Prospective evaluation of plasma kinetic bipolar resection of bladder cancer: comparison to monopolar resection and pathologic findings

Objective

To determine whether the Gyrus ACMI plasma kinetic bipolar device (Gyrus ACMI, Southborough, MA) improves pathologic specimen preservation and clinical outcomes compared to standard monopolar electrocautery.

Patients and methods

In our prospective study, 83 patients underwent monopolar or bipolar transurethral resection of bladder tumors between April 2006 and February 2007 at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center. Dedicated genitourinary oncology pathologists blinded to resection type and assessed pathologic features including stage and grade, presence of muscularis propria, fragment size, presence and thickness of thermal artifacts within the specimen, layer of tissue most affected, severity of tissue distortion, and diagnostic impact of thermal artifacts. Clinical outcomes including, perforation, obturator reflex, need for muscle paralysis, a catheter, or admission, were recorded. Clinical and pathologic outcomes between resection modality were compared.

Results

There were no significant thermal artifacts in 9/38 (23.7 %) and 11/45 (24.4 %) monopolar and bipolar specimens, respectively. The layer of bladder tissue most affected by thermal artifacts was readable in 18/38 (47.4 %) monopolar and 27/45 (60.0 %) bipolar specimens. Tissue distortion from thermal artifacts led to areas within 11/38 (28.9 %) monopolar and 7/45 (15.6 %) bipolar specimens being unreadable. Ultimately, thermal artifacts caused moderate diagnostic difficulty in 2/38 (5.3 %) specimens of the monopolar group and severe diagnostic difficulty in 1/45 (2.2 %) bipolar specimens. Clinically, there was no major difference between resection methods.

Conclusion

Plasma kinetic bipolar equipment appears to cause less tissue distortion and has the potential to facilitate staging and grading of bladder tumors. No differences in clinical outcomes were appreciated between resection methods. If these results can be repeated in larger studies, the bipolar device represents a small advancement in transurethral resection.     

Endoscopic snare resection of bladder tumors: evaluation of an alternative technique for bladder tumor resection

Transurethral resection of bladder tumor (TURBT) is the standard of care for initial bladder tumor management. In response to its shortcomings, we propose an alternative technique for tumor resection and retrieval: The endoscopic snare resection of bladder tumor (ESRBT). Eleven tumors managed by ESRBT were reviewed retrospectively. Via cystoscopy, tumors were resected en bloc with an electrosurgical polypectomy snare and retrieved transurethrally. Safety and efficacy were assessed by clinical and pathologic outcomes. ESRBT was highly effective for appropriate tumors. Tumor size and location varied: Two small, six medium, three large; six lateral wall, two dome, two trigone, one posterior wall. Half of initial urothelial carcinoma specimens contained muscle. There were no intraoperative or postoperative complications (mean follow-up: 17 mos; range 10-25 mos). ESRBT is a feasible technique for the resection of pedunculated bladder tumors. It offers evident and theoretical advantages over TURBT and may augment bladder tumor management. Further study is needed.     

Irrigation-coupled bipolar cautery unit: A practical, economical, and simple version

Hemostasis is a fundamental principle of surgery for which electrocoagulation is universally used. Bipolar electrocautery has an advantage over monopolar electrocautery in terms of the precision of the extent of tissue coagulation and the lateral extent of thermal tissue injury. However, secondary to the thermal changes induced in the tissue due to electric current passage, there is charring of tissue, which adheres to the cautery tip. This, not only decreases its effectiveness, but also, by getting avulsed while removing the cautery tip from the surgical field, causes rebleeding and more trauma to the tissue. Irrigation of the surgical field during application of cautery reduces the charring effect, thereby improving the efficiency and efficacy. Irrigation-coupled electrocautery devices are available but are costly to acquire and maintain. We describe a simple and reliable version of an irrigation-coupled cautery device, which is of immense functional utility in our experience. It decreases the amount of charring of the tissue and its adherence to the bipolar forceps tips, thereby decreasing the frustrating loss of effectiveness and also increases the life of the bipolar forceps as cleaning needs to be less frequent. By virtue of its simplicity and cost-effectiveness, it can be used in almost all hospitals and situations.     

