A randomized trial comparing bipolar
transurethral vaporization of the prostate with
GreenLight laser (xps-180watt) photoselective
vaporization of the prostate for treatment of small
to moderate benign prostatic obstruction:
outcomes after 2 years
Fady K. Ghobrial, Ahmed Shoma, Ahmed M. Elshal , Mahmoud Laymon,
Nasr El-Tabey, Adel Nabeeh and Ahmed A. Shokeir
Urology Department, Urology and Nephrology Center, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt
Objective
To test the non-inferiority of bipolar transurethral
vaporization of the prostate (TUVP) compared to GreenLight
laser (GL) photoselective vaporization of the prostate (PVP)
for reduction of benign prostatic hyperplasia-related lower
urinary tract symptoms in a randomized trial.
Methods
Eligible patients with prostate volumes of 30–80 mL were
randomly allocated to GL-PVP (n= 58) or bipolar TUVP (n
= 61). Non-inferiority of symptom score (International
Prostate Symptom Score [IPSS]) at 24 months was evaluated.
All peri-operative variables were recorded and compared.
Urinary (IPSS, maximum urinary flow rate and post-void
residual urine volume) and sexual (International Index of
Erectile Function-15) outcome measures were evaluated at 1,
4, 12 and 24 months. Need for retreatment and
complications, change in PSA level and health resources-
related costs of both procedures were recorded and
compared.
Results
Baseline and peri-operative variables were similar in the two
groups. At 1, 4, 12 and 24 months, 117, 116, 99 and 96
patients, respectively, were evaluable. Regarding urinary
outcome measures, there was no significant difference
between the groups. The mean Æ SD IPSS at 1 and 2 years
was 7.1 Æ 3 and 7.9 Æ 2.9 (P = 0.8), respectively, after GL-
PVP and 6.3 Æ 3.1 and 7.2 Æ 2.8, respectively, after bipolar
TUVP (P = 0.31). At 24 months, the mean difference in IPSS
was 0.7 (95% confidence interval À0.6 to 2.3; P = 0.6). The
median (range) postoperative PSA reduction was 64.7 (25–
99)% and 65.9 (50–99)% (P = 0.006) after GL-PVP, and 32.1
(28.6–89.7)% and 39.3 (68.8–90.5)% (P = 0.005) after bipolar
TUVP, at 1 and 2 years, respectively. After 2 years,
retreatment for recurrent bladder outlet obstruction was
reported in eight (13.8%) and 10 (16.4%) patients in the GL-
PVP and bipolar TUVP groups, respectively (P = 0.8). The
mean estimated cost per bipolar TUVP procedure was
significantly lower than per GL-PVP procedure after
24 months (P = 0.01).
Conclusions
In terms of symptom control, bipolar TUVP was not inferior
to GL-PVP at 2 years. Durability of the outcome needs to be
tracked. The greater cost of GL-PVP compared with bipolar
TUVP is an important concern.
Keywords
laser, bipolar, vaporization, BPH, prostate, GreenLight,
Prostatectomy, #UroBPH
Introduction
Throughout the past 50 years, TURP has been regarded as
the ‘gold standard’ surgical treatment for LUTS secondary to
BPH in patients with small to moderate-sized prostates.
Despite significant refinements of TURP, peri-operative
complications remain a challenge [1]. Over the last two
decades, a plethora of innovative transurethral techniques and
© 2019 The Authors
BJU Int 2020; 125: 144–152 BJU International © 2019 BJU International | doi:10.1111/bju.14926
wileyonlinelibrary.com Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd. www.bjui.org
Functional Urology