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Purpose: To identify expert laser settings for BPH treatment and evaluate the application of preventive measures to reduce complications., Methods: A survey was conducted after narrative literature research to identify relevant questions regarding laser use for BPH treatment (59 questions). Experts were asked for laser settings during specific clinical scenarios. Settings were compared for the reported laser types, and common settings and preventive measures were identified., Results: Twenty-two experts completed the survey with a mean filling time of 12.9 min. Ho:YAG, Thulium fiber laser (TFL), continuous wave (cw) Tm:YAG, pulsed Tm:YAG and Greenlight™ lasers are used by 73% (16/22), 50% (11/22), 23% (5/22), 13.6% (3/22) and 9.1% (2/22) of experts, respectively. All experts use anatomical enucleation of the prostate (EEP), preferentially in one- or two-lobe technique. Laser settings differ significantly between laser types, with median laser power for apical/main gland EEP of 75/94 W, 60/60 W, 100/100 W, 100/100 W, and 80/80 W for Ho:YAG, TFL, cwTm:YAG, pulsed Tm:YAG and Greenlight™ lasers, respectively (p = 0.02 and p = 0.005). However, power settings within the same laser source are similar. Pulse shapes for main gland EEP significantly differ between lasers with long and pulse shape modified (e.g., Moses, Virtual Basket) modes preferred for Ho:YAG and short pulse modes for TFL (p = 0.031)., Conclusion: Ho:YAG lasers no longer seem to be the mainstay of EEP. TFL lasers are generally used in pulsed mode though clinical applicability for quasi-continuous settings has recently been demonstrated. One and two-lobe techniques are beneficial regarding operative time and are used by most experts., (© 2023. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature.)

Purpose: To evaluate the impact of the fiber-tissue distance on histological parameters in a porcine kidney model., Methods: Four lasers were tested at 60 W using a 600-µm bare-ended fiber: a continuous wave (cw) thulium fiber laser (TFL), a super pulsed (SP) TFL, a Ho:YAG laser, and a blue diode laser (BDL). All tissue samples were mounted on a motorized XY-translation stage. The fiber-tissue distance was changed within a range from 0to 6 mm. Ten incisions were made with each laser at each distance. Afterwards, the tissue samples were sliced with a microtome for lactate dehydrogenase staining to determine zones of thermal damage., Results: In contact mode, the largest incision depth was found for the cw TFL (1.7 ± 0.1 mm) compared to the SP TFL (1.0 ± 0.1 mm), BDL (0.9 ± 0.1 mm) and HoYAG laser (1.1 ± 0.1 mm), respectively. With regard to the coagulative properties, the SP TFL and the Ho:YAG laser showed comparable coagulation depths with 0.7 ± 0.1 and 0.6 ± 0.1 mm, respectively. At 2 mm fiber-tissue distance, the Ho:YAG laser was the only laser that vaporized tissue (incision depth: 0.2 ± 0.1 mm). The BDL was the only laser that caused coagulation at a distance of 3-5 mm., Conclusion: Our results support the clinical observation that cw TFL must be defocused for best coagulation, while the coagulation depth of the SP TFL remains nearly constant within the range of 0-3 mm. Increasing the distance of the laser fiber to the tissue up to 5 mm did not cause significant differences with regard to coagulation depth using the BDL.

Thulium lasers operate at wavelengths between1940-2013 nm either in a continuous wave or in a pulsed mode, which enables smooth incisions with fast vaporization or effective laser lithotripsy for urolithiasis. Thulium laser enucleation is a minimally invasive and size-independent treatment for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) with excellent long-term results. Since its introduction, several modifications in the technology and surgical techniques have been proposed such as vaporesection, vaporization and enucleation with regard to BPH treatment. Recent developments in the thulium laser technology include the introduction of a super pulsed thulium fiberlaser.  This technique delivers the laser energy through anactive fiber with an absorption maximum in water at awavelength of 1940 μm. Preclinical studies showed asignificantly higher stone fragmentation rate in differentex vivo models compared to the Ho:YAG laser. Another innovative thulium laser that works, as a hybrid laser has yet not been tested clinically, however, will soon be introduced. With the introduction of both new thulium lasers as novel devices, the armamentarium in the field of endourology for lithotripsy and enucleation increases. We here present different thulium lasers and surgical techniques that are possible to perform with each device including the reasons and advantages of each modification.

Aim: To test the characteristics of a hybrid laser (combination of a thulium and blue diode laser) vs thulium and Ho:YAG lasers regarding soft tissue ablation. Methods: Tissue samples of fresh nonfrozen porcine kidneys were used to compare the three lasers. A motorized translation XY stage with a fixed fiber holder to control the speed of cutting (2 and 5 mm/s) was used. Five incisions with each laser were performed. Lactate dehydrogenase staining of the embedded specimens was performed to determine incision depth, zones of vaporization, coagulation zone, carbonization grade, and thermomechanical damage of the coagulated tissue. All data are expressed as mean ± standard deviation. Results: The hybrid laser demonstrated the highest vaporization speed (34.4 ± 0.1 mm 3 /s) and coagulation zones (10 ± 0.1 mm 2 ) at a drag speed of 5 mm/s among the investigated lasers. It showed a two to three times larger coagulation zone compared with the Ho:YAG laser (4 ± 0.1 mm 2 ). The continuous wave thulium fiber laser (cwTFL) showed a significantly higher grade of carbonized tissue compared with the hybrid and Ho:YAG lasers. Conclusions: The hybrid laser showed deeper incisions and a faster vaporization speed compared with the cwTFL and the Ho:YAG laser. It might be an effective tool to combine the advantages of both lasers to effectively vaporize soft tissue with excellent coagulative properties.

