TRANSURETHRAL PROSTATE VAPORIZATION USING AN OVAL ELECTRODE IN 82 CASES OF BENIGN PROSTATIC HYPERPLASIA

Objective To present our initial experience in transurethral vaporizat ion of the prostate (TVP) using an oval electrode for the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Methods A total of 82 patients un derwent TVP procedures with the oval electrode. The newly designed ova l-shaped electrode can work with a High Frequency Electrosurgery Unit. Prostate gland tissue was vaporized through an Fr 24 percutaneous nep hroscope transurethrally. The operation procedure was similar to trans urethral resection of the prostate (TURF) or transurethral laser prost atectomy (TULP). Power setting ranged from 240 W to 320 W. Local vapor ization temperature reached 120 degrees C. Results Urination was recov ered in all 82 patients after TVP. Mean post-treatment Intemational Pr ostate Symptom Score (I-PSS) reduced from 27.10 to 5.05; mean bladder residual urine volume dropped from 147.71 ml to 33.2 ml; and mean urin e flow rate (MFR) increased from 4.45 ml/s to 14.57 ml/s (P< 0.01). Th e initial results of short-term follow-up were excellent. Conclusions TVP with the oval electrode is easy to perform and causes less hemorrh age and few complications. It especially benefits elderly and/or criti cally-ill patients. We believe that TVP with our oval electrode is fea sible with low risk.