Use of bipolar energy for transurethral resection of superficial bladder tumors: long-term results

PURPOSE: To evaluate the long-term efficacy and safety of transurethral resection of bladder tumor (TURBT) with bipolar plasmakinetic energy. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We reviewed the records of 121 patients with superficial transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder treated at our institute. Bipolar TURBT with plasmakinetic energy was performed for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes in all patients. Resected tissue was examined by a pathologist who recorded the number of tumors, tumor size, tumor shape, location, grade, invasion of the muscularis propria, and presence of muscular invasion. The operating time, length of hospital stay, blood loss, and intraoperative and postoperative complications were recorded by a urologist. Follow-up was 3 to 5.5 years after operation. RESULTS: The median age of the patients was 61 years; 41 patients had multiple tumors and 80 had single tumors. The mean tumor size was 1.9 cm in diameter. The tumor was located in the lateral wall of the bladder in 67 patients. The mean operative time was (25 +/- 16) minutes and the mean postoperative hospitalization period was 3 days. Three (2.5%) patients had hematuria requiring blood transfusion and 2 (1.7%) patients had bladder perforation. Adductor contraction was noted in 6 patients (4.9%), and urethral strictures occurred in 5 patients (4.1%). CONCLUSION: Transurethral resection of bladder tumors with bipolar plasmakinetic energy is safe and effective in the treatment of superficial bladder tumors.     

Bipolar versus monopolar transurethral resection of prostate: randomized controlled study

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Transurethral resection of prostate (TURP) using bipolar electrocautery and physiologic saline is a new technical advancement in the field of surgical management of benign prostatic hyperplasia. The purpose of this study was to assess the efficacy and safety of this new technique and to compare the results with those of conventional monopolar TURP. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This study included 60 patients who were randomized 1:1 to bipolar (group 1) or monopolar (group 2) TURP. Bipolar TURP was performed with the Vista CTR resectoscope and generator (ACMI Corp.). Preoperatively, patients were assessed by symptom score, uroflow, and transrectal sonography, and the two groups were comparable with regard to these measures and age. The preoperative and postoperative parameters studied included resection time, amount of tissue resected, irrigant amount, blood loss, fluid absorption, and change in serum sodium and hemoglobin. Postoperatively, patients were assessed for symptoms, symptom score, and uroflow rate at 1 and 3 months. RESULTS: There was no difference in resected tissue amount, irrigant amount, fluid absorption, duration and amount of postoperative irrigation, or fall in hemoglobin. The mean resection rate was 0.61 g/min in group 1 and 0.74 g/min in group 2. Serum Na dropped by 4.6 Eq/L in group 2, whereas it fell only 1.2 mEq/L in group 1 (P < 0.001). Improvement in symptom and QoL scores and Q(max) were similar in the two groups. Postoperative dysuria was less common with bipolar resection. CONCLUSION: Bipolar resection of the prostate is as effective as monopolar TURP. Moreover, it does not lead to any change in serum Na and causes less postoperative dysuria.     

A multicentre single-blind randomized controlled trial comparing bipolar and monopolar transurethral resection of the prostate

Introduction:

Monopolar transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) is the gold standard surgical therapy for men with lower urinary tract symptoms due to benign prostatic hyperplasia. Although generally considered safer, TURP experience is limited in Canada.

Methods:

Forty-three patients from 5 Canadian centres were randomized to TURP with either bipolar or monopolar platforms. Patients underwent baseline determinations of American Urological Association (AUA) symptom score, peak urinary flow rate, post-void residual bladder volume and transrectal ultrasound prostate volume. Primary outcome measures were improvement in AUA symptom score, quality of life assessment and bother assessment. Secondary outcomes included procedural times, duration of catheterization, length of hospitalization, complications and the degree of thermal artifact in tissue specimens. Patients were followed for 6 months.