Purpose: To evaluate the ablation capacity using two Thulium fiber lasers (TFL) in a porcine kidney model., Methods: All tissue samples were mounted on a motorized stage for a precise speed of cutting. A continuous wave (cw) TFL and a super pulsed (SP) TFL were used at power settings of 60 and 120 W with 200 and 600 µm laser fibers. After lactate dehydrogenase staining, histological evaluation was performed to measure the vaporization volume (VV), ablation depth (AD), thermo-mechanical damage zones (TMZ), coagulation zones (CZ) and the carbonization grade (CG)., Results: At 120 W, no significant differences were seen between 200 and 600 µm fibers utilizing the cw TFL regarding VV (24.6 vs. 28.2 mm 3 /s), AD (5.6 vs. 5.7 mm), TMZ (0 vs. 0 mm 2 ) and CZ (18.1 vs. 12.3 mm 2 ). Using the SP TFL, no significant differences between both fiber diameters with regard to VV (4 vs. 6.2 mm 3 /s), AD (2.7 vs. 3.4 mm), TMZ (1 vs. 2.6 mm 2 ) and CZ (3.1 vs. 2.2 mm 2 ) at 120 W were found, respectively. However, the VV of the cw TFL at 60 W was significantly less compared to 120 W using 200 and 600 µm fibers, respectively, whereas the SP TFL did not show significant differences between 60 and 120 W with regard to VV. SP TFL showed a consistently lower CG compared to cw TFL., Conclusions: This experiment suggests that there is no significant difference using 200 or 600 µm laser fibers in cw or SP TFLs. However, the cw TFL produces a coagulation zone three to five times larger than the SP TFL regardless of the fiber diameter.

Objective: To compare the efficacy and safety of a novel thulium fiber laser for endoscopic enucleation of the prostate with monopolar transurethral resection of the prostate in patients with smaller glands (<80 cc)., Methods: A total of 51 patients underwent thulium fiber laser enucleation of the prostate, and 52 patients underwent monopolar transurethral resection of the prostate. All patients were assessed preoperatively, and at 3, 6, and 12 months postoperatively (International Prostate Symptom Score, maximum urine flow rate, International Prostate Symptom Score-quality of life). Preoperative prostate volumes and prostate-specific antigen levels were comparable (P = 0.543 and P = 0.078, respectively). The complications were graded according to the Clavien classification., Results: Mean surgery time was longer in the thulium fiber laser enucleation of the prostate group (46.6 ± 10.2 vs 39.9 ± 8.6 min, P < 0.001), while catheterization and hospital stay were greater in the transurethral resection of the prostate group (P < 0.001). At 12 months, there were no differences in functional outcomes (International Prostate Symptom Score, maximum urine flow rate). Despite comparable prostate volumes at 12 months (P = 0.864), the prostate-specific antigen level in the thulium fiber laser enucleation of the prostate group (0.5 ± 0.5 ng/mL) was lower than in the transurethral resection of the prostate group (1.1 ± 1.0 ng/mL; P < 0.001). Hemoglobin and serum sodium decrease was lower in the thulium fiber laser enucleation of the prostate group (1.01 ± 0.4 g/dL and 1.1 ± 1.1 mmol/L) than in the transurethral resection of the prostate group (1.8 ± 0.8 g/dL and 4.1 ± 1.1 mmol/L; P < 0.001). Urinary incontinence rates at 12 months were comparable (P = 0.316)., Conclusions: Thulium fiber laser enucleation of the prostate with novel thulium fiber laser in patients with smaller prostate glands (<80 cc) is comparable to transurethral resection of the prostate in voiding parameters improvement and complication rates. At the same time, the technique allows for a more substantial prostate-specific antigen decrease, indicating more complete removal of adenoma., (© 2019 The Japanese Urological Association.)

The purpose of this prospective study of 90 consecutive patients is to assess the long-term durability of ThuVEP in patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and prostate volumes ≥ 85 ml. Ninety patients with prostates ≥ 85 ml underwent ThuVEP between 2008 and 2010 at our institution. Patient demographics and short-term and long-term follow-up were evaluated. Maximum urinary flow rate (Qmax), post-void residual urine (PVR), international prostate symptom score (IPSS), quality of life (QoL), complications, and PSA were assessed at follow-up. Median age at surgery was 71 (66-75.25) years. Thirty-seven (41.1%) of the patients were in urinary retention at the time of surgery. Prostate volume was 100 (88-122) ml. Median follow-up was 36.5 (16-60) months. At 12-month follow-up, IPSS, QoL, Qmax, and PVR had improved significantly compared with preoperative assessment and continued to do so during follow-up (p < 0.001). At 4-year postoperative, median Qmax (19.1 vs. 7.75 ml/s), PVR (31.9 vs. 150 ml), IPSS (4.5 vs. 24), and QoL (1 vs. 5) differed significantly from baseline (p ≤ 0.027). PSA decreased from 7.4 (4.14-14) to 0.70 (0.36-1.64) μg/l (p < 0.001) at 48-month follow-up, corresponding to a PSA reduction of 86.48% (79.85-95.25%). Urinary tract infections occurred in 2 (2.2%) patients. Urethral stricture and bladder neck contracture developed in 1 (1.1%) patient each. One patient (1.1%) had recurrent adenoma of the prostate and was treated with thulium vaporesection of the prostate. ThuVEP is a durable modern alternative to open prostatectomy for patients with substantially enlarged prostates due to BPH. The incidence of complications with ThuVEP during long-term follow-up was low.

