[Electrovaporization of the prostate (EVP) for the treatment of prostatic adenoma]

Electrovaporization of the prostate consists of the use of a high energy section current to destroy hyperplastic prostatic tissue. The authors present the preliminary results obtained with this new technique.

15 patients presenting indications for transurethral resection of the prostate were included in this prospective study. Three patients were in complete retention. Three patients presented a high operative risk (ASA 3). Electrovaporization of the prostatic tissue was performed according to the plans of resection using a round loop and a pure section current of 250 to 300 W.

The mean operating time was 22 min (+/- 13) for a mean prostatic weight of 43 g (+/- 7.7). No immediate postoperative haematuria was observed. The duration of catheterization was 2.2 days, and the mean hospital stay was 2.8 days (range: 2-4 days). With a minimum follow-up of 6 months, all patients were improved with an average flow rate of 22.17 +/- 8.6 mL/s, and a score less than 7. Two patients developed haematuria on D5 and D7, one patient developed resorption hyponatraemia and one patient died on D2 from acute respiratory failure.

EVP is an effective new resection technique designed to limit postoperative morbidity and the length of hospital stay, which uses inexpensive material. A randomized study versus loop resection should allow identification of the advantages of this technique.