‘Minimum-incision’ endoscopically assisted transvesical prostatectomy: Surgical technique and early outcomes

ObjectiveTo describe the surgical technique and report the early outcomes of a ‘minimum-incision’ endoscopically assisted transvesical prostatectomy (MEATP) for managing benign prostatic obstruction secondary to a large (>80 g) prostate.Patients and methodsIn a prospective feasibility trial, 60 men with large benign prostates underwent MEATP. The baseline and postoperative evaluation included the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), a measurement of maximum urinary flow rate (Qmax), and the postvoid residual (PVR) urine volume. The adenoma was enucleated digitally through a 3-cm suprapubic skin incision, and haemostasis was completed with endoscopic coagulation of the prostatic fossa. Perioperative complications were recorded and stratified according to the modified Clavien–Dindo score.ResultsThe mean (SD, range) prostate weight estimated by ultrasonography was 102.9 (15.4, 80–160) g, the operative duration was 52 (8, 40–65) min, the haemoglobin loss was 2.1 (1, 0.4–5) g/dL, the catheterisation time was 5.2 (1.3, 4–9) days, and the hospital stay was 6.2 (1.4, 5–10) days. There were 21 complications recorded in 16 (27%) patients, and most (86%) were of grades 1 and 2. The most frequent complications were bleeding requiring a blood transfusion (8%), and prolonged drainage (5%). There was a significant improvement at 3 months after surgery in the IPSS (8.6 vs. 21.6, P < 0.001), Qmax (19.5 vs. 7.7, P < 0.001), and PVR (15.8 vs. 83.9 mL, P < 0.001).ConclusionMEATP is feasible, safe and effective. Comparative studies and long-term data are required to determine its role in the surgical treatment of large-volume BPH.