The spectrum of surgical procedures for the minimally invasive treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) has significantly increased over the last two decades. The simple suprapubic prostatectomy (subtotal prostatectomy, SP) has largely lost relevance in current practice. On the other hand, transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) has been further standardized and potentially made safer by the introduction of the bipolar technique and low-pressure systems.Transurethral (endoscopic) enucleation techniques (endoscopic enucleation of the prostate, EEP) are increasingly competing with the current gold standard TURP and are replacing SP for treatment of larger adenomas. This approach is especially related to the rapid development of laser technology, which has sustainably changed the face of modern BPH treatment in a similar way to stone therapy. This has been incorporated in the clinical patient management, clinical studies and standardization of numerous surgical techniques that are systematically described in this article. Additionally, efforts have also been made to use other energy sources, such as bipolar current in EEP. With respect to scientific objectivity, high-quality clinical trials are regularly published which further strengthen the position of EEP.

Introduction and Objectives: To evaluate the safety of holmium laser enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP) in patients on oral anticoagulation (OA) with respect to intra- and postoperative bleeding complications., Methods: Between January 2013 and October 2016, 2178 patients were included in this study, of whom 94 received direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) and 151 received vitamin K antagonists (VKAs) before HoLEP. All patients either ceased OA (DOACs) or were bridged subtherapeutically (VKAs, international normalized ratio <2) during surgery. These patients were compared to a sample size of 1933 nonanticoagulated patients., Results: A significant longer postoperative stay was noted for the patients on DOACs (5.2 [4-6] days) and VKAs (5.3 [4-5] days) compared to the control group (4.5 [4-4] days). The mean drop in hemoglobin was significantly higher in the VKA group compared to the DOAC and control group. There was a significantly higher rate of postoperative bladder tamponades/secondary coagulation in patients on OA with 6 (7.9%)/3 (3.9%) patients in the DOAC group, 10 (7.4%)/6 (4.4%) patients in the VKA group compared to 37 (2.2%)/21 (2.1%) patients in the control group, respectively (p < 0.001). Eight patients required blood transfusions with a distribution of 1 (1.3%), 3 (2.2%), and 4 (0.2%) patients in the DOAC, VKA, and control group, respectively (p < 0.001)., Conclusions: Our findings indicate that bridged patients who's DOACs and VKAs were ceased before HoLEP are at higher risk of intra- and postoperative bleeding complications. Nonetheless, HoLEP appears to be a safe and effective procedure in those patients.

Purpose: We compared the perioperative and postoperative characteristics of thulium vapoenucleation and holmium laser enucleation of the prostate for the treatment of large volume benign prostatic hyperplasia., Materials and Methods: A total of 94 patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia and a median prostate size of 80 (IQR 46.75-100) cc were either randomized to thulium vapoenucleation or holmium laser enucleation of the prostate. Patients were assessed preoperatively, 1 and 6 months postoperatively., Results: The median operative time was 60 (IQR 41-79) min without significant differences between the groups. There were no significant differences between the groups regarding catheter time [2 (IQR 2-2) days] and postoperative stay [2 (IQR 2-3) days]. Clavien 1 (13.8%), 2 (3.2%), 3a (2.1%), and Clavien 3b (4.3%) complications occurred without significant differences between the groups. At 6-month follow-up, median maximum flow rate (10.7 vs. 25.9 ml/s), post-void residual urine (100 vs. 6.5 ml), I-PSS (20 vs. 5), quality of life (4 vs. 1), PSA (4.14 vs. 0.71 µg/l), and prostate volume (80 vs. 16 ml) had improved significantly (p < 0.001) compared to baseline without significant differences between the groups. Median PSA decrease was 79.7% (58.8-90.6%) and prostate volume reduction was 74.5% (68.57-87.63%) without differences between the groups. The reoperation rate was zero at 6-month follow-up., Conclusions: Thulium vapoenucleation and holmium laser enucleation of the prostate are safe and effective procedures for the treatment of large volume benign prostatic hyperplasia. Both procedures give satisfactory micturition improvement with low morbidity and sufficient prostate volume reduction at 6-month follow-up.

Endoscopic enucleation of the prostate (EEP) techniques such as HoLEP (holmium laser enucleation of the prostate), ThuLEP (thulium laser enucleation of the prostate) and electroenucleation (mono- or bipolar) are highly effective and safe. They have been endorsed by the latest version of the European Association of Urology guidelines as an alternative to not only open adenomectomy but also transurethral resection of the prostate (EAU Guidelines on Treatment of Non-neurogenic Male LUTS 2018). Therefore, many urologists face the possibility of replacing the treatments of BPH. In this article, we analyze the history of EEP techniques, both their pros and cons and, what are they today - just a popular trend or a new standard procedure for the surgical treatment of BPH?

