Holmium laser enucleation of the prostate with transurethral intraprostatic anesthesia using Schelin catheter: a preliminary communication

Introduction This study was aimed to evaluate the feasibility, safety, and advantages of the use of transurethral intraprostatic anesthesia (TUIA) using Schelin Catheter™ (SC) in patients undergoing holmium laser enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP). Material and methods TUIA was performed using SC, a catheter equipped with an operative channel with a retractile needle, a standard drainage outlet, and a balloon port. After inserting the SC into the patient's urethra and filling the balloon to anchor it in the bladder neck, four target injections with local anesthetic were performed, one in each quadrant in the base area of the prostate. After injections, the catheter was removed and the HoLEP procedure started. During the procedure, patients also received moderate sedation/analgesia. Results We selected two 63-year-old patients with good performance status. Prostate volume was 40 ml for the first patient and 31 ml for the second. TUIA and HoLEP operative times were 68 minutes in the first patient and 42 minutes in the second. During the procedure, patients complained of only minimal discomfort, and during hospitalization patients' numeric rating scale (NRS) pain score ranging from 1 to 0, with no need for additional analgesics. No complications were reported perioperatively and 15 days after the procedure. Conclusions This is the first report on TUIA via SC in patients undergoing HoLEP. In our preliminary experience, TUIA via SC was safe and feasible, showing complete perioperative pain control. Further studies are needed to confirm these promising results and better define the category of patients eligible for this type of treatment.