Objective
To evaluate outcomes of transurethral bipolar enucleation (TuBE) of the prostate on patients with refractory lower urinary tract symptoms.
Methods
A retrospective analysis was performed on patients undergoing TuBE from July 2014 to March 2015. Perioperative factors evaluated included international prostate symptom score (IPSS), sexual health inventory men (SHIM), prostate specific antigen (PSA), post void residual volume (PVR), trans rectal ultrasound volume measurement, estimated blood loss, operative time, pathologic weight, and complications. Postoperative evaluation was performed at 6 weeks and 3 months.
Results
49 patients were identified. Mean age was 67 years old, mean follow up was 4.4 months. 28 patients (57%) were in retention. Preoperative, 6 week and 3 month mean PVR was 278 ml, 66 ml and 87 ml (p <0.01); mean IPSS was 22, 9 and 8 (p <0.01); mean QOL was 5.0, 1.9 and 1.9; and SHIM was 7.1, 8.4 and 7.0 (p =0.35) respectively. 28 patients (57%) were able to have erections preoperatively and were still able to postoperatively. All (100%) of patients in retention were able to void postoperatively. Mean operative time was 93 minutes, EBL was 49 ml, and pathologic weight was 18 grams. Urinary tract infection occurred in 3 patients (6%), urethral stricture in one (2%) and bladder neck contracture in 2 (4%). Mean PSA decreased from 3.2 ng/dL to 0.9 ng/dL at 3 months (P < 0.01).
Conclusions
TuBE is an effective operation for refractory urinary tract symptoms including those in urinary retention.