Purpose: To analyze the 12-month outcomes of low-powered holmium laser enucleation of the prostate (LP-HoLEP) for patients with symptomatic benign prostatic obstruction (BPO)., Methods: A total of 54 patients with symptomatic BPO were treated with LP-HoLEP. All patients were treated by two experienced LP-HoLEP surgeons. A 50-W Ho:YAG laser was used at 39.6-W (2.2 J, 18 Hz). All patients were assessed preoperatively by International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), quality of life (QoL), maximum flow rate (Qmax), post-void residual urine (PVR), PSA, and whole prostate volume measurement by transrectal ultrasound. The patients were reassessed at 1-, 6-, and 12-month follow-up. The complications were classified according to the modified Clavien classification system. Patient data were expressed as median (interquartile range) or numbers (%)., Results: The median age was 72.5 (67-77.25) years and the median preoperative prostate volume 74.5 (45-110) ml. 12 (22.2%) patients were treated with ongoing anticoagulant treatment. The median operative time was 65 (41-81) min and the enucleation efficiency 1.11 (0.82-1.79) g/min, respectively. Clavien 1 (11.1%), Clavien 2 (3.7%), Clavien 3a (3.7%), and Clavien 3b (5.5%) complications occurred. At 6-month follow-up, median prostate volume (74.5 vs. 15.5 ml) and PSA (4.03 vs. 0.54 µg/l) had improved significantly compared to baseline (p ≤ 0.009). At 12-month follow-up, Qmax (12 vs. 29.3 ml/s), PVR (155 vs. 11.15 ml), IPSS (22 vs. 6) and QoL (5 vs. 1) had improved significantly (p < 0.001)., Conclusions: LP-HoLEP is technically feasible, safe and effective for the treatment of symptomatic BPO. For experienced surgeons, power is less relevant than technique.

Background: Transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) is considered to be the standard treatment for patients with benign prostatic obstruction (BPO) ≤80 mL. However, up to 14.7% of the patients require secondary TURP due to recurrent BPO. The aim of our study was to describe specific features of holmium laser enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP) and thulium laser enucleation of the prostate (ThuLEP) in patients with recurrent BPO after previous prostate surgery., Materials and Methods: A total of 768 consecutive patients from our prospective collected database were retrospectively reviewed and divided into 4 groups: group A (489 patients) and group C (253 patients) underwent primary HoLEP and ThuLEP treatment, while group B (17 patients) and D (9 patients) included patients with recurrent BPO who were treated with HoLEP and ThuLEP, respectively., Results: There were no significant differences in preoperative parameters between the groups at primary (A and C) and secondary (B and D) treatment except their age. At 6-month follow-up, voiding parameters and symptom scores showed statistically significant improvements compared to baseline without differences between the groups. The mean operative time was comparable between the groups and did not differ significantly (p > 0.05)., Conclusions: Laser enucleation for the treatment of recurrent BPO is feasible and seems to be a safe and effective procedure., (© 2018 S. Karger AG, Basel.)

Introduction and Objectives: To compare the perioperative outcomes of thulium vapoenucleation of the prostate (ThuVEP) with holmium laser enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP) for patients with symptomatic benign prostatic obstruction (BPO)., Methods: Forty-eight and 46 patients were prospectively randomized to ThuVEP and HoLEP. All patients were assessed preoperatively and 4-week postoperatively. The complications were noted and classified according to the modified Clavien classification system. Patient data were expressed as median (interquartile range) or numbers (%)., Results: Median age at surgery was 73 (67-76) years and median prostate volume was 80 (46.75-100) cc and not different between the groups (p = 0.207). The median operative time was 60 (41-79) minutes without significant differences between both groups (p = 0.275). There were no significant differences between the groups regarding catheterization time [2 (2-2) days, p = 0.966] and postoperative stay [2 (2-3) days, p = 0.80]). Clavien 1 (13.8%), Clavien 2 (3.2%), Clavien 3a (2.1%), and Clavien 3b (4.3%) complications occurred without significant differences between the groups. However, the occurrence of acute postoperative urinary retention was higher after HoLEP compared to ThuVEP (15.2 vs. 2.1%, p ≤ 0.022). At 1-month follow-up, peak urinary flow rates (10.7 vs. 22 ml/s), post-void residual volumes (100 vs. 20 ml), International Prostate Symptom Score (20 vs. 10) and Quality of Life (4 vs. 3) had improved significantly (p ≤ 0.005) without significant differences between the groups., Conclusions: ThuVEP and HoLEP are safe and effective procedures for the treatment of symptomatic BPO. Both procedures give equivalent and satisfactory immediate micturition improvement with low perioperative morbidity.

Introduction and Objectives: To assess the 5-year outcomes of thulium vapoenucleation of the prostate (ThuVEP) in patients with benign prostatic obstruction (BPO) retrospectively., Methods: Five-hundred patients were treated with ThuVEP between January 2007 and January 2010 at our institution. Patients were reassessed 1 and 5-years after ThuVEP with International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), Quality of Life (QoL), urinary peak flow (Qmax), postvoid residual volume (PVR), PSA and prostate volume. Patient data were expressed as median (interquartile range)., Results: One-hundred and thirty-one patients completed the 5-year follow-up. According to preoperative prostate volume, patients were divided into two groups: group A (<60 ml, n = 80) and B (≥60 ml, n = 51). IPSS, QoL, Qmax, and PVR improved significantly at discharge and continued to do so during 5-year follow-up (p ≤ 0.001). At 1-year follow-up, prostate volume had decreased significantly (50 vs. 13 mL, p < 0.001) corresponding to a prostate volume reduction of 80.8%. PSA was significantly reduced at 5-year (0.72 µg/l) follow-up compared to preoperative PSA (3.39 µg/l, p ≤ 0.001). PSA-reduction (total 77.1%) at 5-year follow-up was significantly different between group A (70.2%) and B (83.5%) (p ≤ 0.006). IPSS was significantly lower in group B than in A (2.5 vs. 6, p < 0.001) at 5-year follow-up. Bladder neck contractures (n = 4) and urethral strictures (n = 4) occurred in 3.1% of the patients each. Three patients (2.3%) were re-treated for regrowth of prostatic tissue., Conclusions: ThuVEP is a durable procedure with regard to micturition improvement and PSA-reduction. The reintervention rate after ThuVEP was low during long-term follow-up.

