Comparison of fluid absorption between transurethral enucleation and transurethral resection for benign prostate hyperplasia

Abstract

Introduction: Although transurethral resection of prostate (TURP) remains the reference standard for benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH), the concern about complications promotes researchers to develop alternative surgical methods with fewer complications. In this study, we compared the safety and efficacy between the transurethral plasma kinetic enucleation of prostate (TUPKEP) and transurethral plasma kinetic resection of prostate (TUPKRP), mainly including absorption of irrigation fluid, the operation time, the weight of prostate tissue removed and severe complications.

Methods: Sixty BPH patients were randomly and evenly assigned to the TUPKEP or TUPKRP group. The irrigation fluid used in both groups was 1% ethanol-containing saline solution. The ethanol concentrations in the subjects' end expiration were measured during operation. The volume of irrigation fluid absorbed was calculated accordingly.

Results: No significant difference was found in operation time between two groups, whereas the weight of prostate tissue resection was significantly higher in the TUPKEP than that in the TUPKRP group.

Conclusion: The study provides evidence for the safety, feasibility and effectiveness of both bipolar transurethral techniques. Further, compared to the TUPKRP group, the TUPKEP group has more efficient for resection of prostatic hyperplasia tissue, even though in terms of fluid absorption, no difference has been found in both groups. Ethanol monitoring is simple, safe and effective, which is beneficial for enhancing safety procedures.