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.