RESUMO
Objective To discuss the utilization of signs of a proper depth of ablation during transurethral electrovaporization of the prostate (TUVP). Methods A retrospective analysis was made on clinical records of 616 cases of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Preoperative color ultrasonography revealed a co-morbidity of prostatic calcification in 310 cases. A total of 156 cases also had vesical calculi and 23 cases complicated tumors of the bladder. On the performance of TUVP, once a co-morbidity of prostatic calculus or a “slipping phenomenon” during mechanical operation was observed, the ablation was stopped. Results The operative time was 30~120 min (mean, 75 min). During the surgery, preoperatively diagnosed prostatic calcification in the 310 cases was confirmed as prostatic calculus, and in the remaining 306 cases prostatic calculus was also found. Vesical perforation occurred during the surgery in 1 case. No urethrorectal fistula or transurethral resection of the prostate syndrome happened. Follow-up observations were conducted for 3~6 months (mean, 4.5 months) in 325 cases. The maximal flow rate (Qmax) was elevated from 6.5~8.5 ml/s to 8~22 ml/s. The residual urine volume (RU) decreased from 70~150 ml to 0~10 ml, and the International Prostate Symptom Scores (I-PSS), from 19~24.5 to 0~7. Of 138 cases of vesical calculus and 23 cases of bladder tumor, no recurrence was noted. Conclusions Prostatic calculus and the “slipping phenomenon” indicate a proper depth of ablation during transurethral electrovaporization of the prostate.