Case Reports in Clinical Medicine
Vol.07 No.12(2018), Article ID:88905,11 pages
10.4236/crcm.2018.712053

Enucleation of a Giant Prostatic Hyperplasia in Ghana: A Case Report and Mini Literature Review

Alexander K. Egote1*, Paul Poku Sampene Ossei2, John Taylor2, Theophilus Bortier1

1Department of Surgery, Urology Unit, Brong Ahafo Regional Hospital, Sunyani, Ghana

2Department of Pathology, School of Medical Sciences, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, Kumasi, Ghana

Copyright © 2018 by authors and Scientific Research Publishing Inc.

This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution International License (CC BY 4.0).

http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Received: October 11, 2018; Accepted: November 27, 2018; Published: November 30, 2018

ABSTRACT

Herein we report a patient with a prostatic hyperplasia weighing exactly 700 g which was successfully removed at the Brong Ahafo Regional Hospital theatre in Ghana by Pfannesteil Transvesical Simple Prostatectomy. A prostatic hyperplasia of enormous size is very uncommon and to the best of our knowledge, only ten of such cases have been previously reported. The case report presented here constitutes the eleventh heaviest prostate reported in medical literature and also forms the first case report of giant prostatic hyperplasia from Ghana.

Keywords:

Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia, Prostatectomy, Transvesical, Case Report

1. Introduction

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) in males has been shown to be commonly associated with the ageing process [1] [2] . As a man ages, the enlarged prostate usually produces obstructive and irritative lower urinary tract symptoms. The size of the prostate is independent of symptoms [3] and smaller size may produce symptoms whereas bigger size may not. In some people, the prostate enlarges massively (weighing more than 500 g) consequently developing into a giant prostatic hyperplasia (GPH) [4] [5] . Despite its undesirable effects, researchers have not identified any specific cause for this massive enlargement of the prostate. The case under discussion is a patient who was in his usual state of health till about 2 weeks prior to presentation when he complained of difficulty in passing urine and stools. He experienced symptoms of straining on micturition, weak stream, intermittency and incomplete emptying of the bladder. He also complained of frequency and nocturia.

He suffered an episode of acute retention of urine about a week prior to presentation and was rushed to a peripheral health facility and consequently to our facility for further management. Examination of the patient revealed a massive prostate enlargement weighing exactly 700 g. The prostate’s large size and the relative lack of symptoms prior to patient presentation further explained the fact that symptoms do not necessarily correlate with the size of the prostate. To the best of our knowledge, this is the eleventh largest benign prostatic hyperplasia presented in medical literature. Though our patient could not survive in this case, we provide recommendations and suggestions to advance surgical treatment.

2. Case Report

This is an 88-year-old male retired civil servant with no history of alcohol or tobacco use and no known history of any chronic condition. He was in his usual state of health till about 2 weeks prior to presentation when he complained of difficulty in passing urine and stools. He experienced symptoms of straining on micturition, weak stream, intermittency and incomplete emptying of the bladder. He also complained of frequency and nocturia. He suffered an episode of acute retention of urine about a week prior to presentation and was rushed to a peripheral health facility. A suprapubic catheter was passed to relieve the obstruction after a failed urethral catheterization, but he was subsequently noticed to have experienced an episode of heamaturia and was referred to our facility (Brong Ahafo Regional Hospital in Sunyani, Ghana) for expert urological care on 1st March 2018.

Examination revealed an elderly male, conscious, alert but confused. He was not pale, not febrile and had no bipedal edema. He had no prior history of any chronic condition, and this was the first episode of acute retention of urine. He also had no known family history of BPH or prostate cancer. Pupils were about 2 mm in size and reacted directly and consensual to light. Tone and reflexes in both upper and lower limbs were normal but power in the lower limbs could not be objectively assessed. The abdomen was soft, full, non-tender with a huge suprapubic mass. His blood pressure was 130/70 mmHg, pulse was 96 beats-per-minute and jugular veinous pressure was not raised. The first and second heart sounds were present and normal with apex beat in the Left 6th intercostal space, anterior axillary line. Respiratory rate was 22 cycles/minute, air entry was adequate bilaterally and breath sound was vesicular with no added sounds. Digital rectal examination revealed good anal hygiene and normal sphincter tone. The prostate was enlarged (about 12 cm × 15 cm) with a smooth surface, well defined edges, firm consistency, non-tender, non-obliterated median sulcus and a mobile rectal mucosa over the surface of the prostate. An initial impression of Urine retention due to lower urinary tract obstruction and bleeding BPH was made with a differential diagnosis of prostate cancer. Patient was admitted to the ward for the following work-up and treatment:

1) Blood investigations; full blood count, renal function test, PSA, liver function test, fasting lipid profile;

2) Radiological Investigations; urological ultrasound scan;

3) Parasitology; Urine R/E and Urine C/S.