Results:

Twenty-two patients were treated with bipolar and 21 with monopolar TURP. Preoperative demographics were not statistically different between groups. Postoperative data collection times were equivalent in AUA symptom, quality of life, bother and sexual function assessments. No differences were observed in the procedure time (60.7 min, bipolar vs. 47.4, monopolar) or the duration of urethral catheterization (1.5 days, bipolar vs. 1.1, monopolar). More patients in the bipolar group were discharged on the same day of surgery. There were no differences in the degree of tissue thermal artifact or complication rate.

Conclusion:

This trial suggests equivalent short-term outcomes for men undergoing monopolar or bipolar TURP.     

Thermal artifacts in bladder tumors following loop endoresection: electrovaporization v electrocauterization

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Recently, the electrovaporization (EV) technique has been used for loop endoresection of bladder tumors. Our objective was to evaluate whether bladder tumors resected by EV with a loop wire are fit for histologic diagnosis. In addition, a quantitative comparison was made with the thermal artifacts created with a standard electrocautery (EC) loop resection. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In 26 patients with bladder tumors at various locations, endoresection was performed. In nonselective order, EV (N = 9; Gyrus device) or EC (N = 17; Valleylab device) was used. Histologic thermal artifacts were defined, and the diagnosis (pT classification) was determined. The linear depth of the thermal artifacts in the resected tissue was quantified with a computerized analysis system and statistically analyzed with the t-test. RESULTS: One case was excluded because the tissue was not fit for morphometric measurements. In all cases, a histologic diagnosis could be made. No qualitative differences were found between the groups in the extent of histologic thermal artifacts. The mean depth of the thermal artifact zone was 0.237 mm (range 0.060-0.469 mm; SD 0.098 mm) in the EV group and 0.260 mm (range 0.080-0.410 mm; SD 0.112 mm) in the EC group. This difference is not significant (P = 0.8). CONCLUSION: In these series, EV with a loop wire seemed to be a valid method to preserve bladder tumor specimens for histologic diagnosis. Compared with the EC method, there was no significant difference in the extent of thermal artifacts in the tissues resected.     

Bipolar electrosurgery for benign prostatic hyperplasia: transurethral electrovaporization and resection of the prostate

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The gold standard for surgical treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia continues to be transurethral resection of the prostate, which is traditionally performed using a monopolar electrocautery system resulting in the possibility of certain well-recognized complications. This has led to the development of alternative surgical procedures such as vaporization of the prostate and most recently use of bipolar systems. The advantages of bipolar electrosurgery include the ability to use isotonic saline during surgery, reduced blood loss and less heat damage to the surrounding tissue. We have reviewed some of the technical aspects of the bipolar systems as well as their clinical use. RECENT FINDINGS: Bipolar electrovaporization of the prostate (Gyrus Medical Ltd, Cardiff, Wales) has been established for a few years and some data are available suggesting that the system is safe and effective, at least in the short term. The new technique of bipolar transurethral resection of the prostate has been studied in a small number of studies with promising results. SUMMARY: Bipolar transurethral resection is a novel approach in treatment of the prostate. A real paucity of clinical data is seen regarding the outcomes with this form of surgery. Although the generator and the resecting loop are different to the monopolar system, the resection technique is very similar which may be attractive to practising urologists. The need for large multi-centre studies in effectiveness of bipolar transurethral resection of the prostate is apparent.     

