Transurethral electrovaporization and vapour-resection of the prostate: an appraisal of possible electrosurgical alternatives to regular loop resection

A prospective, randomized clinical trial comparing bipolar plasma kinetic resection of the prostate versus conventional monopolar transurethral resection of the prostate in the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

For treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), Plasma Kinetic loop Resection of the Prostate (PKRP) is an alternative to conventional monopolar transurethral resection of prostate (TURP). We compared outcomes with the two treatments in a randomized trial.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Over a one-year period, we randomly assigned patients with an indication for surgery for BPH and who met inclusion criteria to treatment with either PKRP or TURP. We measured prostate volume by transrectal ultrasound, relief of bladder outlet obstruction, operative time, decline in serum sodium and hemoglobin, weight of resected prostatic chips, duration of catheterization and hospital stay. Patients were evaluated one month after discharge for obstructive symptoms. Complications were also recorded.

RESULTS

Of 102 patients enrolled, 51 underwent PKRP and 51 underwent TURP. Relief of obstructive symptoms and mean operative time showed no statistically significant difference. The PKRP group had a smaller decline in hemoglobin than the TURP group (0.6 g/dL vs 1.8 g/dL, P=.01), a lower reduction in serum sodium levels (1.03 mmol/L vs 5.01 mmol/L, P=.01), a shorter catheterization time (37.2 hours versus 57.7 hours, P=.03) and a shorter hospital stay (1.5 days versus 2.6 days, P=.02). One patient in the bipolar PKRP group needed recatheterization versus four patients in the TURP group.

CONCLUSION

PKRP reduces morbidity with an outcome similar to conventional monopolar TURP in the treatment of BPH.

Transurethral vapor resection of prostate is a good alternative for prostates >70 g

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

The morbidity associated with transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) for large-volume prostates has prompted attempts to modify the standard equipment and techniques. Patients with large prostates (>70 g) need longer operative time, and have greater blood loss and higher irrigant fluid requirements; therefore, the traditional surgical recommendation for the management of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) >70 g is open surgery. We assessed the effectiveness and safety of transurethral vapor resection of the prostate (TUVRP) for the management of prostate glands with a volume >70 g.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Eighty-nine patients with a diagnosis of BPH who had a prostate volume >70 grams determined by abdominal ultrasonography underwent TUVRP between July 2002 and March 2006. Preoperative evaluation included assessment of International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), prostate volume, postvoid residual (PVR), and maximum flow rate (Q(max)). Intraoperative and postoperative parameters, including operative time, total irrigant requirement, blood loss, duration of postoperative catheterization, hospital stay, and complications were also analyzed.

RESULTS

The mean prostate volume for the 89 patients was 83.3 g (range 70-169 g). The mean age was 67.25 years (range 55-87 yr). Symptom duration varied from 2 months to 7 years. Twenty-two patients used a catheter preoperatively. The mean IPSS score, Q(max), and PVR were 23, 7.1 mL/sec, and 116 mL, respectively. The mean operative time was 64 minutes, and mean irrigant used was 21.4 L. The mean weight of resected tissue was 31.3 g. The average postoperative catheter duration was 2.25 days. Complications included transient dysuria in 11 patients, hyponatremia in two patients, and urethral stricture in two patients. No patient required a blood transfusion postoperatively. The effectiveness as assessed at 6 months was IPSS 5.1, Q(max) 22.5 mL/sec, and PVR not significant.

CONCLUSIONS

TUVRP is safe and effective in patients with large prostates (>70 g) with minimal complications and faster postoperative recovery. This technique helps to avoid the morbidity associated with open surgery.

Erectile Dysfunction after PlasmaKinetic Vaporization of the Prostate: Incidence and Risk factors

PURPOSE

To determine the incidence of erectile dysfunction (ED) after PlasmaKinetic vaporization of the prostate (PKVP) using objective and subjective parameters and risk factors.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A total of 153 men completed a questionnaire detailing perceived sexual dysfunction and underwent nocturnal penile-tumescence testing using the RigiScan for three consecutive nights 3 or 4 days preoperatively and 3 months postoperatively. The International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF)-5 scores were obtained preoperatively and postoperatively. Full details of each operation were recorded, including grams of tissue resected, operative time, any short-term complications, especially emphasizing capsular perforation, and concomitant diseases such as diabetes and hypertension. The association of risk factors with the development of ED after PKVP was assessed. Complete data were available for 103 men (67.3%). Their mean age was 62.1 years (range 48-83 years).

