Safety profile of GreenLight XPS laser photoselective vaporisation of the prostate in patients at high risk of bleeding

Abstract

Objective: This study aimed to assess the utility and safety profile of the GreenLight Xcelerated Performance System (XPS) photoselective vaporisation of the prostate (PVP) to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) in high-risk patients. Patients and methods: A retrospective study of a prospectively managed database was carried out. The study reviewed a single surgeon’s experience of treating high-risk patients with GreenLight XPS PVP between two sites over a four-year period. Patients considered to be high risk were those who were at an increased risk of bleeding, those who had a prostate size >80 mL, those with preoperative urinary retention and/or those aged >80 years. Results: In total, 374 patients were identified as being high risk for GreenLight PVP. Patient age ranged from 44 to 96 years ( Mage=71 years). Of the 374 patients, 103 were aged >80 years. All 374 patients were considered to be at an increased risk of bleeding, as they underwent GreenLight PVP while taking antiplatelet agents (not including aspirin), anticoagulant agents or both. Ninety-one patients had preoperative urinary retention and indwelling urinary catheter. Fifty-four patients had a prostate size >80 mL. Length of stay varied from 1 to 14 days. Most patients ( n=270) were discharged on postoperative day 1. There were no perioperative blood transfusions. One patient developed acute coronary syndrome on postoperative day 4, requiring percutaneous coronary intervention. Twenty-two patients required readmission: 12 due to urinary retention with or without haematuria, and 10 due to haematuria without associated acute retention. Two patients required cystoscopy and bladder washout. There were two blood transfusions in the ‘readmission due to haematuria’ group. Outcomes for patients aged >80 years were favourable. The average length of stay was 2.7 days (range 1–14 days). This group was responsible for 12 of the 22 readmissions. There were no perioperative cardiovascular events. Conclusion: We conclude that GreenLight XPS PVP is a safe procedure in patients with one or more high-risk factors. The ability to proceed without the need to stop antiplatelets or anticoagulant agents also allows for high-risk medical patients to be treated without the additional risks of cardiovascular events. Level of evidence: Not applicable for this multicentre audit.