number chart into two groups, group A (Non tamsulosin) group B (Tamsulosin). The international prostate symptom score (IPSS) questionnaire and quality of life (QoL) was assessed on admission as a baseline before patient underwent the surgery and reassessed when the patient came for stent removal. Results: The mean age of patients in group A (non-tamsulosin) was 39.38 years with range of 20 to 60 years. The mean age of patients in group B (tamsulosin) was 38.55 with range of 20 to 68 years. In group A consisted of 16 men and 13 women whereas group B had 13 men and 16 women. On comparing non tamsulosin and tamsulosin group, patients in which stent is removed at or &lt;28 post operative day, mean IPSS+QoL component of questionnaire score is 14.1 (SD 3.8) and 11.8 (SD 4.1) respectively. While on comparing non tamsulosin and tamsulosin group, patients in which stent removed after 28th post operative day, mean IPSS+QoL component of questionnaire score is 18.9 (SD 1.0) and 6.4 (SD 1.1) respectively. Conclusions: Oral administration of tablet Tamsulosin 0.4 mg once a daily before sleep at night improves DJ stent related morbid symptoms.

B-TURP versus HoLEP: Peri-Operative Outcomes and Complications in Frail Elderly (>75 y.o.) Patients: A Prospective Randomized Study

Background: The aim of this study was to compare the peri-operative and functional results between trans-urethral resection of the prostate (TURP) and holmium laser enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP) in the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) associated with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) in middle-old patients. Materials and Methods: This prospective single-center study included patients over 75 years old treated with B-TURP or HoLEP for BPH associated with LUTS with prostate volume (PV) <100 mL. Primary endpoints were the intra-operative blood loss, percentage of loss of hemoglobin, blood transfusion, complications, and the comparison of functional outcomes. All patients were evaluated at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months of follow-up. Results: Overall, 96 patients undergoing HoLEP and 104 B-TURP were eligible and enrolled for the study. Post-operative results showed statistically significant differences between the two groups, all in favor of HoLEP group, specifically in terms of removed prostate tissue, PV reduction rate, hemoglobin values at 24 h, hemoglobin loss, operative time, length of hospitalization, days of catheterization, and urinary flow rates. There was no significant difference in terms of postvoid residual urine volume, perioperative complication, blood transfusion, International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), and IPSS quality of life scores. Conclusions: In middle-old patients, the HoLEP technique represents a prostate size-independent treatment option with a more favorable safety profile defined by less bleeding, lower blood transfusions, and a significantly lower hemoglobin drop than B-TURP.

Role of Antimuscarinics Combined With Alpha-blockers in the Management of Urinary Storage Symptoms in Patients With Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia: An Updated Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

We evaluate the efficacy and safety of combining antimuscarinics with alpha-blockers to treat storage symptoms in men with benign prostatic hyperplasia. Searches were carried out on PubMed, MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane databases to identify randomized, placebo-controlled trials published before February 15, 2022, assessing the efficacy or safety of antimuscarinics in men with benign prostatic hyperplasia treated with alpha-blockers. Further meta-analyses were performed using standardized mean difference and risk ratio. A total of 12 randomized trials were included in the systematic review. The meta-analysis showed no impact of antimuscarinics on the number of urgencies per day (SMD -0.23 [95%CI: -0.64; -0.17]; P = .21). However, the use of antimuscarinics was associated with a small reduction of micturition episodes per day (SMD -0.19 [95%CI: -0.37; -0.01]; P = .045). With regard to side effects, post-void residual increased slightly in patients treated with antimuscarinics (SMD 0.26 [95%CI: 0.15; 0.37]; P < .01). In addition, there was a higher risk of acute urinary retention (RR 3.26 [95%CI: 1.35; 7.86]; P = .02), dry mouth (RR 3.43 [95%CI: 1.86; 6.32]; P < .001), and constipation (RR 2.92 [95%CI: 1.48; 5.73]; P < .001) with the use of antimuscarinics. Finally, the risk of treatment interruption due to adverse events was higher for the patients treated with antimuscarinics (RR 1.74 [95%CI: 1.27; 2.38]; P < .01). The addition of antimuscarinics to alpha-blockers was not associated with a substantial reduction in urgencies and micturition episodes in benign prostatic hyperplasia patients with storage symptoms. In addition, the toxicity profile was not in favor of antimuscarinic use in these patients.

