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 +/- 3.1 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. (C) 2003 Elsevier Inc.