Coagulating intermittent cutting: improved high-frequency surgery in transurethral prostatectomy.
OBJECTIVE
Despite the good long-term results of transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP), intraoperative blood loss and TUR syndrome produce morbidity. Thus, TURP is still considered invasive therapy. Many minor invasive alternative treatment modalities have been developed in recent years.


METHODS
To minimize the risk of bleeding, we have improved on the high-frequency technology. The output signals of commercially available high-frequency generators were modulated such that each cut results in an efficient coagulation zone in the tissue with excellent cutting quality.


RESULTS
Laboratory and in vitro studies using porcine kidneys as well as clinical trials showed good cutting characteristics accompanied by a significant reduction of bleeding. As a result, blood transfusions were less necessary, TUR syndrome occurred less often, the indwelling catheter could be removed earlier in the postoperative period, and hospitalization time was reduced.


CONCLUSIONS
We believe that this improved high-frequency technology, termed coagulating intermittent cutting, results in blood-sparing tissue resection and reduction of morbidity.
Hartung
R
R
Department of Urology, Techn. Universität München, Munich, Germany.
Fastenmeier
K
K
Barba
M
M
Leyh
H
H
D000818:Animals; D004564:Electrocoagulation / Q000295:instrumentation*; D004566:Electrodes; D006801:Humans; D066298:In Vitro Techniques; D007668:Kidney / Q000601:surgery; D008297:Male; D011470:Prostatic Hyperplasia / Q000601:surgery*; D013552:Swine; D020728:Transurethral Resection of Prostate / Q000379:methods* / Q000401:mortality