Seguridad y eficacia del sistema Rezūm® en pacientes con disfunción eréctil con y sin prótesis de pene inflable

PurposeThis study evaluates the safety and efficacy of Rezūm™ in erectile dysfunction (ED) patients with and without an inflatable penile prosthesis (IPP). Materials and methodsThis was a retrospective review of ED patients who underwent Rezūm™ by a single surgeon over 12 months. Patient age, presence of IPP, number of benign prostatic hyperplasia medications, International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), IPSS Quality of Life Index (QOL), uroflowmetry maximum flow rate (Qmáx), and uroflowmetry average flow rate (Qavg) before and after Rezūm™ were obtained. Independent two-sample T-tests were used to compare preoperative and postoperative characteristics between patients with and without an IPP. Linear regression was performed to identify factors associated with postoperative Qmáx or Qavg. ResultsA total of 17 patients with ED who underwent Rezūm™ were identified, including 11 patients with an IPP. The median follow-up after Rezūm™ was 65 days. There were no significant differences in baseline demographics and clinical characteristics between patients with and without an IPP. Postoperative Qmáx (10.9ml/s vs. 9.8ml/s, P=.04) and Qavg (7.5ml/s vs. 6.0ml/s, P=.03) were significantly higher in patients with an IPP compared to patients without an IPP. There were no factors associated with postoperative Qmáx or Qavg on linear regression. Two patients without an IPP went into urinary retention, while no complications occurred in IPP patients. ConclusionRezūm™ is a safe and effective procedure to perform in ED patients, particularly those with an IPP. IPP patients may experience greater increase in uroflowmetry rate compared to ED patients without an IPP.

Evaluation of LUTS of the filling phase after Aquablation: A prospective single center experience

IntroductionThis study aims to assess our first clinical experience with Aquablation in terms of perioperative and 1-year micturition outcomes, with a focus on postoperative lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS).Materials and methodsFrom 10/2018 to 07/2021, patients referred to our center with BPH-related LUTS, International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) ≥10, maximum urinary flow rate (Qmax) ≤12 ml/s, and prostate volume &amp;lt;80 ml were enrolled in this prospective study to undergo Aquablation. Demographics, perioperative data, and complications (according to the Clavien–Dindo system) were collected. Functional outcomes were assessed at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months with IPSS, IPSS quality of life (IPSS QoL), uroflowmetry, and evaluation of post void residue (PVR). The types of LUTS were classified on the basis of IPSS single question answers in filling phase LUTS and voiding phase LUTS.ResultsSixty patients were enrolled in the study. The mean patient age was 64.9 ± 7.3 years, prostate volume was 63.5 ± 16.8) ml, Qmax was 8.4 ± 2.6 ml/s, the median (IQR) IPSS was 23 (19–26), and the IPSS QoL score was 5 (4–5). The mean Qmax at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months was 21.1 ± 11, 18.1 ± 5.4, 17.1 ± 6, and 17.8 ± 6.6 ml/s, respectively. The median IPSS urinary symptom score was 2 (2–5) one year after surgery. In parallel, the median IPSS QoL score and mean PVR reached 1 (0–1) and 23.6 ml (25.5) in the 12th month. At 1- and 3-month follow-up, filling phase symptoms were predominant in almost two-thirds of the study population. Within the patients who reported a prevalence of filling phase symptoms at 3 months, 27 of 38 (71%) reported a de novo onset of these symptoms after surgery.ConclusionAquablation is a safe procedure for treating BPH-related LUTS, and it has been demonstrated to be effective up to 12 months after the procedure. LUTS of the filling phase were more prevalent than voiding phase ones in the first 3 months following surgery, but showed a self-limited fashion.

Efficacy of urethral reconstruction for urethral stricture associated with hypospadias surgery in adults.