RESULTS

Postoperatively, 11 patients (10.6%) were found to have ED. Patients who developed ED postoperatively had a lower IIEF-5 score and penile-tumescence parameters preoperatively (for all parameters, P < 0.0001). As risk factors, diabetes, capsular perforation, and an IIEF-5 score <21 were found to be significant.

CONCLUSIONS

The incidence of ED after PKVP measured objectively was 10.6%. In the absence of the risk factors, PKVP is a safe therapeutic strategy with regard to sexual function.

Transurethrale Resektion bei benigner Prostatahyperplasie

Transurethral resection of the prostate still represents the "gold standard" in surgical treatment of symptomatic benign prostatic enlargement (BPE). New demands were made on transurethral electrosurgery with the appearance of alternative, minimal invasive procedures. Bleeding complications had to be reduced. Different attempts were made to improve the conventional TURP. Band loops and roller bars were developed in order to gain a more effective coagulation during the cutting process by a larger tissue contact. Major advances could be achieved by modifications of the high-frequency generator. Improved procedures like the "Coagulating-Intermittent-Cutting" (CIC), the "Instant-Response-", as well as the "Dry-Cut-Technology" combine cutting and coagulating effects to realize lowered bleeding and an efficient resection process. The introduction of bipolar currency flow opens the possibility of conventional TUR-P with saline solutions and thus to the theoretical avoidance of the TUR-syndrome. By the neoadjuvant use of 5alpha-reductase-inhibitors before planned TUR-P, bleeding- and irrigation fluid absorption should be reduced by lowering perfusion and the size of the prostate. Regarding these innovative approaches which improve the surgical standard and minimize the risk of perioperative complications, transurethral electrosurgery remains the method of choice in instrumental therapy of symptomatic BPE. In the future efficacy and costs will be comparable to those of the transurethral laser-resection or laser-vaporisation.

Thermal Artifacts in Bladder Tumors Following Loop Endoresection: Electrovaporization v Electrocauterization

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Recently, the electrovaporization (EV) technique has been used for loop endoresection of bladder tumors. Our objective was to evaluate whether bladder tumors resected by EV with a loop wire are fit for histologic diagnosis. In addition, a quantitative comparison was made with the thermal artifacts created with a standard electrocautery (EC) loop resection.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In 26 patients with bladder tumors at various locations, endoresection was performed. In nonselective order, EV (N = 9; Gyrus device) or EC (N = 17; Valleylab device) was used. Histologic thermal artifacts were defined, and the diagnosis (pT classification) was determined. The linear depth of the thermal artifacts in the resected tissue was quantified with a computerized analysis system and statistically analyzed with the t-test.

RESULTS

One case was excluded because the tissue was not fit for morphometric measurements. In all cases, a histologic diagnosis could be made. No qualitative differences were found between the groups in the extent of histologic thermal artifacts. The mean depth of the thermal artifact zone was 0.237 mm (range 0.060-0.469 mm; SD 0.098 mm) in the EV group and 0.260 mm (range 0.080-0.410 mm; SD 0.112 mm) in the EC group. This difference is not significant (P = 0.8).

CONCLUSION

In these series, EV with a loop wire seemed to be a valid method to preserve bladder tumor specimens for histologic diagnosis. Compared with the EC method, there was no significant difference in the extent of thermal artifacts in the tissues resected.

Transurethral electrovaporization vs transurethral resection for symptomatic prostatic obstruction: a meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

To compare the effectiveness and safety of transurethral electrovaporization (TUEVP) and transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) for symptomatic bladder outlet obstruction secondary to benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).

METHODS

Publications comparing TUEVP and TURP were identified systematically using Medline, the Cochrane Controlled Trial Register and other database search engines. From a total of 25 randomized controlled trials, 20 studies met the predefined inclusion criteria and were subjected to a formal meta-analysis. Primary endpoints were symptom scores and peak urinary flow rates. Secondary endpoints included transfusion requirements, operative time, duration of catheterization, incidence of adverse events, hospital stay, re-operation rates and sexual dysfunction.

