Can the penile cuff test predict outcomes for laser surgery in men with BPH?

This study aimed to investigate the use of the penile cuff test (PCT) to predict outcome after Holmium laser enucleation (HLE). This study found that PCT can be used in patients to predict good functional outcome and improved quality of life following treatment with HLE. 

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate gland. BPH can impede the flow of urine. This leads to lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) such as dribbling of urine and a feeling of incomplete bladder emptying. Holmium laser enucleation (HLE) can be used to treat BPH. This procedure uses a laser to remove prostate tissue that is blocking urine flow. The penile cuff test (PCT) is a device (resembling a blood pressure cuff) placed around the penis before voiding to measure bladder pressure. It is unclear how effective it is in predicting the outcome of surgery.

This study included 125 patients. They had the PCT before and 3 months after HLE. The PCT categorized them into obstructed or unobstructed groups. The PCT also classified some patients as uncertain for obstruction. Patients assessed their symptoms and quality of life using questionnaires at the beginning of the study and 3 months after surgery.

Treatment effectiveness and symptom relief were not different between obstructed and non-obstructed patients. After surgery, 75.7% of patients with obstruction and 63.6% of patients categorized as uncertain for obstruction were then moved to the non-obstructed group. 77.3% of non-obstructed patients remained in the non-obstructed group. After HLE the majority of patients were classified as non-obstructed. Significantly more patients in the obstructed group were good responders regarding quality of life after surgery compared to the non-obstructed group.

This study found that the PCT can be used in patients to predict good functional outcome and improved quality of life following treatment with HLE. 

This study had a very short follow up period of only 3 months. Further long-term studies are needed.

If you have concerns regarding treatment for BPH, please consult with your doctor.