We report our experience with urethral reconstruction for hypospadias surgery-related urethral stricture in terms of surgical and patient-reported outcomes. Twenty-nine adult males who underwent urethral reconstruction for hypospadias surgery-related urethral stricture between August 2008 and January 2022 were retrospectively reviewed. Uroflowmetry and patient-reported outcomes were evaluated at 3, 6, and 12 months, and annually thereafter. Surgical success was defined as the absence of additional procedures. Patients were asked to rate their satisfaction with urethral reconstruction as "very satisfied", "satisfied", "unsatisfied", or "very unsatisfied". The median patient age at referral was 43 years. The median number of previously performed hypospadias surgeries was three, and 18 patients (62.8%) had been treated with repeated transurethral procedures. The median stricture length was 54 mm (interquartile range 36-81). Performed urethral reconstruction included staged urethroplasty in 22 (75.9%), one-stage onlay augmentation in 3 (10.2%), and perineal urethrostomy in 4 (13.8%) cases. Urethral reconstruction was successful in 26 patients (89.7%) over a median postoperative period of 31 months. Patient-reported outcomes were assessed in 25 (86.2%) patients. The mean maximum flow rate, international prostate symptom score total score, international prostate symptom score quality of life score, and EuroQol-5 dimensions index significantly improved postoperatively. Twenty-three patients (92%) were "very satisfied" or "satisfied" with the outcome of their urethral reconstruction. Urethral reconstruction is a highly successful and patient-satisfying treatment for hypospadias surgery-related urethral stricture in adult patients. Perineal urethrostomy is a reasonable alternative for elderly patients and for patients with complicated hypospadias surgery-related urethral strictures.

Safety and efficacy of Rezūm™ in erectile dysfunction patients with and without an inflatable penile prosthesis[[es]]Seguridad y eficacia del sistema Rezūm® en pacientes con disfunción eréctil con y sin prótesis de pene inflable

PurposeThis study evaluates the safety and efficacy of Rezūm™ in erectile dysfunction (ED) patients with and without an inflatable penile prosthesis (IPP). Materials and MethodsThis was a retrospective review of ED patients who underwent Rezūm™ by a single surgeon over 12 months. Patient age, presence of IPP, number of benign prostatic hyperplasia medications, International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), IPSS Quality of Life Index (QOL), uroflowmetry maximum flow rate (Qmax), and uroflowmetry average flow rate (Qavg) before and after Rezūm™ were obtained. Independent two-sample T-tests were used to compare preoperative and postoperative characteristics between patients with and without an IPP. Linear regression was performed to identify factors associated with postoperative Qmax or Qavg. ResultsA total of 17 patients with ED who underwent Rezūm™ were identified, including 11 patients with an IPP. The median follow-up after Rezūm™ was 65 days. There were no significant differences in baseline demographics and clinical characteristics between patients with and without an IPP. Postoperative Qmax (10.9 mL/s vs 9.8 mL/s, p = 0.04) and Qavg (7.5 mL/s vs 6.0 mL/s, p = 0.03) were significantly higher in patients with an IPP compared to patients without an IPP. There were no factors associated with postoperative Qmax or Qavg on linear regression. Two patients without an IPP went into urinary retention, while no complications occurred in IPP patients. ConclusionRezūm™ is a safe and effective procedure to perform in ED patients, particularly those with an IPP. IPP patients may experience greater increase in uroflowmetry rate compared to ED patients without an IPP.

Adherence to Urological Therapies for Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms Due to Benign Prostatic Enlargement During COVID-19 Lockdown

BackgroundDue to the pandemic emergency caused by COVID-19, many countries were forced to apply a variety of measures such as quarantine and full national lockdown in order to contain the contagion. Medication adherence to chronic diseases may have been negatively influenced by restrictions due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The purpose of this study is to investigate adherence to urological therapies of patients with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTSs) secondary to benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) during the COVID-19 lockdown period.MethodsIn this cohort study, we included a total of 151 male patients who were prescribed medications for LUTSs/benign prostatic enlargement (BPE) between January 2019 and December 2020. The prescriptive data of the following medications were collected: alpha-blockers (AB), 5-alpha reductase inhibitors (5-ARIs), 5-phosphodiesterase inhibitors (PDE5-i), antimuscarinics, and phytotherapy (i.e., Serenoa repens). According to adherence or discontinuation of therapy, patients were divided into two groups: those who took their medications for a minimum of 6 months during the index period were considered in the “Medication adherence group” and those whose treatment was considered “discontinued” if it was interrupted for a 1-month period.ResultsOverall, the median age was 69.0 (interquartile range [IQR]: 63.0–74.0), the median International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) before the lockdown was 15.0 (IQR: 11.0–18.0), and the median IPSS–quality of life (IPSS-QoL) before the lockdown was 2.0 (IQR: 2.0–3.0). During the lockdown, 19 patients (12.58%) stopped taking their medications due to the pandemic situation: six (31.58%) stopped phytotherapy, two stopped AB+phytotherapy (10.53%), five stopped AB (26.32%), three stopped 5-ARIs (15.79%), one stopped antimuscarinics (5.26%), and two stopped other combination therapies (p &amp;lt; 0.01). Among the patients who stopped therapy, five (26.31%) reported the presence of worsening symptoms (score ≥ 3), while 14 (73.69%) reported the absence of worsening symptoms (score &amp;lt; 3). During the lockdown, five (3.31%) patients required hospitalization: three (1.99%) for acute urinary retention and two (1.32%) for urinary tract infection.ConclusionsThe rate of medication adherence for LUTSs/BPE during COVID-19 was 86.75%, but 13.25% of the patients had their treatments interrupted due to the pandemic situation. This rate determined a slight increase in symptoms with a potential impact on hospitalization. These results should be taken into account in order to develop adequate strategies in telehealth to maintain medication adherence for chronic diseases.

