Electrovaporization of the prostate with the Gyrus device

To assess the efficacy and the safety of a new transurethral endoscopic device using bipolar electrocautery, the Gyrus system. This system permits rapid prostate tissue removal by endoscopic vaporization with little bleeding and no pad return using saline irrigation and therefore eliminating TURP syndrome.

Forty-two patients (mean age 70; range 49-90 years) with symptomatic benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) without suspected cancer, confirmed by digital rectal examination and PSA tests, were treated between October 1998 and February 1999 with the Gyrus and evaluated at 1 and 3 months postoperatively by the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) and maximum urinary flow rate.

No postoperative bleeding necessitating catheterization for postoperative retention occurred. The duration of the procedure was < or = 30 minutes in 12 patients, 30 to 60 minutes in 27 patients, and >60 minutes in 3 patients. The mean time of postoperative continuous bladder irrigation was 1.2 days (0.5-3 days). The mean catheterization time was 1.4 days (range 0.5-5 days). Urethral stricture requiring treatment occurred in two patients. Dysuria was reported by four patients (mild two, severe two). The postoperative hospitalization was a mean of 2.2 days. The mean peak flow rate increased from 7.9 to 19.7 mL/sec at 3 months, and the IPSS decreased from 16 to 9 at 3 months.

Our preliminary results with a bipolar electrode for electrovaporization of the prostate using the Gyrus suggest that it is a useful and safe endoscopic device. It appears to be an effective treatment for BPH; however, long-term results (i.e., 1-year follow-up) should be evaluated. This pilot series permits a comparative study with TURP to assess the benefits for patients and the health care system.