Rotoresection of the prostate: a preliminary report

ABSTRACT

To report the results and follow up of rotoresection of the prostate during one year. The rotoresection is a specially designed resection electrode, driven by a micromotor and a high frequency current to enable simmulataneous coagulation, vaporization and mechanical tissue removal during resection. Between October 2001 and October 2002, fifty patients with symptomatic benign prostatic hyperplasia [B.P.H.] have had their prostate resected with this new technique. The actively rotating electrode enables tissue coagulation and vaporization as well as mechanical tissue ablation. Only minimal bleeding was observed during the entire resection procedure. The mean resection time was 39.3 +/- 9.8 minutes. No intra-operative complications occurred. Post-operatively, no significant changes in hemoglobin and sodium concentration were detected. The urinary maximum flow rate was improved from 8.2 +/- 2.2 to 23.5 +/- 5.5 ml/ sec. and the residual urine volume reduced from 190.4 +/- 102.7 to 25.6 +/- 17.8 ml. The international prostate symptom scor [IPSS] improved from 25.3 +/- 6.1 to 7.2 +/- 2.5. Rotoresection of the prostate is a promising new technique which has the advantages of high ablation rate, minimal blood loss, no significant change in hematocrite and serum sodium concentration and short hospital stay. Longer follow up with larger numbers of patients will be essential in determining the durability of this technique as a treatment modality for symptomatic BPH