RESULTS

After 1 year of follow-up there was no significant difference between TUEVP and TURP in urinary symptom scores and peak urinary flow rates. There was heterogeneity at baseline for both primary outcome measures. TUEVP was associated with significantly lower transfusion requirements, a shorter catheterization time, and a shorter length of stay. TURP was associated with a lower risk of urinary retention afterward and re-operation than was TUEVP.

CONCLUSION

This formal meta-analysis suggests that both TUEVP and TURP in patients with symptomatic bladder outlet obstruction provide comparable improvements in maximum urinary flow rates and symptom scores. While comparative analysis is limited by the methodological shortcomings of the underlying studies and the short follow-up, both TURP and TUEVP may offer distinct advantages in terms of secondary outcomes. A future, well-designed, multicentre randomized clinical trial with extended follow-up may be needed to better define the role of vaporization techniques in treating patients with symptomatic BPH.

Plasma Kinetic Vaporization of the Prostate: Clinical Evaluation of a New Technique

PURPOSE

We evaluated our results with bipolar plasma kinetic electrovaporization in the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Twenty-one patients with infravesical obstruction by BPH have been treated with bipolar plasma kinetic electrovaporization. International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) with a quality of life (QOL) scoring questionnaire, uroflowmetry (maximum flow rate; Qmax), transrectal ultrasonography (TRUS), and residual urine volume and prostate specific antigen (PSA) measurements had been performed before surgery. The IPSS scores, prostate volumes, and residual urine volumes were reevaluated during the third postoperative month. Uroflowmetry was repeated on postoperative days 7, 15, 30, and 90. Total PSA and free PSA measurements were repeated on postoperative days 3, 5, 7, 15, 30, and 90.

RESULTS

The results of 20 patients could be evaluated. The median age of these patients was 61 years. The median volume of the prostates was 42 cc (95% CI 56-53). The median operation time and postoperative hospitalization were 55 minutes (95% CI 40-65) and 3 days (95% CI 3-5), respectively. The mean period of time needed for vaporizing 1 g of tissue was calculated as 2.8 +/- 1.3 minutes. Postoperative day 90 values of IPSS, QOL, prostate volume, residual urine volume, and Qmax showed significant improvement compared with preoperative values (p < 0.05). The median preoperative PSA value was 1.64 mg/mL (95% CI 1-3.6). The value showed a statistically significant increase 24 hours after the intervention (p < 0.0001), but the PSA values on the 30th (p = 0.041) and 90th (p = 0.025) days were below preoperative values.

CONCLUSION

The IPSS with QOL scores, prostate volumes, and residual urine volumes showed significant decreases and Qmax values showed a significant increase after bipolar plasma kinetic electrovaporization. This treatment modality causes a temporary increase in the PSA concentration, as do other interventional treatment methods, but the measurements on the 30th and 90th days were below preoperative values.

Transurethral electrovaporization of the prostate (TUVP) is effective, safe and durable

Transurethral electrovaporization of the prostate (TUVP) is one of the alternative, minimally invasive procedures to treat BPH with promising initial results. We reviewed the available English literature to evaluate the long-term safety, efficacy and durability of TUVP using various vaporizing electrodes. We performed a MEDLINE keyword search and assessed all prospective randomized studies, which compared TUVP to standard transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) that reached 1 y follow-up. Data were analysed for improvement of IPSS and Q(max), operation time, hospital stay, perioperative bleeding, postoperative irritative symptoms, long-term side effects and reoperation rate. We reviewed a total of 244 TUVP compared to 259 TURP patients in six prospective randomized studies that reached 1 y follow-up. Less perioperative bleeding, shorter catheterization time (mean of TUVP: 30 h vs TURP: 61 h) and shorter hospital stay (mean of 1.4 days vs TURP: 3.4 days) were reported in the TUVP patients. The improvement in IPSS (71%) and mean Q(max) (20 ml/s) was similar in both groups. The reoperation rate was 2% per year in both vaporization and resection patients. In conclusion, analysis of the prospective randomized trials that reached 1 year follow-up revealed that TUVP is as effective as standard TURP in the treatment of BPH. Long-term side effects and reoperation rates are comparable and the initial improvement was maintained over 1 year for the majority of patients.