First clinical experience with new transurethral bipolar prostate electrosurgery resection system: controlled tissue ablation (coblation technology)

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Bipolar transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) can allow transurethral debulking of the adenoma with a lower potential for complications from systemic absorption of hypotonic irrigant. We evaluated a new bipolar double-loop resection system with a dedicated controlled ablation (Coblation) generator in this context. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In our series of 36 patients, 32 underwent transurethral bipolar loop resection, of whom 12 had prostates >50 cc (range for entire series 30-126 cc) on transrectal ultrasonography. Ten men had indwelling catheters because of urinary retention. The four other patients underwent transurethral resection of bladder tumors. After an initial learning curve of eight TURPs, some minor technical modifications were made, both to the bipolar-loop resection technique and to the hardware. The modified Vista Coblation system was subsequently evaluated by 18 other urologists in 17 other centers throughout the U.S. RESULTS: The median resected dry weight was 22 g, and the median operating-room time was 48 minutes, giving a median resection rate of approximately 1 g every 2 minutes. Two of the eight men in our learning curve required treatment for delayed bleeding problems (clot obstruction of catheter), and one of these received a blood transfusion. Transfusion was not required subsequently regardless of prostate size, even in men with larger glands. One of the patients treated for bladder tumor had a minor perforation of the posterior bladder wall, which healed with conservative management. In the multicenter experience in the U.S., there were 59 evaluable patients. The median resected weight was 23 g, and the median resection time was 55 minutes. Two men required conversion to monopolar roller coagulation for intraoperative bleeding. Most patients (80%) were discharged from hospital within 24 hours. No adverse neuromuscular stimulation occurred. CONCLUSION: This first single-center and international multicenter experience with Coblation technology for bipolar double-loop saline TURP confirms the feasibility and safety of this procedure. Subjective evaluation showed the four most important perceived benefits of bipolar over monopolar TURP to be smoother cutting action, elimination of TUR syndrome, less tissue burning (and no smell), and reduced bleeding. The results of randomized studies with this technology are awaited, while its role in bladder tumor resection remains unclear.     

经尿道绿激光汽化和经尿道电切治疗表浅性膀胱肿瘤疗效的对比观察

目的比较经尿道绿激光汽化与经尿道电切治疗表浅性膀胱肿瘤的疗效及安全性。方法随机选取35例（实验组）膀胱肿瘤患者行经尿道绿激光汽化术，另32例（对照组）行经尿道电切术，观察两组术中、术后并发症及复发情况。结果两组平均手术时间、保留导尿管时间、术后肿瘤复发率差异均无统计学意义（P〉0．05），实验组术中出血量及术后膀胱冲洗时间明显少于对照组（P〈0．05）。同时膀胱穿孔和闭孔神经反射仅在对照组中发生。结论选择性绿激光汽化术是治疗膀胱肿瘤安全有效的方法，具有创伤小、出血少、恢复快及并发症发生率低等特点，尤其适用于侧壁表浅性膀胱肿瘤。     

Clinical significance of transurethral tru‐cut biopsy in confirmation of bladder tumor invasive character

Objectives: To evaluate the feasibility of resection (TURBT) replacement in patients with strong suspicion of invasive bladder tumor by transurethral tru‐cut biopsy carried out during cystoscopy. Methods: Fifty‐eight patients (52 men and six women; mean age 65 years, range 43–79) presenting with extensive bladder tumor suggested by ultrasound and computed tomography were included in the study. Each patient was submitted to transurethral, cystoscopically‐guided tru‐cut biopsy of bladder tumor before the planned TURBT. Comparison of histopathological assessment of tissue cores, resection and radical cystectomy specimens was carried out. Results: Histopathological analysis of resection specimens and tissue cores were in complete accordance with previous tissue cores assessment in terms of type and grade of bladder cancer. Histological type of bladder tumor revealed by tru‐cut biopsy and radical cystectomy was identical in 56 (96.6%) cases. Tumor grade was the same in biopsy cores and radical cystectomy specimens in 55 (95%) cases. Conclusions: Endoscopic tru‐cut bladder tumor biopsy allows us to collect sufficient amounts of tissue material for histopathological confirmation of detrusor muscle infiltration in patients presenting with bladder tumors suspected to cause muscle invasiveness. The procedure is carried out under cystoscopic control and is fast, efficient, safe, easy to perform and less invasive than standard TURB in cases of an extensive bladder tumor.     

