To compare the outcome of bipolar button plasma vaporization (BPVP) of the prostate with bipolar transurethral resection (TURP) in patients with benign prostatic obstruction.

Study design: Randomized Controlled Trial


Setting: Department of Urology & Renal Transplantation, Lahore General Hospital.

Duration: Six months, i.e. 9-6-2023 to 10-12-2023

Data collection procedure: 
A total of 62 patients fulfilling the selection criteria were enrolled in the study. Patients were randomly divided into two groups. In group A, BPVP was done. In group B, bipolar (TURP) was done. All surgeries were performed under general anesthesia. Operative time was noted. Then, after surgery, patients were shifted to post-surgical wards and followed up there till discharge. The duration of the hospital stay was noted. Total irrigation time, catheterization duration, blood loss, and LUTS (IPS score) were also noted. All this information was recorded pro forma.

The mean age of the patients in group I was 58.59±4.59 years, while that in group II was 57.67±4.61 years. The mean duration of symptoms in group I was 8.29±1.10, whereas that in group II was 8.32±1.24. The mean time of operation in group I was 45.51±14.29 minutes, while in group II it was 69.83±32.08 minutes. The mean hospital stay in group I was 3.32±1.93 days, while in group II it was 5.96±1.44 days. The mean IPSS for LUTS post-op in group I was 8.03±3.72 and in group II was 8.77±3.04.

•	The mean age of the patients in group-I was 58.59±4.59 years while in group-II the mean age of the patients was 57.67±4.61 
           years.
•	The mean duration of symptoms in group-I was 8.29±1.10 and the mean duration of symptoms in group-II was 8.32±1.24.

•	The mean time of operation in group-I was 45.51±14.29 minutes whereas the mean operation time in group-II was 
              69.83±32.08 minutes.
•	The mean Irrigation time in group-I was 9.96±2.90 hours whereas the mean irrigation time in group-II was 12.87±5.0 hours. 

•	The mean catheterization time in group-I was 2.83±0.82 days while the mean catheterization time in group-II was 4.96±1.49 
                days 

•	The mean hospital stay in group-I was 3.32±1.93 days while in group-II the mean hospital stay in group-II was 5.96±1.44 days.

•	The mean blood Loss in group-I was 109.38±33.04 ml whereas the mean blood loss in group-II was 197.25±77.74 ml.

•	The mean IPSS for LUTS: Post-op in group-I was 8.03±3.72 while mean IPSS for LUTS: Post-op in group-II was 8.77±3.04.

•	There was no significant difference between the mean BPVP and TURP as the p-value was not significant (p-value=0.39). 

•	There was no significant difference in the mean values of IPSS for LUTS in all the age groups i.e. 50-55, 56-61 and 62-67 as 
          the p-values were not significant (p-values>0.05).

•	There was no significant difference in the mean values of IPSS for LUTS in both the duration of symptoms groups i.e. 7-8 and 
          9-10 as the p-values were not significant (p-values>0.05).

Short-term results revealed that BPVP seems to be safer than TURP, highly effective, has less perioperative bleeding, and requires a shorter hospital stay. We recommend BPVP as the first line of surgical treatment for benign prostatic hyperplasia when indicated.

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