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In a nutshell
This study aimed to investigate the outcomes after prostatic urethral lift (PUL) procedure in patients who have benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). This study found that PUL can help with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS), even in patients with severe BPH.
Some background
People diagnosed with benign prostatic hyperplasia (non-cancerous overgrowth of the prostate) or BPH often experience lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS). These include dribbling of urine, incomplete emptying of the bladder and nocturia (getting up to urinate during the night). Options to treat BPH include medications or surgery. One type of surgery commonly used is trans-urethral resection of the prostate (TURP). This procedure involves a surgical instrument inserted in the urethra to remove excess prostate tissue blocking urine flow.
Another option is the prostatic urethral lift (PUL). PUL is a minimally-invasive procedure that involves using implants in the prostate to allow more space for the urethra. This allows better flow of urine. PUL has been shown to be effective in patients with moderate disease. However, it is unclear if PUL can be used for patients with severe BPH.
Methods & findings
This study included 86 patients with BPH treated with PUL. Maximum urinary flow, urinary symptoms, and quality of life (QoL) were assessed at baseline and at 1, 6, 12, and 24 months after surgery. 38.4% of patients had severe BPH.
Within 1 month 74 (86%) patients reported relief of LUTS. They reported improvements in urinary flow and QoL. These improvements were maintained at 24 months. 12.8% of patients reported persistence of LUTS and needed retreatment over 2 years.
Side effects were reported in 14% of patients after the procedure. These included pain while urinating and bloody urine. Sexual function including ejaculation was unchanged or improved.
The bottom line
This study found that PUL can help with LUTS, even in patients with severe BPH.
The fine print
This study had a small number of participant. Also, there was no comparison group.
Published By :
World Journal of Urology
Date :
Oct 04, 2018