Introduction & Objectives: Transurethral enucleation of the prostate for the management of benign prostatic obstruction (BPO) involves two steps: the enucleation and morcellation procedure. The aim of our study was to assess the efficacy of a morcellator device using disposable and reusable blades with different settings of morcellation speed., Methods: A prospective randomized study was initiated for patients with symptomatic BPO undergoing Thulium laser enucleation of the prostate. Mechanical tissue morcellation was performed using the Piranha™ morcellator (R. Wolf, Knittlingen, Germany) with disposable or reusable blades at 850 (n = 24) or 1500 revolutions per minute (rpm) (n = 24). Patient characteristics, intraoperative complications, and the morcellation rate (g/min) were recorded. Data are expressed as median and interquartile range (IQR)., Results: Forty-eight patients were randomized using disposable (n = 24) or reusable blades (n = 24). For reusable blades, the morcellation rate did not increase when changing the morcellation speed from 850 to 1500 rpm (5 vs 4.53 g/min, p = 0.843). The morcellation rate increased significantly when changing the morcellation speed from 850 to 1500 rpm using single-use blades (4.77 vs 10 g/min, p ≤ 0.014). The morcellation rate was not different at 850 rpm between reusable and single-use blades (5 vs 4.77 g/min, p = 0.671). Conversely, the morcellation rate was significantly different at 1500 rpm between reusable and single-use blades (4.53 vs 10 g/min, p ≤ 0.017). The total morcellation rate (at 850 and 1500 rpm) was significantly increased using single-use blades compared to reusable blades (7.67 vs 4.8 g/min, p ≤ 0.026). Interestingly, enucleated weight (g) and the morcellation rate (g/min) correlated inversely using single-use blades at 1500 rpm (r = -0.742, p ≤ 0.004). Only one superficial bladder injury occurred at 1500 rpm, which needed no further interventions., Conclusions: The Piranha morcellator facilitates efficient tissue removal with single-use and reusable blades. Disposable morcellator blades increase tissue removal significantly at 1500 rpm.

Purpose: TUR-prostate (TUR-P) is considered the reference method for surgical treatment of benign prostatic obstruction (BPO); Greenlight laser photoselective vaporization (PVP) and thulium laser vapoenucleation (ThuVEP) have also been established as treatments of BPO. Objective of this prospective observation was to compare a large numbers of patients treated in everyday routine., Methods: This prospective multicentre data collection assesses morbidity and perioperative course of consecutive men treated with BPO-related transurethral surgery between 2011 and 2014 in a German metropolis area with TUR-P, PVP or ThuVEP., Results: Two thousand six hundred and forty-eight patients have been treated in the time period. All treatment options achieved immediate improvement of voiding parameters. Multivariate analyses proved shorter hospital stay after laser treatments as compared to resection (p < 0.001). In terms of hospital stay, the advantage of ThuVEP compared to TUR-P increased with prostate volume (p < 0.001). Patients with ongoing anticoagulation or bridging had prolonged hospital stay (p < 0.001). Overall adverse events were least frequent in PVP (p 0.016), as were Clavien 3b events (p < 0.001)., Conclusions: Surgical treatment of BPO is effective and safe independent of the surgical procedure. Volume reduction is most effective in ThuVEP; PVP has the lowest rate of severe complications. Laser treatment is associated with shorter hospital stay. Surgery under ongoing anticoagulation prolonged the post-operative hospital stay.

Introduction: To evaluate the short-term results of thulium vaporesection of the prostate (ThuVEP) and thulium vapoenucleation of the prostate (ThuVARP) in patients with benign prostatic obstruction on oral anticoagulants (OA)., Methods: A 3-centre retrospective matched-paired comparison of patients treated by ThuVEP (n = 26) or ThuVARP (n = 26) was performed. Thirty-four patients were on aspirin/ticlopidin, 7 on clopidogrel or clopidogrel and aspirin, and 11 on phenprocoumon at the time of surgery., Results: Haemoglobin decrease was higher after ThuVEP compared to ThuVARP (1.5 vs. 0.3 g/dl, p < 0.001). The rate of postoperative blood transfusions (3.9 vs. 0%), clot retention (3.9 vs. 0%), and re-operation (7.7 vs. 0%) was not different between ThuVEP and ThuVARP (p = 0.274). Catheterization time was shorter for ThuVARP (1 vs. 2 days, p < 0.01). Qmax was significantly higher after ThuVEP at 6-month follow-up (31 vs. 21.5 ml/s, p < 0.001), while improvements in International Prostate Symptom Score, quality of life, and post-voiding residual urine showed no differences between the groups. Urethral or bladder neck strictures did not occur during the 6-month follow-up in both groups., Conclusions: ThuVEP and ThuVARP are safe and efficacious procedures in patients on OA. Although patients assigned to ThuVEP had higher Qmax at 6-month follow-up, ThuVARP resulted in similar functional outcomes., (© 2015 S. Karger AG, Basel.)