Extract from Cucurbita pepo improves BPH symptoms without affecting sexual function: a 24-month noninterventional study

PurposeTo assess the symptoms, quality of life and sexual well-being in patients with lower urinary tract symptoms due to benign prostatic hyperplasia LUTS/BPH treated with pumpkin seed soft extract (PSE) in routine practice.MethodsThis noninterventional study included 130 men treated for up to 24 months. The International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) and related quality of life, Aging Males’ Symptoms Scale (AMS), and International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-5) were recorded. Descriptive statistical methods were applied. The mean with 95% confidence interval (CI) was calculated for the primary end point (change in IPSS after 12-month treatment).ResultsAnalysis at 12 months included 83 patients [mean (SD) age 65.2 (8.7) years and IPSS (15.6 (3.4), IPSS-QoL 3.4 (0.9)]. AMS and IIEF-5 indicated mild or mild to moderate disorder regarding sexual well-being and erectile dysfunction, respectively. After 12 months, the mean IPSS change from baseline was − 4.7 (95% CI − 5.4 to − 3.9), with 83% (95% CI 65.3 to 84.1) and 53% (95% CI 42.3 to 63.7) of the patients achieving reductions by at least 3 and 5 points, respectively. The proportion of patients with IPSS-QoL below 3 points (mostly satisfied) was 11% (9/83) at baseline and rose to 62% (51/83) and 73% (40/55) at 12 and 24 months, respectively. AMS and IIEF-5 scores did not indicate a negative impact on sexual function during treatment.ConclusionIn men with a moderate LUTS suggestive of BPH, a low progression risk and an active sex life, treatment with pumpkin seed soft extract provided symptomatic relief, improved IPSS-QoL, and maintained sexual well-being.Trial registrationDRKS00010729, June 22, 2016.

Feasibility and safety of definite volumetric modulated arc therapy with simultaneous integrated boost to the dominant intraprostatic lesion in patients with unfavorable intermediate to high-risk prostate cancer.

BackgroundThe most common site of recurrence of prostate cancer after definite radiation therapy is the dominant intraprostatic lesion (DIL). This study aimed to investigate the feasibility and safety of definite volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT) with simultaneous integrated boost (SIB) to the DIL in patients with unfavorable intermediate to high-risk prostate cancer.Materials and methodsIn this prospective uncontrolled clinical trial, patients were delivered VMAT at a dose of 87.75 Gy in 39 fractions or 70 Gy in 20 fractions to the DIL in combination with androgen deprivation therapy. Genitourinary (GU) and rectal toxicity, International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) and IPSS quality of life (IPSS-QOL) score were collected.ResultsForty-five patients with a median follow-up of 20 months were analyzed. The cumulative incidence of acute grade ≥ 2 GU and rectal toxicity was 33.1% and 9.5%, respectively. Regarding late toxicity, the cumulative incidence of grade ≥ 2 GU and rectal toxicity was 12.6% and 2.8%, respectively. During treatment, the mean increase of IPSS was +7.4 ± 4.2 and the mean increase of IPSS-QOL was +1.7 ± 1.3. However, both IPSS and IPSS-QOL scores returned to their baseline levels by 3-months post-treatment. No significant correlation between baseline characteristics and grade ≥ 2 GU or rectal toxicity was found.ConclusionFocal SIB to the DIL of ≥ 90 Gy EQD2 in unfavorable intermediate to high-risk prostate cancer patients resulted in tolerable toxicity profiles. The mean IPSS and IPSS-QOL scores both worsened during treatment; however, both scores returned to baseline level by 3 months after treatment.