After laboratory investigation (Table 1) and examinations, a diagnosis of lower urinary tract obstruction (LUTO) due to bleeding benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) complicated by urinary tract infection (UTI) was confirmed. Patient was started on: Tab. Ciprofloxacillin 500 mg 12 hourly, Tab. Metronidazole 400 mg 8 hourly, Tab. Tranexamic Acid 500 mg 8 hourly and haemotransfusion of 2 units of packed cells. Also, 3 units of packed cells were grouped and saved for theatre and patient was subsequently prepared for an open simple Transvesical Prostatectomy.

3. Surgery

Patient was operated upon 7th March 2018. Under sterile condition and spinal anaesthesia, patient was well draped, pfannesteil incision was made through the fascia (Figure 1 & Figure 2). Rectus muscles retracted longitudinally through it fibres, bladder opened in transverse to expose huge adenomatosed prostate occupying the whole bladder wall (Figure 3). Enucleation with the right index finger with support of the left index finger in the rectum was made. Findings were giant lobed prostate tissue (Figure 4). A 3 Way 22F silicon catheter was placed at the fossa of the enucleated prostate and its balloon inflated with 40 ml distilled water to achieve haemostasis. It served the purpose of continuous bladder drainage. Massively distended bladder was closed in 2 layers with vicryl 2 (Figure 5). Drainage tube was placed in the pelvis. Rectus muscle apposed with vicryl 0 and fascia with nylon 2, subcutaneous layer with vicryl 2/0 and skin with nylon 2/0.

Table 1. Laboratory investigation report of patient.

Figure 1. Grossly distended lower abdomen above the umbilicus due huge adenomatosed prostate.

Figure 2. Surgery in Progress.

Figure 3. Grossly distended bladder wall totally filled with huge prostate tissue (about 1.5 L of blood clots).

Post operation condition was satisfactory. Patient was haemotransfused 2 paint of packed cells after operation. The enucleated prostate weighed exactly 700 g (Figure 6) and sample specimen was sent for histopathology examination at the pathology department, Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, Kumasi, Ghana.

Histopathology report: Sections showed prostate with proliferation of stroma and glands. The glands gave a cystic dilation with bland epithelium and intact basal cells. There were numerous corpora amylocae. These features were in

Figure 4. Giant prostate specimen.

Figure 5. Double layer closure of bladder with vicryl 2.

Figure 6. Enucleated prostate specimen weighed 700 g.

keeping with benign hyperplasia. A diagnosis of benign nodular hyperplasia was made (Figure 7).

Immediate post op. condition was satisfactory and the post op. plan included;

1) Monitoring of vital signs half hourly until the patient recovered fully from anaesthesia, and then 4 hourly subsequently.

Figure 7. Sections of prostate showing benign nodular hyperplasia.

2) Continuous irrigation for 24 hours.

3) IV Ceftriaxone 2 g 12 hourly for 24 hours.

4) IV Metronidazole 500 mg 8 hourly for 24 hours.

5) IM Pethidine 100 mg 12 hourly for 24 hours.

6) IV Paracetamol 1 g 8 hourly for 3 days.

3.1. Post Op Day 1

Patient had no complaints. Both suprapubic and urethral catheter was draining blood stained fluid from continuous irrigation. Wound dressing was soaked, temperature was 37.6˚C, pulse was 87 beats/min (Regular and of good volume) and BP and RBS measured 110/50 mmHg and 12.1 mmol/L respectively.

Plan was to; Continue treatment. Change wound dressing, continue bladder irrigation for another 24 hours and check post op FBC.

3.2. Post Op Day 2

Patient complained of persistent hiccups. Suprapubic and urethral catheters were draining much clearer urine. Wound dressing was soaked, temperature was 35.4˚C, pulse was 80 beats/min and BP also measured 130/60 mmHg. Chest was clinically clear and respiration rate and, RBS measured 20 cycles/min and 8.4 mmol/L respectively.

Plan was to; Continue treatment, stop continuous irrigation, change wound dressing, encourage patient to mobilize, administer IV Chlorpromazine 50 mg stat, then 25 mg 8 hourly for 72 hours.