Background: Numerous studies have shown that thulium vapoenucleation of the prostate (ThuVEP) is a size-independent minimally invasive procedure for the treatment of benign prostatic enlargement. All ThuVEP series have been performed with a 2-µm thulium laser device so far. The aim of this study was to evaluate the complications and early postoperative results of two thulium-devices with different wavelengths for ThuVEP in prostates larger than 80 ml., Materials and Methods: A retrospective bi-centric matched-paired analysis with 296 patients was performed. Based on prostate size, 148 were matched at each centre and laser device, respectively. A 2-µm (RevoLix, LISA Laser products, Katlenburg, Germany n=148) and a 1.9-µm (vela XL, starmedtec, Starnberg, Germany, n=148) thulium laser with a power output of 90 and 80 W was used. Patients' data were assessed and compared., Results: The median prostate volume (interquartile) was 100 ml (range 86.25-120 ml). At discharge, Qmax (preoperative 7.9 and 9 ml/s vs. postoperative 19.35 and 16.2 ml/s) and postvoiding-residual urine (preoperative 130 and 45 ml vs. postoperative 20 and 25 ml) were significantly improved after 2-µm and 1.9-µm ThuVEP (p<0.001). The median catheterization time and hospitalization times were 2 and 4 days in both groups. Perioperative complications occurred in 89 patients (30.1%): Clavien 1 (12.2%), Clavien 2 (9.1%), Clavien 3a (0.7%), Clavien 3b (7.1%), and Clavien 4a (1%). Regarding the occurrence of complications, there were no differences between the two thulium devices., Conclusion: ThuVEP represents a safe and effective treatment for prostates larger than 80 ml. Both thulium laser devices give satisfactory immediate micturition improvement with low perioperative morbidity.

Introduction: To evaluate Thulium VapoEnucleation of the prostate (ThuVEP) for patients with symptomatic benign prostatic obstruction (BPO) with long-term follow-up., Methods: A prospective analysis of 124 patients who underwent ThuVEP between January 2007 and July 2008 at our institution was done. ThuVEP was carried out using the 70-Watt 2-μm continuous wave Tm:YAG laser. Patient demographic, perioperative complications, and follow-up data were analysed., Results: The median (interquartile range) preoperative prostate volume was 58.5 (45-70.75) cc. The median operation and enucleation time were 74 (60-100) and 32.54 (25.62-37.52) min, respectively. The median catheter time and postoperative hospital stay were 2 (2-2) and 4 (3-5) days, respectively. Nine (7.3 %) patients required a second-look operation in the immediate postoperative course (failed morcellation = 2, clot retention = 3, and residual adenoma = 4). Two patients needed blood transfusions (1.6 %) postoperatively. At 12-month follow-up, International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), quality of life (QoL), maximum urinary flow rate (Qmax), and postvoiding residual urine (PVR) improved significantly in comparison with preoperative assessment (p < 0.001). A significant decrease of median PSA (4.7 vs. 0.92 μg/l) was seen at one-year follow-up (p < 0.001). At the 48-month follow-up mark, Qmax, PVR, IPSS, and QoL still differed significantly from baseline (p < 0.001). Bladder neck contractures and urethral strictures each developed in 1.6 and 0.8 % of the patients during follow-up. None of the patients were re-treated during follow-up for recurrent prostatic tissue., Conclusions: ThuVEP is a safe, efficacious, and durable procedure for the treatment of BPO. The incidence of late complications with ThuVEP was low.

Objective: To evaluate the association between perioperative morbidity and prostate size in patients with benign prostatic obstruction treated with thulium:YAG vapoenucleation of the prostate (ThuVEP)., Methods: 687 patients were prospectively analyzed. Prostate size was <40 ml in 196 (group A), 40-79 ml in 336 (group B) and ≥80 ml in 155 (group C) patients., Results: The mean prostate sizes were 27.94 ± 6.77, 54.38 ± 10.54 and 109.8 ± 28.31 ml for groups A, B and C, respectively (p < 0.001). Hemoglobin loss (g/dl) differed significantly among group A (1.09 ± 1.02), group B (1.28 ± 1.27) and group C (1.62 ± 1.49) (p < 0.001). The correlation between hemoglobin loss and prostate size was very weak in all patients (r = 0.13, p ≤ 0.001). Peak urinary flow rates and post-voiding residual urine improved significantly (p < 0.001) without differences among the groups. The incidence of complications was low and not different among the groups (acute urinary retention 8%, urinary tract infection 4.66%, secondary apical resection 2.91%, transfusion rate 2.03%)., Conclusions: Perioperative morbidity and micturition improvement are not associated with prostate size in ThuVEP., (© 2014 S. Karger AG, Basel.)

