A prospective, randomized trial comparing conventional transurethral prostate resection with PlasmaKinetic vaporization of the prostate: physiological changes, early complications and long-term followup.

Purpose: We compared standard transurethral prostate resection with bipolar PlasmaKinetic® prostate vaporization for bladder outflow obstruction using a Gyrus® PlasmaKinetic® Plasma V™ bar.Materials and Methods: A total of 160 men were enrolled in a prospective, randomized trial. Those at higher risk for cancer were excluded by prostate specific antigen and digital rectal examination with or without transrectal ultrasound biopsy. A total of 81 men underwent prostate vaporization and 79 underwent transurethral prostate resection. Preoperative International Prostate Symptom Score and quality of life score, uroflowmetry, post-void residual urine and transrectal ultrasound prostate volume were recorded. Preoperative and postoperative serum hemoglobin, hematocrit and sodium were measured. Perioperative fluid absorption was calculated using weighing on table and blood loss using the Hemocue® system. Longer followup of International Prostate Symptom Score and quality of life score, uroflowmetry and post-void res...