Urethral reconstruction for iatrogenic urethral stricture after transurethral prostate surgery: An analysis of surgical and patient-reported outcomes.

We investigated the efficacy of urethral reconstruction in male patients with iatrogenic urethral stricture after transurethral prostate surgery. We retrospectively reviewed the cases of 82 patients who underwent urethral reconstruction for iatrogenic urethral stricture caused by transurethral prostate surgery between August 2011 and July 2021. Patients were followed up postoperatively with uroflowmetry, postvoid residual urine measurement, and questionnaires using Peeling's picture score, International Prostate Symptom Score, International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire Short Form, Sexual Health Inventory for Men, EuroQol-5 dimensions, and EuroQol-5 dimensions visual analog scores. Successful urethral reconstruction was defined as the absence of a postoperative decrease in urinary force and any additional treatment. The median patient age was 72 years, and the stricture site was the urethral meatus in eight (9.8%) patients, penoscrotal junction in 42 (51.2%), and proximal bulbar urethra in 26 (31.7%). Six patients (7.3%) had synchronous urethral strictures. Urethral reconstruction was successful in 78 patients (95.1%), with a median follow-up of 43 months. The mean maximum flow rate (P < 0.0001), postvoid residual urine (P = 0.004), Peeling's picture score (P < 0.0001), the score for each question and total International Prostate Symptom Score and International Prostate Symptom Score-quality of life scores (P < 0.0001 for all comparisons), and EuroQol-5 dimensions and EuroQol-5 dimensions visual analog scores (P < 0.0001 for both) significantly improved postoperatively. However, the Sexual Health Inventory for Men and International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire Short Form scores remained unchanged (P = 0.09 and 0.70, respectively). Urethral reconstruction was effective for urethral stricture due to transurethral prostate surgery in both subjective and objective aspects.

Is Prostate Urethral Lift Effective in Patients with Multiple Comorbidities?

A prostatic urethral lift (PUL) can be performed under local anesthesia in patients normally at high risk for general anesthesia due to multiple comorbidities. However, the clinical efficacy of PULs in patients with multiple comorbidities remains unknown. Therefore, in this this study, we aimed to evaluate the clinical efficacy of the PUL in patients with a high number of comorbidities by comparing its clinical efficacy in these patients with that in healthy individuals. We performed a retrospective observational cohort study, in which patients who underwent a PUL between December 2016 and January 2019 at a single tertiary care center were categorized into two groups: healthy individuals who wanted to preserve sexual function (Group 1) and patients with a high number of comorbidities who were at high risk for general anesthesia, based on an American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) score of ≥3 (Group 2). The International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), maximum urinary flow rate (Qmax), and post-void residual urine (PVR) were obtained preoperatively and compared throughout the 2-year follow-up. A total of 66 patients were enrolled, of whom 36 patients were included in Group 1 and 30 in Group 2. In Group 1, IPSS, IPSS quality of life (QoL), and Qmax significantly improved and were then maintained during follow-up, whereas, in Group 2, improvements in these parameters were not maintained during follow-up, except for IPSS QoL. Eleven patients (36%) in Group 2 required additional treatment for the recurrence of lower urinary tract symptoms. In conclusion, patients with a high number of comorbidities had a low therapeutic effect after PUL, suggesting a high rate of treatment failure. Therefore, comorbidity status should be considered when evaluating the potential benefits of the PUL procedure during preoperative counseling.

Endoscopic vaporization of benign prostatic hyperplasia using a contact 980 nm diode laser under antithrombotic therapy: A prospective survey.