Objective: To evaluate changes in erectile function after thulium VapoEnucleation of the prostate (ThuVEP) for the treatment of benign prostatic obstruction at 12-month follow-up., Materials and Methods: We prospectively evaluated 72 patients who underwent ThuVEP between January and July 2011. Preoperative evaluation included maximum urinary flow rate (Qmax), international prostate symptom score (IPSS), quality of life (QoL), postvoiding residual urine (PVR), and the Erectile function domain of the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-EF). According to preoperative IIEF-EF score, patients were classified into subgroup A (IIEF-EF ≥19, n = 38) and subgroup B (IIEF-EF <19, n = 34). All complications during the perioperative period were noted and classified according to the modified Clavien classification system. All patients were reassessed at 12-month follow-up by Qmax, IPSS, QoL, PVR, and IIEF-EF score. Patient data were expressed as median (interquartile range)., Results: Median patient age was 70 (65-73) years, and the median prostate volume was 52.5 (39.75-72) mL, respectively. At 12-month follow-up, IPSS (20 vs 4), QoL (4 vs 1), Qmax (9.7 vs 22.15 mL/s), and PVR (100 vs 15 mL) improved significantly in comparison with preoperative assessment (P ≤.001) without differences between subgroup A and B. A slight but not statistically significant increase of the IIEF-EF domain score was reported at 12-month follow-up (19.5 vs 20), which could be shown in subgroup A (25 vs 26) and B (6 vs 8)., Conclusion: ThuVEP is a safe and effective procedure for the treatment of benign prostatic obstruction. At 12-month follow-up, marginal nonsignificant erectile function improvement was reported after surgery., (Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Introduction: To evaluate the learning curve of Thulium:YAG VapoEnucleation of the prostate (ThuVEP) for patients with symptomatic benign prostatic obstruction (BPO) prospectively., Methods: ThuVEP was performed using the 120 Watt 2 μm continuous wave Thulium:YAG laser. ThuVEP was done by a resident without experience in transurethral prostate surgery (A, n = 32), an experienced endourologist (B, n = 32), and an experienced surgeon in ThuVEP (C, n = 32), who served as the mentor for A/B. Patients were divided into consecutive subgroups of 8 patients to assess the impact of the learning curve on procedure outcome. Patient demographic, perioperative, and 12-month follow-up data were analysed., Results: ThuVEP was successfully completed in all patients. Enucleation efficiency (g/min) differed significantly between surgeon A (0.48 ± 0.3), B (0.7 ± 0.36), and C (1.4 ± 0.67) (p ≤ 0.001). Enucleation efficiency correlated significantly with the weight of resected tissue in surgeon A (r = 0.88), B (r = 0.73), and C (r = 0.79) (p < 0.001). ThuVEP was performed by surgeon A and B with reasonable enucleation, morcellation, and overall operation efficiency after 8-16 procedures. At 12-month follow-up, 68 (71 %) patients were available for review. IPSS, QoL, Qmax, PVR, PSA, and prostate volume improved significantly at follow-up (p ≤ 0.023). Mean PSA/prostate volume reduction was 81.95/74.5, 80.7/79.4, and 87.6/75.9 % in surgeon A, B, and C, respectively. Urethral stricture and bladder neck contracture developed 2 (A = 1, B = 1; 2.1 %) patients and 1 (C, 1 %) patient each, respectively., Conclusions: ThuVEP can be performed with reasonable efficiency even during the initial learning course of the surgeon when closely mentored. Previous experience in the field of endourology is beneficial.

Background: Thulium vapoenucleation of the prostate (ThuVEP) has been introduced as a minimally invasive treatment for benign prostatic obstruction (BPO)., Objective: To analyze immediate outcomes and the institutional learning curve of ThuVEP, and to report its standardized complication rates, using the modified Clavien classification system (CCS) to grade perioperative complication rates., Design, Settings, and Participants: A prospective evaluation of 1080 patients undergoing ThuVEP from January 2007 until May 2012 at our institution., Intervention: ThuVEP was performed using the 2-μm, continuous-wave, thulium:yttrium-aluminum-garnet laser., Outcome Measurements and Statistical Analysis: Preoperative status, surgical details, and immediate outcome were recorded for each patient. Perioperative complications were classified according to the modified CCS., Results and Limitations: Median prostate size was 51 ml (interquartile range [IQR]: 36-78.7). Median operation time was 56 min (IQR: 40-80), and median enucleation time was 32.5 min (IQR: 22-50). Median catheterization time was 2 d (IQR: 2-2); median length of hospital stay was 4 d (IQR: 3-5). Median resected tissue weight was 30 g (IQR: 16.00-51.25). Incidental carcinoma of the prostate was detected in 59 (5.5%) patients. Median maximum urinary flow rate (8.9 vs 18.4 ml/s) and postvoid residual urine volume (120 vs 20 ml) changed significantly (p<0.001). Minor complications occurred in 24.6% of the patients (Clavien 1: 20.8%; Clavien 2: 3.8%). Early reinterventions were necessary in 6.6% of the patients (Clavien 3a: 0.6%; Clavien 3b: 6%). One Clavien 4 complication occurred (0.09%). The overall complication rates decreased significantly over time due to decreasing Clavien 1, 2, and 3b events. The major limitations of the study are the prospective, unicentric study design, the lack of a control group, and that only short-term data were documented on morbidity and efficacy of the ThuVEP procedure., Conclusions: ThuVEP is a safe and effective procedure for the treatment of symptomatic BPO, with low perioperative morbidity., (Copyright © 2012 European Association of Urology. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Purpose: To evaluate efficacy and safety of 200 W 2 μm thulium:yttrium-aluminum-garnet vapoenucleation of the prostate (ThuVEP) for patients with benign prostatic obstruction (BPO)., Patients and Methods: Twenty-eight consecutive patients with symptomatic BPO were treated with 200 W ThuVEP. Patients were matched for age and preoperative prostate volume with 28 patients from our 120 W ThuVEP database. Patient data and postoperative outcome at 12-month follow-up were compared., Results: Mean prostate volume (65.39 vs 68.62 cc) and resected weight (40.72 vs 53.18 g) differed not significantly between 200 and 120 W ThuVEP. The percentage of resected tissue was lower with 200 W compared with 120 W (58.48 vs 72.93%, P=0.047) because of the higher rate of ablated tissue. There were no differences in mean operative (69.21 vs 78.67 min), laser (45.43 vs 48.58 min), morcellation (16.52 vs 20.48 min), and catheter (2.2 vs 2.1 d) time between the devices. Three patients needed immediate re-treatment (hemorrhage necessitating coagulation 1=200 W, secondary apical resection 2 120/200 W). One (1.79%) patient (120 W) needed a blood transfusion postoperatively. Fifty-one (91%) patients completed 12-month follow-up. Quality of life, International Prostate Symptom Score, peak urinary flow rate, postvoid residual urine, prostate-specific antigen level, and prostate volume improved significantly (P≤0.019) and were not different between the devices. At follow-up, two (3.57%) patients (120/200 W) had a bladder neck contracture., Conclusions: ThuVEP is a safe and efficacious procedure for patients with symptomatic BPO. 120 and 200 W ThuVEP had an equivalent clinical outcome at 12-month follow-up.

