L. N. Raju1, Prathvi2, Mayank Kulshreshtha3, Machiraju Raghuveer4
In the past few years, the bipolar technique of resecting the prostate has become available worldwide, and currently alongside other minimally invasive techniques, especially different laser modalities, challenges the monopolar transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) as being the gold standard in treating benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). The proposed advantages of bipolar resection are improved haemostasis, better intraoperative visualisation, use of saline as an irrigant, which reduces the risk for TUR syndrome, shorter catheterisation time and reduced hospital stay. This study compares monopolar and bipolar TURP with respect to safety, efficacy and complications.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
This study was performed in the Department of Urology, Rajarajeswari Medical College and Hospital, Bangalore from March 2015 to March 2016 after ethics committee clearance. Fifty patients with bladder outlet obstruction due to BPH were randomised into two groups (the first managed by standard monopolar TURP and the second managed by bipolar TURP).
RESULTS
Resection and operative time is comparable in both groups. Volume of the irrigation fluid used was less in Bipolar group, but this difference was statistically insignificant. In Bipolar TURP, change in Serum Na levels postoperatively is less compared to monopolar group and this difference is statistically significant. Postoperative catheter duration was found same in both groups. Although postoperative hospital stay and patients requiring blood transfusion was less in bipolar group, this difference was not found significant statistically. Postoperative complication rate in bipolar group was less but it was not statistically significant.
CONCLUSION
Bipolar TURP has an equivalent complication profile; however, the elimination of a patient return electrode pad and toxicity from hypo-osmolar irrigation fluids may provide an extra level of patient safety. Longer followup is needed to determine if this technology will eventually supplant monopolar TURP as the new gold standard.
