Bipolar Vaporization, Resection, and Enucleation Versus Open Prostatectomy: Optimal Treatment Alternatives in Large Prostate Cases?

Abstract Objectives: The study compared the transurethral resection in saline (TURis), transurethral vaporization in saline (TUVis), bipolar plasma enucleation of the prostate (BPEP), and open prostatectomy (OP) in a single-center, prospective, randomized controlled clinical setting exclusively involving large prostate patients. Patients and Methods: During a 4½ year enrollment period, 320 cases of prostate volume over 80 mL, maximum flow rate (Qmax) below 10 mL/second, International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) over 19, or urinary retention were included in the trial and equally randomized in the four study arms. Patients were assessed preoperatively as well as at the 1-, 3-, 6-, and 12-month follow-up checkups using the IPSS, quality of life (QoL) score, Qmax, postvoiding residual urinary volume (PVR), and prostate-specific antigen (PSA). Results: Similar preoperative parameters were established in the four series. OP and BPEP were characterized by resembling operating times, while TURis and TUVis disp...