A Single Surgeon’s Experience with Prostatic Urethral Lift

The results of what researchers said is the largest single surgeon series of prostatic urethral lift (PUL) were presented at the American Urological Association Annual Meeting.

Patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) with associated lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) are more likely to have a poorer quality of life (QOL). PUL is a minimally invasive procedure with long-term durability and few side effects. There is also no associated erectile or ejaculatory dysfunction associated with the procedure. While previous data exist, according to the researchers, there are no long-term single series data available on the subject.

This retrospective study reviewed patients who underwent PUL from June 2016 through May 2018 performed by a single surgeon. The researchers evaluated baseline and postoperative international prostatic symptom score (IPSS), QOL, and post void residuals (PVR). Values were compared before and after treatment using a paired-samples T-test.

A total of 156 patients (average age, 69 years) were included in the study. Average prostate volume was 53.9, average number of implants used was 5.5, and average postoperative catheter duration was 1.6 days. When evaluating IPSS, 151 paired samples were available; for QOL, there were 142, and for PVR, 116. Mean follow-up time was 7.6 months. Significant improvements were observed in IPSS (from 18.9 to 6.7), QOL (from 4.1 to 1.7), and PVR (from 153.1 to 64.2).

The study authors concluded that IPSS improved by 65%, QOL by 59%, and PVR by 58% after about 7.6 months. They anticipate that they will be able to confirm the findings of previous studies as their data set matures. They also hope to provide data on patients in urinary retention, with prostate volumes < 30 grams or > 80 grams and having prior prostate interventions—populations previously excluded from PUL.

McMahon GC, Panuganti S, Wilson M, et al. Large Retrospectively Managed Single Surgeon Experience with Prostatic Ureteral Lift.