Purpose: Tm:YAG vapoenucleation was introduced as a minimally invasive treatment in patients with benign prostatic obstruction. The efficiency and safety of Tm:YAG vapoenucleation must still be confirmed in large volume prostates to prove the size independence of this promising treatment option. We evaluated the safety and efficiency of Tm:YAG vapoenucleation in patients with a prostate volume of 80 cc or greater and benign prostatic obstruction during a 12-month followup., Materials and Methods: Included in this trial were 90 consecutive patients undergoing 90 W Tm:YAG vapoenucleation. Vapoenucleation was done using the 2 μm continuous wave Tm:YAG laser combined with a mechanical tissue morcellator. We analyzed patient demographic, perioperative and 12-month followup data. Complications were assessed., Results: Mean preoperative prostate volume was 108.6 cc (range 80 to 200), mean International Prostate Symptom Score was 23.5 (range 8 to 35) and mean quality of life score was 4.3 (range 1 to 6). There was an 86% reduction (range 67% to 99%) in prostate volume on transrectal ultrasound by 12 months and an 88% decrease (range 58% to 100%) in prostate specific antigen. International Index of Erectile Function score remained stable. Peak urinary flow rate, International Prostate Symptom Score and quality of life improved significantly (p <0.001), as did post-void residual urine. The overall complication rate was manageable. Two patients required blood transfusion and 10 experienced early postoperative stress incontinence. During followup 7% of patients had symptomatic urinary tract infection and 2 had persistent grade I stress urinary incontinence. The reoperation rate due to urethral stricture was 1.8% during the 12-month followup., Conclusions: Tm:YAG vapoenucleation is a safe, effective and size independent treatment option for benign prostatic obstruction. As shown by reductions in transrectal ultrasound prostate volume and prostate specific antigen, complete removal of the adenoma can be achieved by this procedure., (Copyright © 2011 American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Purpose: Thulium:YAG (Tm:YAG) VapoEnucleation has been introduced and relief of obstruction was demonstrated. The aim of this study was to proof durability of the outcomes in patients with an postoperative follow-up >12 month., Methods: VapoEnucleation was performed using a 70 Watt continuous-wave-laser. After enucleation tissue was morcellated within the bladder. Patients were followed in terms of improvement of uroflow, intra- and postoperative course and for occurring complications., Results: 88 consecutive patients with prostatic enlargement underwent our initial series of VapoEnucleation. Prostatic volume was 61.3 +/- 24.0 cc (30-160). OR-time was 72 min +/-26.6 (35-144) and laser-time 32.4 +/- 10.1 min (16.3-59.3). Applied laser energy was 123.7 +/- 40.6 kJ (67.8-240.9). Foley catheter-time was 2.1 +/- 1.06 days on average. In 79/88 patients the postoperative period extended 12 month (mean: 16.5 month). 2 patients deceased during the follow-up, 15 patients did not respond. Therefore, 62/77 patients were available for follow-up. Flow-rate and post-voiding residual urine improved significantly [3.5 vs. 23.3 ml/s (p < 0.001); 121.3 vs. 33.4 ml (p < 0.05)]. IPSS decreased from 18.4 to 6.8, QoL dropped from 4.6 to 1.4. Early complications were urinary tract infection (n: 6/6.8%), bleeding (n: 5/5.6%) and immediate re-treatment (n: 2/2.2%), as well as urethral stricture (n: 1/1.6%) during follow-up. Postoperative short-term dysuria was recorded in 27% of the patients., Conclusion: VapoEnucleation is a safe and effective minimal invasive treatment modality for BPO. The improvement in voiding and bother is durable in patients with a postoperative period extending 12 month.

Background: Numerous studies have shown that thulium vapoenucleation of the prostate (ThuVEP) is a size-independent minimally invasive procedure for the treatment of benign prostatic enlargement. All ThuVEP series have been performed with a 2-µm thulium laser device so far. The aim of this study was to evaluate the complications and early postoperative results of two thulium-devices with different wavelengths for ThuVEP in prostates larger than 80 ml.Materials and Methods: A retrospective bi-centric matched-paired analysis with 296 patients was performed. Based on prostate size, 148 were matched at each centre and laser device, respectively. A 2-µm (RevoLix, LISA Laser products, Katlenburg, Germany n=148) and a 1.9-µm (vela XL, starmedtec, Starnberg, Germany, n=148) thulium laser with a power output of 90 and 80 W was used. Patients' data were assessed and compared.Results: The median prostate volume (interquartile) was 100 ml (range 86.25-120 ml). At discharge, Qmax (preoperative 7.9 and 9 ml/s vs. postoperative 19.35 and 16.2 ml/s) and postvoiding-residual urine (preoperative 130 and 45 ml vs. postoperative 20 and 25 ml) were significantly improved after 2-µm and 1.9-µm ThuVEP (p<0.001). The median catheterization time and hospitalization times were 2 and 4 days in both groups. Perioperative complications occurred in 89 patients (30.1%): Clavien 1 (12.2%), Clavien 2 (9.1%), Clavien 3a (0.7%), Clavien 3b (7.1%), and Clavien 4a (1%). Regarding the occurrence of complications, there were no differences between the two thulium devices.Conclusion: ThuVEP represents a safe and effective treatment for prostates larger than 80 ml. Both thulium laser devices give satisfactory immediate micturition improvement with low perioperative morbidity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]