Long-term follow-up after transurethral resection of the prostate, contact laser prostatectomy, and electrovaporization.
OBJECTIVE
To compare the long-term results of subjective changes, flowmetry, morbidity, and mortality after transurethral resection of the prostate, contact laser prostatectomy, and electrovaporization in men with lower urinary tract symptoms associated with benign prostatic hyperplasia.


METHODS
A prospective randomized controlled trial was conducted. Included in the study were men with lower urinary tract symptoms, who met the criteria of the International Scientific Committee on Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia, had a prostate volume between 20 and 65 cm(3), and a Schäfer obstruction grade of 2 or greater. The subjective changes were quantified using the International Prostate Symptom Score, Symptom Problem Index, quality-of-life question, and benign prostatic hyperplasia impact index. Morbidity was registered objectively and by patient questionnaire. Maximal flow was measured by free uroflowmetry. These parameters were measured at regular intervals for up to 1 year. At the end of 2002, all patients were invited for a long-term follow-up examination, including the aforementioned parameters.


RESULTS
Fifty men were randomized to undergo transurethral resection of the prostate, 45 laser treatment, and 46 electrovaporization. Of the 50 men, 70% were followed up for a maximum of 7 years. The values for the International Prostate Symptom Score, Symptom Problem Index, quality-of-life score, and benign prostatic hyperplasia impact index increased slightly after a mean follow-up of 4.3 years. The maximal uroflow decreased similarly in all treatment groups to about 150% of the preoperative values. Morbidity, reoperation rates, and mortality were also similar.


CONCLUSIONS
This study, with up to 7 years of follow-up, demonstrated durable subjective and objective results for patients with lower urinary tract symptoms associated with benign prostatic hyperplasia after transurethral resection of the prostate, contact laser prostatectomy, or electrovaporization. No clinically relevant differences were found among these modalities.
van Melick
Harm H E
HH
Department of Urology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
van Venrooij
Ger E P M
GE
Boon
Tom A
TA
D000368:Aged; D004598:Electrosurgery / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006417:Hematuria / Q000209:etiology; D006801:Humans; D053685:Laser Therapy / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011468:Prostatectomy / Q000379:methods* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D011470:Prostatic Hyperplasia / Q000150:complications / Q000601:surgery*; D011788:Quality of Life; D020728:Transurethral Resection of Prostate / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014555:Urination Disorders / Q000209:etiology; D014563:Urodynamics