Electrovaporization of the prostate: new technique for treatment of symptomatic benign hyperplasia

This pilot study evaluated the efficacy of a newly configured roller electrode (Circon/ACMI Vaportrode) in the treatment of symptomatic benign prostatic hyperplasia. The electrode is used with a cutting current and an otherwise-standard (ACMI) resectoscope. Thirty-four patients with significant symptoms of bladder outlet obstruction were treated and evaluated. Among them, 20 were in urinary retention, and 14 had moderate to severely symptomatic bladder outlet obstruction. Thirty-three patients are voiding and available for follow-up. The other patient has not returned. All available patients have shown both subjective and objective voiding improvement. In the evaluable patients, the AUA Symptom Index decreased from a mean of 26 to 12. The mean postoperative peak urinary flow rate was 13 mL/sec. Complications occurred in three patients (post-operative bleeding in one, urinary retention in two). Electrovaporization allowed definitive treatment of bladder outlet obstruction with subjectively better visibility than transurethral resection (TURP). The potential for fluid and electrolyte shifts and resulting complications appears to be less than with TURP. Further study of this technique appears warranted.