3.3. Post Op Day 3

Patient was drowsy after the administration of stat dose of IV Chlorpromazine. Both urethral and suprapubic catheters were draining slightly blood-stained urine. Body temperature was 37.5˚C, Pulse measured 92 beats/min, BP measured 130/70 mmHg and respiration rate was 22 cycles/min but chest was clinically clear. GCS and RBS also measured 13/15 and 11.3 mmol/L respectively.

Plan was to; Stop IV Chlorpromazine, continue other medications, change wound dressing, hydration with IV fluids; IV Normal Saline―1.0 L, IV Ringers Lactate―1.0 L and IV Dextrose Saline―1.0 L

3.4. Post Op Day 4

Patient had regained full consciousness and had no complaints, dressing was soaked, catheters were draining clear urine, temperature remained unchanged (37.5˚C), pulse was 94 beats/min, BP was 170/60 mmHg and respiration rate was 20 cycles/min. Chest was clinically clear and RBS also measured 8.6 mmol/L.

Plan was to; continue treatment, change wound dressing, encourage ambulation, encourage adequate oral feeding and liberal fluid intake.

3.5. Post Op Day 5

Patient was feeding poorly and had difficult mobilization, dressing was soaked, temperature measured 38.0˚C, Pulse was 116 beats/minute, BP measured 180/60 mmHg and respiration rate was 26 cycles/min. There was bronchial breath sounds on the right upper and middle zones of the lungs with an FBS of 10.4 mmol/L. An impression of a hypostatic pneumonia was made.

Plan was to; Do a full blood count and check for malaria parasites, add tab Azithromycin 500 mg daily for 7 days, Zincovit 1 tab daily for 14 days, continue other medications, start physiotherapy and change wound dressing. Encourage adequate feeding and liberal oral fluids intake.

3.6. Post Op Day 6

Patient was still feeding poorly with FBC results of WBC―19.65 with neutrophilia, HB―7.1 g/dL with normal MCV and MCH, Platelets―244 × 109/L and MPs―no malaria parasites seen. Catheter was draining bloody urine and dressing was soaked. Temperature measured 37.6.0˚C, pulse measured 90 beats/min and BP also measured 140/60 mmHg. Respiration rate was 23 cycles/min with bronchial breath sounds on the right upper and middle zones of the lungs. FBS measured 11.3 mmol/L.

Plan was to; Continue treatment, haemotransfuse a unit of whole blood, change wound dressing, continue physiotherapy and encourage adequate feeding and liberal oral fluid intake.

3.7. Post Op Day 7

Patient was doing well and was feeding and taking in oral fluids satisfactorily. Mobilization was however not encouraging, dressing was soaked, temperature measured 37.6˚C, pulse was 98 beats/min, BP was 130/70 mmHg and respiration rate also measured 23 cycles/min. Examination revealed bronchial breath sounds on the right upper and middle zones of lungs.

Plan was to; Continue treatment, change wound dressing, continue physiotherapy, encourage adequate feeding and liberal oral fluid intake.

3.8. Post Op Day 8

Patient was doing well and was feeding and taking in oral fluids satisfactorily. Mobilization was still not encouraging. Dressing was soaked, Catheters were still draining bloody urine, Temperature―36.6˚C, Pulse―84 beats/min, BP―130/60 mmHg, Respiration Rate―23 cycles/min with Bronchial breath sounds on the right upper and middle zones of the lungs. FBS levels measured 8.3 mmol/L.

Plan was to; Continue treatment, change wound dressing, continue physiotherapy, encourage adequate feeding and liberal oral fluid intake.

3.9. Post Op Day 9

Patient had suddenly tipped into a state of unconsciousness with a GCS of 6/15. He had labored breathing, urine was still blood stained, temperature―37.6˚C, pulse―118 beats/minute, BP―130/80 mmHg and respiration rate measured 28 cycles/min with bronchial breath sounds on the right upper and middle zones. Tone and reflexes were decreased and power in all limbs could not be objectively assessed. RBS also measured 12.5 mmol/L. An impression of a thromboembolic phenomenon was made with differentials of pulmonary embolism and cerebrovascular accident.

Plan was to; Pass a feeding tube, give intranasal oxygen at a flow rate of 4 L/hr, Start IV Fragmin 5000 IU daily for 72 hours, urgent CT scan of chest and brain, stop Tab tranexamic acid and continue other medications. About 2 hours after initiation of treatment, patient went into cardiac arrest. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation was started and after 6 cycles, there was still no cardiopulmonary activity. Patient was therefore declared biologically dead. An informed consent was obtained from the patient’s family to report the case.

