Marco Martini

Monopolar Transurethral Enucleation of Prostatic Adenoma: Preliminary Report

OBJECTIVE To describe preliminary results of our monopolar transurethral enucleation of prostatic adenoma (mTUEPA). MATERIALS AND METHODS A consecutive series of male patients treated with mTUEPA, a retrograde enucleation of the prostatic adenoma performed by means of a standard monopolar resectoscope, were prospectively enrolled. Symptoms, uroflowmetry parameters, and post-voiding residual were assessed at baseline and at 1, 6, and 12 months postoperatively. Prostate volume was evaluated at baseline by means of transrectal ultrasound. Antiplatelet and anticoagulant drugs were stopped at least 1 week before the operation. RESULTS Forty-seven patients were enrolled. Mean preoperative prostate volume was 64.9 ± 28.5 g. When assessed at baseline, the mean total International Prostatic Symptoms Score was 15.2 ± 3.9, peak flow rate (Qmax) was 8.4 ± 2.9 mL/s and the post-voiding residual was 103.2 ± 90.6 mL. Four weeks after surgery, patients reported a mean International Prostatic Symptoms Score of 5.3 ± 3. This lower urinary tract symptoms relief was further maintained at 6 and 12 months after surgery. A significant postoperative improvement in uroflowmetry parameters was described, being the 6 and 12 months mean Qmax of 23.4 ± 10.6 mL/s and 18.8 ± 9.2 mL/s, respectively (P < .001). Overall, 14 postoperative complications were reported by 13 of 47 (27.6%) patients: most of them were minor complications (Clavien-Dindo Grade I-II), whereas 1 patient reported capsule perforation during surgery, requiring interruption of the procedure and its further completion (Clavien-Dindo IIIb). CONCLUSION mTUEPA is a safe and effective technique, merging the principles of laser enucleation and the advantages of mechanical enucleation with standard monopolar transurethral resection of the prostate equipment.