A Review Comparing Experience and Results with Bipolar Versus Monopolar Resection for Treatment of Bladder Tumors

The standard treatment of non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) is transurethral resection (TUR) commonly using a monopolar electrocautery system. This system requires high energy and voltage to allow an electric current to run from the loop to the patient’s skin. The heat generated leads to desiccation of small cells and difficulty to perform adequate histological analysis for severely cauterized pieces of tissues. On contrary, the electric current in bipolar systems does not traverse the patient and hence lower energy and voltage are used and minimal tissue damage is anticipated. In addition, the use of saline as an irrigant fluid eliminates the potential TUR syndrome from excess hypotonic fluid reabsorption. Furthermore, the lower energy dissipates as heat in tissues contributing to adequate hemostasis. This review presents the most recent studies and evidence on the differences between monopolar and bipolar systems for TUR of NMIBC as regards the perioperative and long-term outcomes.     

Bipolar versus monopolar transurethral prostate resection: Comparison of hemodynamic and biochemical changes

Background and aimTransurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) is the standard procedure for treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia which is the most common non-malignant disorder of the prostate, affecting over 50% of the elderly male population. This randomized study was done to compare the effect of bipolar cautery using saline with monopolar cautery using glycine regarding hemodynamic and biochemical changes in TURP.MethodsAfter approval from the ethical committee in Kasr Al Ainy university hospital, fifty consenting ASA II and III male patients scheduled for TURP were randomly allocated into two equal groups. Monopolar group had TURP performed with monopolar cautery using 1.5% glycine and bipolar group had it done using bipolar cautery with 0.9% saline. Spinal anesthesia was used. Hemodynamic data (mean arterial blood pressure (MAP), heart rate (HR), central venous pressure (CVP), and oxygen saturation (SPO₂)) were recorded preoperatively and postoperatively. Hemoglobin (Hb) and biochemical laboratory findings (Na⁺, ABG) were recorded pre- and postoperatively. Volume of irrigant was recorded by the end of surgery.ResultsNo significant difference in patients’ age or size of the prostate was present. Duration of surgery in bipolar group was longer (p-value 0.003). Preoperatively there was no significant difference in the hemodynamic variables, SPO₂, CVP, biochemical markers and hemoglobin. Postoperatively, the mean HR was significantly higher in bipolar group, p-value 0.006. Also, MAP in bipolar group was higher, and p-value was 0.001. Postoperatively, the mean serum Na⁺ level and mean Hb were significantly lower in monopolar group, p-value 0.002 and 0.013 respectively. Although there was no significant difference in both SPO₂ and CVP of both groups postoperatively, the increase in CVP in monopolar group was significantly higher.ConclusionsBipolar TURP causes less drop in serum sodium and hemoglobin level and less fluid overload than monopolar TURP. However, it takes longer resection time.     

EVALUATION OF NEW RESECTOSCOPE LOOP FOR TRANSURETHRAL RESECTION OF BLADDER TUMORS

Purpose

We evaluate a new resectoscope loop for transurethral resection of bladder tumors.

Materials and Methods

Of 251 transurethral resections in 226 patients 111 were done with a conventional loop and 140 with the Olympus prototype model A2186 resectoscope loop. The quality of specimens provided for histological analysis was compared.

Results

Tissue orientation was preserved and cautery artifact was reduced with the new loop compared to the standard resectoscope loop.

Conclusions

Compared to a conventional resectoscope loop, the new loop resulted in a better tumor resection and helped facilitate histological evaluation of the tissue specimens.     

