The use of prostatic urethral lift to effectively alleviate lower urinary tract symptoms while preserving sexual function in patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia

A recent study demonstrated that prostatic urethral lift (PUL) offers benefits compared to control interventions, showing promising potential for managing benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). This study findings were published in the journal, Archivio italiano di urologia, andrologia. 
Cochrane CENTRAL, EBSCO, MEDLINE, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar databases were searched using relevant terms related to PUL and BPH. Only randomized controlled trials (RCTs) from 2013 to 2023 were considered, following the PRISMA checklist. The assessment focused on lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS), sexual function, quality of life, and adverse events within 3 months. Post-treatment mean values were compared with Sham (controls), and the progress from baseline to post-treatment follow-up duration was considered. The statistical analysis and assessment of bias risk were carried out with Review Manager 5.4.1, showcasing findings in terms of mean difference (MD) and risk ratios (RR).
A meta-analysis involving 378 confirmed BPH patients across 7 RCTs and utilizing a Random Effects Model revealed significant improvements in the PUL arm. These improvements included international prostate symptom score (IPSS) (MD 5.51, p<0.0001), maximum urinary flow rate (Qmax) (MD 2.13, p=0.0001), IPSS-QoL (MD 1.50, p<0.0001), and BPH Impact Index (BPHII) (MD 2.14, p=0.0001) . There was no significant increase in adverse events (RR 1.51; p=0.50). Additionally, positive outcomes were observed in post-void residual measurements and sexual function variables when post-treatment values were compared to baseline.
The above study showed that PUL provides benefits when compared to control treatments, displaying promising potential for the management of BPH.