5-year outcome of a prospective randomized trial to compare transurethral electrovaporization of the prostate and standard transurethral resection

OBJECTIVES

To update our prospective randomized trial comparing the safety, efficacy, and durability of transurethral electrovaporization of the prostate (TUVP) using the VaporTrode with standard transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP).

METHODS

A total of 104 patients, taken from the waiting list for surgery for benign prostatic hyperplasia were randomized to TUVP (52 patients, mean age 67.5 years) or TURP (52 patients, mean age 70.2 years). In each group, 51, 47, and 40 patients completed 1, 2, and 3 years of follow-up, respectively. Of the 104 patients, 27 TURP and 26 TUVP patients completed 5 years of follow-up.

RESULTS

Both groups were comparable in terms of the mean preoperative International Prostate Symptom Score, quality-of-life score, maximal urinary flow rate, and postvoid residual volume. The follow-up data at 5 years showed a significant and maintained improvement in the mean International Prostate Symptom Score (TUVP: 5.9 +/- 6.3 versus TURP: 8.6 +/- 7.1, P = 0.16), quality-of-life score (TUVP: 1.1 +/- 1.2 versus TURP: 1.7 +/- 1.4, P = 0.09), and mean maximal urinary flow rate (TUVP: 21 +/- 9 mL/s versus TURP: 17.9 +/- 13.1 mL/s, P = 0.17), with decreases in the mean postvoid residual volume (TUVP: 27.3 +/- 44.3 mL versus TURP: 10.7 +/- 13.1 mL, P = 0.08). Two patients in each group (4%) developed urethral strictures. Two TURP patients (4%) developed bladder neck strictures compared with one TUVP patient (2%). In each arm, 7 patients (13%) underwent reoperation during a 5-year period (approximate reoperation rate: 3% in each arm per year). Postoperatively and during 3 years of follow-up, impotence was reported in 17% of the TUVP group and 11% of the TURP group (P = 0.49); retrograde ejaculation was reported in 72% of the TUVP group and 89% of the TURP group (P = 0.47).

CONCLUSIONS

Our 5-year follow-up results confirm that TUVP is as effective as standard TURP in the treatment of moderate-size benign prostatic hyperplasia. The reoperation rate and long-term complication rate are comparable and the initial improvement has been maintained during a 5-year period for most patients in both groups.

A randomized controlled trial comparing transurethral resection of the prostate, contact laser prostatectomy and electrovaporization in men with benign prostatic hyperplasia: analysis of subjective changes, morbidity and mortality

PURPOSE

We analyze subjective changes, morbidity and mortality in men with lower urinary tract symptoms associated with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) after transurethral resection of the prostate, contact laser prostatectomy and electrovaporization.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A prospective, randomized controlled trial was conducted on men with lower urinary tract symptoms, who met the criteria of the International Scientific Committee on BPH, had a prostate volume between 20 and 65 ml., and had Schäfer's obstruction grade 2 or greater. Objective morbidity was recorded for up to 12 months. Subjective morbidity was measured by a questionnaire completed by patients. Subjective changes were quantified using the International Prostate Symptom Score, Symptom Problem Index, Quality of Life question and BPH Impact Index. These indexes and the morbidity questionnaire were measured weekly for the first 6 weeks postoperatively and then at 3, 6 and 12 months.

RESULTS

Transurethral prostatic resection was analyzed in 50 men, laser treatment in 45 and electrovaporization in 46. Baseline characteristics, and changes in the symptom scores up to 12 months postoperatively were similar. Perioperative blood loss and perforation were greatest in the resection group, and retention was greatest in the laser group. During the first 6 postoperative weeks there was less pain and less hematuria after resection, and less incontinence after laser prostatectomy.

CONCLUSIONS

Subjective changes are similar for transurethral prostatic resection, contact laser and electrovaporization. In the first 6 weeks after treatment there are only slight differences in pain, hematuria and incontinence among the therapies.

Rotoresect for bloodless transurethral resection of the prostate: a 4-year follow-up

OBJECTIVE

To report the results and long-term follow-up of transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) with a new resection device, the Rotoresect (Karl Storz, Tuttlingen, Germany).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Most endoscopic resection techniques for benign prostatic tissue aim for high ablation rates and minimal bleeding. Available resection electrodes are effective, but cause high blood loss (loop electrode), or less bleeding but poorer ablation rates (electrovaporization). To resolve these conflicts the Rotoresect was developed in 1995; it consists of a specially designed rotating resection electrode, driven by a micromotor, and a high-frequency current to enable simultaneous coagulation, vaporization and mechanical tissue removal during resection. To date, 84 patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia have had their prostate resected with this device (mean prostate size 46.0, sd 18.4 mL) and have been assessed for up to 4 years.

