Efficacy of transurethral electrovaporization of the prostate with respect to standard transurethral resection.

Transurethral electrovaporization of the prostate (TVP) has been introduced as an alternative to standard transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) with lesser morbidity. However, the efficacy of this new technique has not been well known. To compare the results of standard TURP and TVP, 76 patients with symptomatic benign prostatic hyperplasia (BFH) were divided into two groups in a randomized clinical trial. Preoperative assessment included AUA Symptom score, maximum flow rates (Qmax), digital rectal examination, serum prostate specific antigen, and transrectal ultrasonography, with biopsy if the patient was randomized to vaporization. Transrectal temperature measurements and the hemoglobin concentration of the irrigation fluid were investigated in all the patients during the procedure. Although the transrectal temperature was higher in the TVP group (0.53-1.27 degrees C; mean 0.83 degrees C), no associated complication were determined. However, blood loss was significantly lesser than with TURP (340 mL v 60 mL). Two patients in the TURP group required blood transfusions, and one had sphincteric incontinence, whereas one postoperative retention, one reoperation with bladder perforation, and one sphincteric incontinence were seen in the TVP group. On the other hand, 12-month follow-up demonstrated that the uroflow rates improved in a similar manner. The Qmax increased in the TURP and TVP groups from 8.8 and 8.3 mL/sec to 19.6 and 17.2 mL/sec, respectively. The mean AUA Symptom Score decreased from 13.7 to 7.9 and 6.1 at 6 and 12 months, respectively. In the TVP group and from 14.6 to 7.3 and 7.0 at 6 and 12 months, respectively, in the TURP group. There were significant differences in the mean catheterization time (P < 0.0001) and hospital stay (P < 0.0001) in favor of TVP. Our results suggest that TVP is a safe and effective alternative treatment for symptomatic BPH.