Transperineal laser ablation as a new minimally invasive surgical therapy for benign prostatic hyperplasia: a systematic review of existing literature

Abstract

Introduction: Transperineal laser ablation (TPLA) of the prostate is a new, minimally invasive technique for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) with promising effectiveness and safety outcomes. This systematic review aims to provide an update of existing literature. Methods: A literature review was performed in Pubmed/MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane Library, and clinicaltrials.gov from January 2000 up to April 2023. Data extraction and risk of bias were performed independently by three authors. Results: A total of 11 studies were included, among which 9 were observational, 1 randomized controlled trial, 1 animal study, while 2 of them were comparative (1 with prostatic artery embolization and 1 with transurethral resection of the prostate). Functional outcomes were improved in the majority of studies both for objective (maximum flow rate and post-void residual) and subjective outcomes (improvement of International Prostate Symptom Score and quality of life). Complication rates ranged between 1.9% and 2.3% for hematuria, 3.7% and 36.3% for dysuria, 1.9% and 19% for acute urinary retention, 0.6% and 9.1% for orchitis/urinary tract infections, and 0.6% and 4.8% for prostatic abscess formation. Regarding sexual function, >95% of patients retained their ejaculation while erectile function was maintained or improved. Conclusion: TPLA of the prostate is an innovative, minimally invasive technique for managing patients with BPH. Existing studies indicate an effective technique in reducing International Prostate Symptom Score and quality of life scores, post-void residual reduction, and increase in Qmax, albeit the measured improvements in terms of Qmax are not equal to transurethral resection of the prostate. Although sexual function is maintained, the mean catheterization time is 7 days, and no long-term data are available for most patients.

Transperineal laser ablation (TPLA) of the prostate for benign prostatic obstruction: the first 100 patients cohort of a prospective, single-center study

“…In recent years, there has been a growing interest from both patients and clinicians for minimally invasive and ultra-minimally invasive surgical techniques (MISTs and uMISTs), aiming to minimize side effects in favor of an approach that ensures favorable efficacy outcomes [ 11 , 12 ]. In this context, the ultrasound-guided SoracteLite™ transperineal laser ablation (TPLA) represents a new option for minimally-invasive surgical treatment of patients with BPH with potential advantages for patients and healthcare systems [ 13 , 14 ]. To evaluate the potential and the effect of this technique, we developed a prospective descriptive study and herein, we report the perioperative and mid-term functional results of the first monocentric cohort of 100 patients treated with TPLA in our institution.…”