Purpose: To compare bipolar resection with the conventional monopolar transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) with respect to peri- and postoperative complications and long-term outcome.
Patients and methods: Patients with consecutive benign prostatic hyperplasia needing surgery (n=185) from the hospital's waiting list were randomized to TURP using either a bipolar or a monopolar system. Peri- and postoperative parameters were monitored, complications were registered, and timed micturition/International Prostate Symptom Score (TM/IPSS) forms were collected at 3 and 6 weeks and at 6 and 18 months.
Results: Bipolar surgery was followed by a 16% to 20% higher percentage of the patients reporting ongoing improvement (fractional IPSS change >2) at 3 and 6 weeks after the surgery (p<0.05). There were fewer readmissions in the bipolar group than in the monopolar (5 vs. 13, p<0.05). No differences between the groups with respect to hospital stay and catheter duration was recorded. Bipolar and monopolar TURP resulted in marked and sustained improvements of IPSS, bother score, and TM.
Conclusions: Bipolar TURP, using the transurethral resection in saline (TURis) system, resulted in significantly fewer postoperative readmissions, faster postoperative recovery, and equally long-lasting good results in TM/IPSS and bother score, as in monopolar TURP.