The utility of bipolar electrocautery in hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia

OBJECTIVE: The surgical treatment of epistaxis associated with hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT) is varied. Laser therapy is often inadequate for larger complex lesions. This study sought to determine if bipolar cautery can be effectively and safely used in treating HHT-associated epistaxis. STUDY DESIGN AND SETTING: Records from all patients with HHT treated surgically over 8 years were reviewed retrospectively. Outcomes or complications were noted in the clinic on follow-up evaluation. RESULTS: Twenty-seven patients with HHT who underwent surgical treatment of epistaxis were evaluated; 18 were treated with bipolar cautery. Forty-two separate bipolar treatments were performed. No new septal perforations or synechiae were noted. Twenty-two of 42 treatments were coupled with ancillary laser treatments. The bipolar was also used as the sole technique in 20 procedures. CONCLUSION: Bipolar electrocautery is a safe and effective tool for the intraoperative control of HHT-related epistaxis. SIGNIFICANCE: Bipolar electrocautery may be used as an adjunct to laser techniques or as a stand-alone technique. EBM RATING: C-4.     

经尿道双极等离子电切术与剜除术治疗非肌层浸润性膀胱癌的病例对照研究

目的对比经尿道膀胱肿瘤等离子电切术（TURBT）与经尿道膀胱肿瘤等离子剜除术（TUEBT）治疗非肌层浸润性膀胱肿瘤（NMIBT）的临床疗效。 方法回顾性分析中山大学附属第三医院粤东医院2013年8月至2017年8月的160例经尿道膀胱肿瘤切除的资料,所有患者术前临床分期均为T1N0M0,其中TURBT和TUEBT各80例,采用全麻或腰硬联合麻醉联合闭孔神经阻滞,行经尿道膀胱肿瘤电切或剜除术。 结果术前两组的临床资料差异无统计学意义,两组患者均顺利完成手术,无输血病例。无严重并发症（膀胱穿孔、严重闭孔神经反射）发生。TURBT组和TUEBT组在手术时间、膀胱穿孔率、术后肿瘤病理分级、术后病理T分期、术后随访时间上差异均无统计学意义,而在术中失血[（15±7）ml vs（6±2）ml,P<0.05],住院天数[（5.8±2.3）d vs（3.6±1.4）d,P<0.05],二次电切率（70.00%vs 36.25%,P<0.05）,二年内肿瘤复发率（47.50%vs 31.25%,P<0.05）差异有统计学意义。 结论TURBT与TUEBT均是安全、有效的处理NMIBT的手术方法,但TUEBT大多数标本含有肌层,有利于判断分期,减少了二次电切率,缩短住院时间,降低术后复发率。     

膀胱内翻性乳头状瘤的诊断和治疗(附24例报告)

目的探讨膀胱内翻性乳头瘤(IPB)的发病特点及其诊治方法。方法回顾性分析24例IPB的临床资料。20例采用经尿道膀胱肿瘤电切术(TURBT),4例行膀胱部分切除术,术后膀胱灌注化疗预防复发。结果患者术后生存良好,20例获得随访3个月~12年,未见肿瘤复发或恶变。结论IPB是一种少见的尿路上皮肿瘤,预后良好。诊断依赖于膀胱镜检及术后病理检查,TURBT是其标准的治疗方法,术后予膀胱灌注化疗有利于预防复发。     

A case report: small cell carcinoma transformed from transitional cell carcinoma of the urinary bladder

A 72-year-old man presented with gross hematuria. Cystoscopy showed a non-papillary tumor at the right side of the posterior wall. Transurethral resection of the bladder tumor (TURBT) was performed. Pathologic findings demonstrated superficial transitional cell carcinoma (TCC). However, recurrent tumors were detected at the same location after 69 months' follow up. TURBT was done for the biopsy and pathologic examination showed muscle-invasive TCC. After two courses of neoadjuvant chemotherapy (MVAC), we performed radical cystectomy with Hautmann's continent reservoir. Pathologic findings revealed small cell carcinoma without any TCC features. Immunohistochemical staining using chromogranin A and synaptophysin was positive in the latest TURBT and the radical cystectomy specimens. We report a case of primary small cell carcinoma transformed from TCC of the urinary bladder.     

