Transurethral electrovaporization of the prostate with the Vaportrode VE-B. Preliminary results.

Abstract

Transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) is still considered the 'gold standard' in the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). However, it is possible to replace this technique in particular situations (advanced age, serious cardiovascular, respiratory and metabolic disorders). The aim of this study is to propose an alternative treatment to TURP with a minimal invasiveness, rapid discharge of the patient and lower costs achieving the same results as TURP. We have used electrovaporization of the prostatic tissue to investigate the outcome of electrovaporization in the treatment of patients with BPH. A grooved rolling electrode with a large surface contact was used (Vaportrode VE-B; Circon Acmi, USA), mounted on a common resectoscope connected to a normal high-frequency discharge unit. This concentration of high energy produces an area of high current density at the point of contact with the prostatic tissue and a consequent thermal reaction which causes the tissue temperature to rise rapidly until vaporization. In the period ranging from January 1995 to June 1995, 35 patients with BPH were treated. The average maximal flow increased from 9.8 +/- 3.18 to 13.6 +/- 5.9 ml/s at 2 days and to 20.74 +/- 9.8 ml/s at 28 days (p < or = 0.01); the average symptom score decreased from 18.17 +/- 4.5 to 10.4 +/- 3.3, 28 days after surgery with an average improvement of 52% (p < or = 0.01). Voiding pressure at 28 days was 22.9 +/- 2 cm H2O (p < or = 0.01). Sixteen patients were obstructed preoperatively while 19 patients were unobstructed postoperatively and 3 were equivocal as shown in the Abrams-Griffiths nomogram. Postvoiding residual urine was 0 ml at the follow-up at 2 and 28 days. The average reduction in weight of the prostatic adenoma, measured with transrectal ultrasound and the ellipsoid formula, was 84% (range 50-90%). We think that this technique represents an interesting alternative in the treatment of symptomatic BPH.