CLINICAL OUTCOME AT 3 MONTHS AFTER TRANSURETHRAL VAPORIZATION OF PROSTATE FOR BENIGN PROSTATIC HYPERPLASIA

Objectives, To evaluate the clinical outcome of transurethral vaporiza tion of the prostate (TUVP) for the management of benign prostatic hyp erplasia (BPH). Methods. Between March and June 1995, 30 patients with symptomatic BPH treated by TUVP were enrolled in this study. Transrec tal ultrasonography (TRUS) was done preoperatively. American Urologica l Association (AUA) symptom score determination, pressure flow study, and questionnaire (for evaluating potency) were done preoperatively an d 3 months postoperatively. Results, The average age was 70.5 years (r ange 60 to 83) and estimated prostate size by TRUS before surgery was 33.8 +/- 14.0 g. The average ALIA symptom score decreased significantl y 3 months after TUVP (6.2 +/- 7.8 versus 18.2 +/- 9.0; P <0.01). The maximum urine flow rate (Qmax) was 11.1 +/- 3.7 mL/min before TUVP (me an +/- SD) and 17.0 +/- 6.5 mL/min 3 months after TUVP, whereas the de trusor pressure at maximum urine flow (Pdes at Qmax) was 61.0 +/- 23.9 and 41.2 +/- 15.2 cm H2O, respectively. Qmax increased and Pdes at Qm ax decreased significantly 3 months after TUVP. Of the 30 patients, 3 (10%) developed bladder neck contracture. Of the 24 patients who were potent sexually before operation, 3 (12.5%) developed impotence 3 mont hs after surgery. Conclusions. TUVP is an effective alternative surgic al procedure to relieve obstruction for patients with symptomatic BPH. However, cautious attitude on its usage is advocated based on our pre liminary results indicating the occurrence of late complication such a s impotence and bladder neck contracture. (C) 1997, Elsevier Science I nc. All rights reserved.