Role of bipolar plasma enucleation of the prostate in the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia

Objective The aim was to evaluate the role of bipolar plasma enucleation of the prostate as regards surgical efficacy and perioperative morbidity in the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) in comparison with bipolar transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP). Background Bipolar plasma enucleation has been reported to be a new method for the management of BPH. Patients and methods A total of 30 patients with lower urinary tract symptoms associated with BPH were included in this study. Of these, 20 patients underwent bipolar TURP and 10 underwent bipolar plasma enucleation. All patients were preoperatively assessed and were evaluated at 3 months after surgery. The International Prostate Symptom Score, postvoid residual urine volume, and maximum flow rate were obtained at the follow-up. Immediate and late complications were recorded. Results The authors found that the differences were statistically significant regarding calculated blood loss during operation with less blood loss in the enucleation group. The resected tissue volume was more in the enucleation group but without statistically significant difference. Postoperative hemoglobin and sodium drop were less in the enucleation group. The mean postoperative bladder irrigation time, catheter time, and hospital stay were similar in both groups. Transurethral resection syndrome did not occur in any patient in this study. All patients in both groups showed marked improvement in clinical evaluation after 3 months postoperatively. Conclusion The authors observed that bipolar plasma enucleation of the prostate can be a promising endoscopic treatment alternative for patients with BPH, showing comparable efficacy, hospital stay, and faster recovery compared with bipolar TURP, with less incidence of intraoperative and postoperative complications.