Comparative early results of transurethral electroresection and transurethral electrovaporization in benign prostatic...

To compare the results of conventional transurethral electroresection of the prostate (TURP) and transurethral electrovaporization (TUEP) in patients with symptomatic benign prostatic hyperplasia.

The study comprised 46 patients with moderate or severe symptoms of prostatism and a maximal flow rate of < 15 mL/s. Pre-operatively, all patients underwent a digital rectal examination and the determination of prostatic volume by ultrasonography, and a symptom score, the maximal flow rate, post-void residual urine, routine biochemical variables and serum prostate specific antigen were measured. The haematocrit and blood Na+ levels were also determined pre-operatively and again 24 h after the operation. Patients were divided randomly into two groups: the first underwent a conventional TURP and the second TUEP using 240-300 W of cutting current. Three months after operation, all the variables were remeasured and the values compared with those before treatment and between the groups.

The improvements in symptom score, maximum flow rate and residual urine were slightly better after TURP than after TUEP but the differences between treatments were not statistically significantly different. However, TUEP used slightly less irrigant solution, allowed earlier removal of the urethral catheter, required no blood transfusions and was easier to perform.

Although the improvements in the objective variables 3 months after TUEP were almost the same as after TURP, there were advantages in using less resources: further studies with more patients and a longer follow-up are required to determine the efficacy and safety of this procedure.