RESULTS

During resection there was very little bleeding, with no significant changes in haemoglobin or sodium levels. The mean (sd) duration of catheterization was 1.4 (1.1) days; the urinary peak flow rate was improved from 9.7 (3.2) to 24.2 (8.23) mL/s and the residual urine volume reduced from 187.3 (109.6) to 22.7 (19.5) mL. The International Prostate Symptom Score and quality-of-life index were both improved, from 24.0 (7.5) to 4.1 (2.7), and 4.2 (3.2) to 0.8 (0.9), respectively. Overall the results were stable during the 4 years of follow-up.

CONCLUSION

The Rotoresect combines the advantages of standard resection (high ablation rate) by actively rotating the resection electrode, and the haemostatic effect of electrovaporization (minimal blood loss) by simultaneous tissue coagulation and vaporization.

Vapor resection: a good alternative to standard loop resection in the management of prostates >40 cc

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSES

The morbidity of transurethral vesection of the prostate (TURP) necessitates constant attempts at modifications to the standard equipment and technique. Patients with larger prostates (>40 cc) need a longer time for the procedure, and the blood loss, requirement for irrigation fluid, and incidence of postoperative complications tend to be greater. We report on the safety and efficacy of TURP with the thick vapor resection loop compared with the standard wire loop in comparable groups of patients with prostates >40 cc.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We randomized 100 patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) into two groups of 50 each which were similar in age. The inclusion criteria included an indication for prostatectomy and prostate size >40 cc. Patients who were on finasteride preoperatively (six) and those who had histopathologic adenocarcinoma of the prostate (three) were excluded. Preoperative evaluation included assessment of International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), prostate volume by abdominal ultrasonography, maximum flow rate (Q(max)), and residual urine volume. The two groups were similar in the signs and symptoms of BPH. Patients in Group 1 underwent transurethral vapor resection of the prostate (TUVRP) using the vapor resection loop (Wing trade mark; Richard Wolf, Germany), while patients in Group 2 underwent TURP using a standard wire loop. All procedures were performed by consultant urologists with equivalent experience. We used a Martin ME 401 (Gebruder Martin, Tuttlingen, Germany) electrosurgical generator with settings of 120 to 150 Watts and 50 to 70 W for cutting and coagulating, respectively, for the thick loop and 70 to 80 W and 40 to 50 W for the standard loop. Operating time, resected tissue weight, duration of catheterization, nursing contact time, hospital stay, hemoglobin change, serum sodium concentrations, and any complications were noted and analyzed using the Kruskal-Wallis paired variables test, and P values were calculated. P value <0.04 was considered significant. The IPSS, Q(max), and residual urine volume were reevaluated at 6 months and 1 year after the procedure and compared for the two groups.

RESULTS

The median prostate volume was 63 cc and 54 cc in Groups 1 and 2, respectively, and the median resected weight was 20 and 19 g, respectively (P = NS). The differences in operating time (median 45 v 60 minutes; P < 0.0001), intraoperative irrigant use (15 v 21 L; P < 0.0001), and intraoperative blood loss (median 52.5 v 150 mL; P < 0.0001) in the two groups were statistically significant. Peroperative blood loss was estimated by the indicator dilution method of Freedman et al in three 5-mL samples of the irrigant fluid and arriving at the average of the three values and adjusted for the volume of irrigant fluid used. The differences in postoperative irrigant (P < 0.01) and catheter duration (P = 0.04) were also significant. Two patients received blood transfusion in Group 2 and none in Group 1. The difference in the change in hemoglobin and serum sodium postoperatively in the two groups was not statistically significant. The complications were dysuria in six patients lasting for a month and one capsular perforation in Group and incontinence lasting for 6 months in two patients and stricture in one patient in Group 2. The efficacy, assessed with IPSS, Q(max), and residual urine volume, was comparable at 6 months and at 1 year.

