Transurethral electrovaporization of the prostate.

Overview

In this report, we discuss the basic equipment, electrosurgical techniques, and achievable effects with electrovaporization of the prostate and summarize follow-up data in patients who underwent electrovaporization for treatment of prostatism. Transurethral electrovaporization of the prostate combines electrosurgical vaporization and desiccation to remove obstructive hyperplastic prostatic tissue with minimal morbidity. A special electrosurgical modification involves a grooved roller electrode with a large surface area and multiple edges of contact that allow high current density to be delivered to an extensive area of tissue to be vaporized. This device fits standard resectoscopic equipment, and its use requires no special skills other than those needed for conventional transurethral resection of the prostate. Data analysis on a personal series of 114 patients with symptomatic benign prostatic hyperplasia who were treated with electrovaporization showed a decrease in symptoms, an increase in urinary flow rates, and rapid convalescence, similar to results in other published studies. Thus, clinical experience with transurethral electrovaporization of the prostate has shown efficacy similar to that for transurethral resection of the prostate but with considerably reduced morbidity. Extended follow-up of larger numbers of patients is needed to assess the durability of this procedure.