To prospectively clarify whether endoscopic contact laser vaporization of the prostate (CVP) can be safely performed even in patients undergoing antithrombotic therapy. Fifty-five patients treated with CVP were enrolled. Patients were assigned to: (i) the antithrombotic therapy group (n=21, 38%); or (ii) control group without antithrombotic therapy (n=34, 62%). All patients in the antithrombotic therapy group continued all antithrombotic agents during the perioperative period and thereafter. No difference was noted in patient background between the two groups. In primary endpoints, decreases in the postoperative hemoglobin level were remarkable in the antithrombotic therapy group, while no serious effects were noted in either group. The control and antithrombotic therapy groups did not show a significant difference in the occurrence of catheter obstruction due to blood clots or serious hematuria following catheter removal. During follow-up, transurethral coagulation for hemostasis was needed only in the antithrombotic therapy group, with a frequency of transurethral coagulation of up to 14%. In secondary endpoints, no difference in the occurrence of perioperative or late-onset complications after surgery was noted between the two groups. Finally, no difference was noted in improvements in the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), IPSS quality of life score, overactive bladder symptom score, maximum flow rate, or post-voiding residual urine volume between the two groups throughout the follow-up period. CVP can be performed safely and effectively in patients undergoing continuous antithrombotic therapy. However, the possibility of secondary bleeding after discharge in a subset of patients, such as those undergoing antithrombotic therapy, may be noted.

The cutoff value of transitional zone index predicting the efficacy of dutasteride on subjective symptoms in patients with benign prostate hyperplasia.

We investigated the efficacy of dutasteride add-on therapy to α-1 adrenoceptor antagonists in patients with benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH) in relation to the transitional zone index (TZI) and evaluated the cutoff value of TZI that predicted improvements of subjective symptoms at 6 months. Male BPH patients with prostate volume (PV) ≥ 30 mL receiving dutasteride 0.5 mg/d for 6 months as add-on therapy along with α-1 adrenoceptor antagonists were enrolled. PV, transitional zone volume (TZV), TZI, International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), and uroflowmetry parameters before and at 6 months with dutasteride add-on treatment were evaluated. Eighty-three patients were included. The changes of total IPSS, IPSS voiding subscore, IPSS quality of life score, and voided volume were significantly correlated with TZI. Among baseline parameters, TZV and TZI were significantly associated with the changes of total IPSS in univariate analysis, and only TZI remained as an independent predictive factor for improving total IPSS in multivariate analysis (odds ratio -8.3, P=.048). The cutoff point of TZI for predicting an improvement of the total IPSS by 6 points or more was 0.67 (area under the curve 0.71, sensitivity 0.62, specificity 0.79). A higher TZI was significantly associated with improvement of subjective symptoms but not uroflowmetric findings for BPH patients with 6 months of dutasteride add-on therapy along with α-1 adrenoceptor antagonists, and the predictive value of TZI for effective dutasteride add-on therapy was higher than 0.67. BPH patients using α-1 adrenoceptor antagonists with a TZI higher than 0.67 can be good candidates for add-on dutasteride therapy.

Complications and functional outcomes of endoscopic enucleation of the prostate: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised-controlled studies.

There are several endoscopic enucleation procedures (EEP) using different energy sources: holmium laser enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP), thulium laser enucleation of the prostate (ThuLEP), Greenlight® (GreenVEP) and diode (DiLEP) lasers, and plasma kinetic enucleation of the prostate (PKEP). The comparative outcomes among these EEPs are unclear. We aimed to compare the peri-operative and post-operative outcomes, complications and functional outcomes among different EEPs. A systematic review and meta-analysis was performed according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) checklist. Only randomised-controlled trials (RCT) comparing EEPs were included. The risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane tool for RCTs. The search identified 1153 articles and 12 RCTs were included. The number of RCTs for each comparison was, HoLEP vs ThuLEP; n = 3, HoLEP vs PKEP; n = 3, PKEP vs DiLEP; n = 3, HoLEP vs GreenVEP; n = 1, HoLEP vs DiLEP; n = 1, ThuLEP vs PKEP; n = 1. Operative time was shorter and blood loss was lower with ThuLEP compared with HoLEP, whereas operative time was shorter for HoLEP compared with PKEP. Blood loss was lower with HoLEP and DiLEP compared with PKEP. There were no Clavien-Dindo IV-V complications, and the incidence of Clavien-Dindo I complications was lower with ThuLEP compared with HoLEP. No significant differences were detected among EEPs regarding urinary retention, stress urinary incontinence, bladder neck contracture or urethral stricture. Lower International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) and higher quality of life (QoL) scores were in favour of ThuLEP compared with HoLEP at 1 month. EEP improves symptoms and uroflowmetry parameters with a low incidence of high-grade complications. ThuLEP was associated with shorter operative time, lower blood loss, and lower incidence of low-grade complications compared with HoLEP.