New prostatectomy technique: transurethral electrovaporization of the prostate

Major health and economic concerns have caused urologists to seek alternative forms of treatment for benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH). The goal of these newer treatments is to decrease morbidity, reduce health care cost, and improve overall outcome for the patients with symptomatic bladder outlet obstruction. Transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) is the gold standard treatment for BPH. One factor associated with the relative higher cost of a TURP is the average 4-day postoperative stay needed to clear the hematuria. Techniques have evolved that have allowed immediate tissue removal through "vaporization" of the prostate with a decrease in the postoperative stay. These techniques have primarily relied upon the use of lasers to vaporize tissue. A new transurethral prostatectomy technique called transurethral electrovaporization of the prostate (TVP) has been recently introduced. This relies upon a newly developed resectoscope electrode (VaporTrode) that allows vaporization of the prostate tissue in the "cutting" mode. The potential advantage of TVP is the reduction in postoperative hematuria and the utilization of equipment and techniques that are already familiar to the practicing urologist.