Prospective randomized study of transurethral vaporization resection of the prostate using the thick loop and standard transurethral prostatectomy

Objectives. Transurethral vaporization resection of the prostate (TUVRP) is a recent modification of the standard transurethral prostatectomy (TURP). The procedure uses one of the novel, thick resection loops coupled to augmented electrocutting energy. We evaluated the safety and efficacy of TUVRP in comparison with TURP. Methods. Sixty-eight patients with prostatic outflow obstruction were prospectively randomized between equal TUVRP and TURP treatment groups. Safety parameters evaluated included changes in serum hemoglobin, hematocrit, and sodium 1 and 24 hours after resection. Operative time, catheterization time, and incidence of complications were noted. Efficacy parameters included evaluation by the International Prostate Symptom Score and maximum flow rate. Results. Patients of both groups were balanced for the different baseline variables. One hour after TURP, patients had significantly lower levels of hemoglobin, hematocrit, and sodium ( P = 0.03, 0.03, and 0.01, respectively). The prostate resection weight was similar in both groups; however, the difference in the mean operative time was significant (TUVRP group 42.4 minutes and TURP group 35.9 minutes, P = 0.02). The postoperative catheterization time was significantly shorter for the TUVRP group (23.1 ± 10.3 versus 36 ± 17.3 hours, P