ELECTROVAPORIZATION OF THE PROSTATE - NEW TECHNIQUE FOR TREATMENT OF SYMPTOMATIC BENIGN HYPERPLASIA

This pilot study evaluated the efficacy of a newly configured roller e lectrode (Circon/ACMI Vaportrode) in the treatment of symptomatic beni gn prostatic hyperplasia. The electrode is used with a cutting current and an otherwise-standard (ACMI) resectoscope. Thirty-four patients w ith significant symptoms of bladder outlet obstruction were treated an d evaluated. Among them, 20 were in urinary retention, and 14 had mode rate to severely symptomatic bladder outlet obstruction. Thirty-three patients are voiding and available for follow-up. The other patient ha s not returned. All available patients have shown both subjective and objective voiding improvement. In the evaluable patients, the AUA Symp tom Index decreased from a mean of 26 to 12. The mean postoperative pe ak urinary flow rate was 13 mL/sec. Complications occurred in three pa tients (postoperative bleeding in one, urinary retention in two). Elec trovaporization allowed definitive treatment of bladder outlet obstruc tion with subjectively better visibility than transurethral resection (TURP). The potential for fluid and electrolyte shifts and resulting c omplications appears to be less than with TURP. Further study of this technique appears warranted.