4. Discussion

BPH is a common disorder of the prostate affecting most males above the age of 40 years [2] . Prostatic hyperplasia is considered to be due to the proliferation of epithelial and stromal cells, impairment of programmed cell death (apoptosis) or both and is endocrine controlled [6] . Autopsy data (2010-2017) from our facility (Brong Ahafo Regional Hospital) indicate that over 90% of men older than 80 years have histological evidence of BPH. According to Maliakal et al., 2014, prostates weighing more than 100 g has been recorded in only 4% of men above the age of 70 years [7] and only 10 cases of BPH where the prostate weighed more than 700 g has been reported in medical literature to date [6] - [15] with the highest recorded by Medina-Peres et al., in 1997 [6] . In all of these cases only six (6) patients could recover from the enucleation. Massive hematuria due to BPH, although uncommon is often associated with haemodynamic instability that require urgent resuscitative measures, including volume replacement, control of bleeding and subsequently definite treatment of the enlarged prostate. In the experience of the Brong Ahafo Regional Hospital in Sunyani, Ghana open prostatectomy is the mainstay of treatment because of limited resources and the fact that most patients present late and with complications of BPH. It is known that elderly patients with co-morbid medical conditions such as diabetes and hypertensive heart disease presenting with BPH complicated by bleeding are best treated by open prostatectomy after initial resuscitation. In the case of our patient, he did not have any prior history of co-morbid conditions but showed episodes of high BP and RBS whilst on admission. His age and estimated size of the prostate together with the complication of bleeding made an open prostatectomy the best operative choice. Initial resuscitation measures were taken and the surgery was done only after he was clinically stable.

Surgery was successful without any complication, and immediate post op condition was satisfactory. The challenge with his management was however during the post operation period. Most post operation patients are encouraged to ambulate after surgery, a situation we found challenging during his post op management. Lack of ambulation puts post op patients at risk of thromboembolic phenomena, hypostatic pneumonia and the development of pressure sores [16] . In our case, patient developed hypostatic pneumonia and pressure sores during the post op period due to a lack of proper ambulation. An attempt at physiotherapy was initiated which proved futile. The use of antifibrinolytic agents and vitamin K injection to control the persistent bleeding during the post op period further put him at risk of a thromboembolic phenomenon. Use of anticoagulants such as fragmin also put our patient at risk of increased bleeding. In such a treatment dilemma, the best choice would have been to control bleeding with close monitoring. Perhaps monitoring the patient’s International Normalized Ratio would have given an indication of a risk of thromboembolic event. It was therefore not surprising, the sudden tipping into a state of coma after post op day 9 which could likely be as a result of a thromboembolic phenomenon. It is also important to identify co-morbid conditions in elderly patients presenting with complications of BPH. In the case of our patient, although he had no prior history of co-morbid conditions, fluctuations in BP and moderately high RBS could have been an indication of an underlying hypertension or diabetes. Perhaps an ECG, chest X-Ray or an FBS with glycated hemoglobin estimation could have identified co-morbid conditions which could have been co-managed with physicians to ensure a more successful outcome. Identification and management of co-morbid conditions could have probably ensured early ambulation after surgery to avert the usual complications associated with lack of post op ambulation. Despite the general attribution of prostate diseases to old age, it is also known that age has no influence on the pathophysiology of prostate disease but instead provide the timeframe needed for factors such as lifestyle and genetic influence to have impact on the prostate. Considering the fact that prostate cancer progresses slowly and the symptoms (often not suggestive of prostate cancer) manifest late in life, most men are often unaware they have the disease. Periodic checkups and immediately opting for treatment helps in the early management and treatment of the disorder.

5. Conclusion and Recommendation

In certain cases, surgical treatment of prostate hyperplasia has ended fatally due to the after effects of haemorrhage. In order to tackle the risk of haemorrhage effectively, we recommend the technique of inflation of catheter balloon at the base of enucleated prostate with 6-hour traction and continuous bladder irrigation to stop bleeding in large and vascular prostates. This technique was applied effectively in our case and yielded an excellent outcome. It is also interesting to note that ultrasound scan report estimated prostate volume of 573 cm3 which did not correlate to surgical volume of 700 cm3.

Ethical Approval

Ethical clearance was sought form the Research Ethics Committee of the Brong Ahafo Regional Hospital.

Conflicts of Interest

The authors declare no conflicts of interest regarding the publication of this paper.

Cite this paper

Egote, A.K., Ossei, P.P.S., Taylor, J. and Bortier, T. (2018) Enucleation of a Giant Prostatic Hyperplasia in Ghana: A Case Report and Mini Literature Review. Case Reports in Clinical Medicine, 7, 583-593. https://doi.org/10.4236/crcm.2018.712053

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