TVP: A cheaper and effective alternative to TURP

Summary

Transurethral electrovaporization of the prostate (TVP) is a new minimally invasive procedure to treat enlargement of the prostate. It was the aim of this study to compare the efficacy, post-operative morbidity and costs of transurethral resection (TURP) with TVP of the prostate. Forty men requiring a transurethral resection of the prostate over a period of 12 months were randomly selected to undergo either TURP (20 men) or TVP (20 men). The improvement in the urinary symptoms and peak urinary flow of the two groups were measured before and after surgery. The post-operative morbidity, hospital stay, operating time and the costs of the two procedures were analysed in detail. Both TURP and TVP were found to have the same efficacy in relieving prostatic symptoms and obstruction with a successful surgical outcome in 85% of the men. The mean hospital stay for the TVP group (1.85 days) was significantly lower than the TURP group (3.5 days) as were the postoperative bladder irrigation and catheterization time (P < 0.0001). TVP was significantly cheaper than TURP due mainly to the reduced hospital stay, blood transfusions and cost of bladder irrigants. The overall morbidity was less for the TVP group (10%) in comparison to TURP (15%). TVP is as effective as TURP in relieving prostatic symptoms while being less morbid and cheaper with a shorter hospital stay: probably a better alternative to TURP.

Key Words:

• transurethral resection of the prostate
• transurethral electrovaporization of the prostate
• success
• morbidity
• costs