CONCLUSION

The use of a thick vapor resection loop for TURP coupled with higher generator settings as recommended for them, especially for prostates >40 cc, is beneficial, as it significantly reduces operating time, blood loss, irrigant requirement, nursing contact time, and duration of catheterization, besides providing clear vision during surgery and ease of resection. There was no reduction in efficacy or increase in complications.

A randomized controlled trial comparing transurethral resection of the prostate, contact laser prostatectomy and electrovaporization in men with benign prostatic hyperplasia: urodynamic effects

PURPOSE

We compared urodynamic and uroflowmetry improvements in men with lower urinary tract symptoms suggestive of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) after transurethral prostate resection, contact laser prostatectomy and electrovaporization.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A prospective randomized controlled trial was performed in men with lower urinary tract symptoms suggestive of BPH who met the criteria of the International Scientific Committee on BPH, had a prostate volume of between 20 and 65 ml., and a Schäfer obstruction grade of 2 or greater. Before and 6 months after treatment urodynamics and free uroflowmetry were performed.

RESULTS

A total of 50, 45 and 46 men were randomized to transurethral prostate resection, laser treatment and electrovaporization, respectively. Baseline characteristics were similar in the 3 groups. Detrusor contractility did not change in any of the treatment groups. The average maximum free flow rate increased by a factor of 2.4 after transurethral prostate resection, 2.5 after laser prostatectomy and 2.4 after electrovaporization. The Schäfer obstruction grade decreased by a factor of 0.3 in all groups. Obstruction (Schäfer grade greater than 2) was not noted after transurethral prostate resection or electrovaporization but it was evident in 2 patients after laser prostatectomy. Effective capacity increased by a factor of 1.5 or more. The incidence of detrusor instability was decreased by half in all groups. The incidence of significant post-void residual urine volume decreased in all groups.

CONCLUSIONS

There were no significant differences in the improvement in urodynamic and uroflowmetry parameters 6 months after treatment when comparing transurethral prostate resection, contact laser prostatectomy and electrovaporization in men with lower urinary tract symptoms suggestive of BPH.

The provision of transurethral prostatectomy on a day-case basis using bipolar plasma kinetic technology

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate, in a prospective study, the potential for providing elective transurethral prostatectomy on a day-case basis, using new bipolar electrosurgical technology.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Forty men with confirmed bladder outlet obstruction caused by benign prostatic enlargement underwent plasma kinetic vaporization of the prostate (PKVP) in the Day Surgery Unit; they were scheduled to be discharged on the day of surgery with an indwelling catheter, returning for a trial removal of the catheter at 48 h, and followed up at 2 and 4 months after surgery.

RESULTS

Thirty-four (85%) of the 40 patients were able to return home on the day of surgery. All patients, including the six who failed to return home as a day-case, successfully voided at 48 h; 78% felt the procedure was acceptable on a day-case basis. At 4 months the mean improvement in the International Prostate Symptom Score and Quality of Life score were 64% and 84%, respectively. The mean improvement in flow rate was 200-250%.

CONCLUSION

PKVP effectively relieves prostatic obstruction, at least in the short-term (a longer term follow-up is required). The procedure can be delivered safely on a day-case basis and was very acceptable to the patients.

Transurethral vaporization of the prostate: current techniques

Electrovaporization has quickly become a popular procedure for treating benign prostatic hyperplasia. By using standard transurethral electrosurgical technology, electrovaporization offers standard transurethral loop-like resection and transurethral prostatectomy (TURP)-like efficacy with less morbidity than that associated with TURP. Through a combination of two electrosurgical effects (vaporization and desiccation), electrovaporization ablates significant volumes of prostatic tissue with each passage of the electrode. Newly designed thicker loop electrodes have led to a modification of the original electrovaporization technique. "Vaporizing-resection" adds the advantages of transurethral resection to those of electrovaporization with the use of one electrode. Very large glands can be treated efficiently, and prostatic tissue specimens are produced. Moreover, additional vaporization of tissue occurs with minimized bleeding. This report reviews basic electrosurgical principles, electrode design, and factors that affect vaporizing efficiency. Current long-term data on electrovaporization compared with TURP are summarized, and pilot studies evaluating vaporizing- resection have shown promising results. A new technology that has entered the market--bipolar electrovaporization--is also discussed. Finally, combination therapy and Columbia's 4-year experience with vaporization techniques are discussed.