Plasmakinetic vaporization versus transurethral resection of the prostate: Six-year results

Benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH) is becoming more prevalent in parallel to the changing demographic structures of the community. Transurethral resection is still considered the most effective treatment. Due to advances in technology, different treatment modalities are being attempted. In our study, we compared the long-term results of standard transurethral resection of prostate (TURP) with plasmakinetic vaporization of prostate (PKVP, Gyrus Medical Ltd., Bucks, UK).

Of the 75 patients who were admitted to our outpatient clinic between 2001 and 2003 with lower urinary tract complaints and who were randomized into two groups (transurethral resection (TUR) and PKVP), 36 were enrolled to study and completed a follow-up period of 72 months.

Both groups were equal in terms of age and preoperative parameters. The preoperative maximum uroflow rate (Qmax) in the PKVP group was 6 (2.3) mL/s and the rates were 21.8 (3.4) and 20.1 (3.1) during the control visits at 36 and 72 months, respectively. For the PKVP group, these rates were 6 (3.1), 14.4 (2.6), and 15.6 (2.8), respectively. In terms of the international prostate symptom score (IPSS), for the TUR group, these values were 22 (3.8), 5.7 (1.2), and 7.9 (2.6). For the PKVP group, the respective values were 21 (3.4), 7.6 (1.4), and 11 (2.4). The IPSS and Qmax values measured at the 36(th) and 72(nd) months for both groups were significantly different from each other (p<0.05).

Compared to standard TURP, PKVP was found to be unsuccessful in the treatment of BPH when long-term outcomes were considered.