title: Bipolar versus monopolar transurethral resection of the prostate: results of a comparative, prospective bicenter study--perioperative outcome and long-term efficacy.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To compare bipolar and monopolar transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) in a comparative prospective study at two urology centers.
  
  
  METHODS
  Of 212 patients with symptomatic benign prostatic hyperplasia entered prospectively into the study, 111 underwent bipolar and 101 monopolar TURP. Patients were treated in two consecutive series with each surgical method at both centers. Improvement in peak flow rate, postvoid residual, International Prostate Symptom Score, and quality of life score postoperatively and at 3, 12, 24 and 36 months, as well as long-term adverse events were compared. Regarding safety, duration of surgery, postoperative catheterization and hospitalization time, amount of fluid absorption, frequency of transurethral resection (TUR) syndrome, and risk of hemorrhage were evaluated.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Patient characteristics of the two series were comparable. The risk of developing TUR syndrome (p = 0.32) and bleeding tendency (p = 0.52) did not differ significantly between groups. Significant differences were seen for duration of surgery and resection speed. All functional parameters improved significantly during follow-up, with no relevant differences between surgical groups.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Since no major differences in efficacy and safety were seen between the surgical groups, we feel that the monopolar technique still has a valuable place in TURP.
authors.affiliation: State Hospital Bregenz, Bregenz, Austria. michael.neyer @ aon.at
authors.forename: Michael
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Neyer
authors.forename: Andreas
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Reissigl
authors.forename: Christoph
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Schwab
authors.forename: Joseph
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Pointner
authors.forename: Dominik
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Abt
authors.forename: Christian
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Bachmayer
authors.forename: Hans-Peter
authors.initials: HP
authors.lastname: Schmid
authors.forename: Daniel S
authors.initials: DS
authors.lastname: Engeler
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001317:Austria; D016009:Chi-Square Distribution; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011470:Prostatic Hyperplasia / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery*; D011788:Quality of Life; D020127:Recovery of Function; D013557:Switzerland; D013997:Time Factors; D020728:Transurethral Resection of Prostate / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods*; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014554:Urination