TRANSURETHRAL ELECTROVAPORIZATION OF THE PROSTATE - ONE-YEAR EXPERIENCE

Objectives. To determine the safety and efficacy of transurethral elec trovaporization of the prostate (TVP) in men with lower urinary tract symptoms. Methods. A prospective trial of 114 consecutive patients who underwent TVP since August 1994 was conducted. The mean follow-up per iod was 12.3 months. Parameters evaluated included American Urological Association symptom score (Sx), peak urinary flow rate (Qmax), operat ive time, postoperative catheterization time, length of hospital stay, and loss of days from work. Results. Of the 109 men available for fol low-up, Sx decreased from 16.7 to 7.3, 6.5, 6.3, and 5.4 at 3, 6, 12, and 18 months, respectively (P <0.001), whereas Qmax increased from 7. 9 to 14.8, 15.6, 16.7, and 16.5 mL/s at 3, 6, 12, and 18 months, respe ctively (P <0.001). Mean catheterization time was 10.4 hours; mean hos pital period was 0.9 days, and average loss of days from work was 5.6. Complications included intermittent postoperative hematuria in 65 pat ients (57%), clot retention in 6 (5%), and bulbar urethral stricture i n 2 (2%). Of 74 men who were potent preoperatively, none had postopera tive erectile dysfunction; retrograde ejaculation was noted in 62 (84% ). Significant postoperative irritative symptoms were reported in 10 m en (9%). Conclusions. On the basis of 1-year follow-up data, this stud y demonstrates that TVP is a safe and effective modality for treating lower urinary tract symptoms. However, longer, prospective, blinded st udies are needed to determine efficacy relative to transurethral resec tion of the prostate. Copyright 1996 by Elsevier Science Inc.