Histopathologic changes after bipolar resection of the prostate: depth of penetration of bipolar thermal injury

Abstract Background and Purpose: While the power needed to initiate bipolar vaporization is higher than conventional monopolar resection, the energy needed to maintain bipolar vaporization is significantly lower and may result in less thermal tissue injury. This may have implications for hemostasis, scarring, and perioperative morbidity. The objective of this study is to assess histopathologic changes in prostatic tissue after bipolar transurethral vaporization of the prostate. Patients and Methods: Male patients older than 40 years with a diagnosis of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) who elected to undergo bipolar transurethral vaporization of the prostate were included in this study. Patients were excluded if they had a previous transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) or prostate radiation therapy. An Olympus button vaporization electrode was used to vaporize prostate tissue. A loop electrode was then used to obtain a deep resection specimen. The vaporized and loop resection surfaces were inked and sent for pathologic analysis to determine the presence of gross histologic changes and the depth of penetration of the bipolar vaporization current. Results: A total of 12 men underwent bipolar TURP at standard settings of 290?W cutting and 145?W coagulation current. Mean patient age was 70±10.2 years (range 56-88 years). Mean surgical time was 48.7±20.2 minutes (range 30-89?min). Mean depth of thermal injury was 2.4±0.84?mm (range 0.3-3.5?mm). Histopathologic evaluation demonstrated thermal injury in all specimens, but no gross char was encountered. Conclusions: In bipolar systems, resection takes place at much lower peak voltages and temperatures compared with monopolar systems. Theoretically, this leads to less collateral thermal damage and tissue char. Our tissue study illustrates that the button vaporization electrode achieves a much larger depth of penetration than previous studies of bipolar TURP. This may be because thermal injury represents a gradual continuum of histologic changes.     

Comparison of bipolar transurethral resection of the prostate with standard transurethral prostatectomy: shorter stay, earlier catheter removal and fewer complications

Authors from Detroit assess the use of the bipolar TURP against the monopolar technique; there were relatively few patients, reflecting the decreasing requirement for TURP in the USA. In addition, the amount of resected tissue was not particularly large, almost certainly a reflection of the decreasing size of resected prostatic tissue in that country. They found the bipolar TURP to have many advantages over standard monopolar TURP, and these are described. Acute urinary retention is a common urological emergency, and authors from London found that it had a measurable impact on the health-related quality of life of patients who develop this problem. They describe particularly how painful a condition it is, and that it had a significant economic burden. OBJECTIVE: To assess bipolar transurethral prostatectomy (TURP) using the Gyrus system (Gyrus Medical, Maple Grove, MD) compared with a standard monopolar TURP. PATIENTS AND METHODS: All 43 patients undergoing TURP from November 2000 to August 2002 were reviewed retrospectively; the 1.5-year observation period allowed for the detection of late complications. In all, 18 consecutive patients had standard and 25 had bipolar TURP. RESULTS: The resection was 18 g for standard and 15 g for the Gyrus TURP (part of the Gyrus chips are vaporized during resection). The Foley catheter was removed sooner (1.8 vs 3.2 days) and the hospital stay was less in the Gyrus group (1.2 vs 2.1 days). Acute complications occurred in a third of the standard group and four (16%) of the Gyrus group. Long-term complications were comparable, at two each in the standard and Gyrus groups. Four patients (15%) with small glands went home on the day of surgery, needing no bladder irrigation after Gyrus TURP. CONCLUSION: Few innovations in TURP technique have been described in the past few decades but comparing Gyrus to standard TURP showed that the former allows earlier removal of the urinary catheter and earlier discharge from hospital, while decreasing complications. The Gyrus system also has other benefits; it allows coagulation of tissue during resection, resulting in excellent intraoperative visualization, and normal saline is used as the irrigant fluid, reducing the potential for TUR syndrome. The shorter stay after Gyrus TURP can result in cost savings of up to $1200/patient/day at our institution.