PVP, TURP show comparable outcomes at 2 years

Data from a European study comparing photoselective vaporization of the prostate (PVP) and transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) show similar outcomes after a 2-year follow-up in patients with lower urinary tract symptoms due to BPH, researchers reported here yesterday.

Researchers from the University of Basel in Switzerland conducted a non-randomized, two-center, prospective study comparing postoperative results in 319 patients who underwent PVP (GreenLight Laser, American Medical Systems, Minnetonka, MN) and 136 patients who underwent TURP.

Led by Robin Ruszat, MD, they found that although the two techniques showed comparable functional results, the maximum flow rate (Qmax score) was higher in the TURP group. Younger patients demonstrated a high postoperative Qmax, regardless of operative technique. Also, PVP was seen to be superior in terms of intra-operative safety compared to that seen with TURP, but the re-operation rate was higher in the PVP group.

In patients under age 70 years, improvement in Qmax ranged from 138% to 175% in the PVP group and from 150% to 190% in the TURP group, compared with 55% to 78% and 70% to 90% for the two procedures, respectively, in patients over age 70 years. At no time during follow-up did International Prostate Symptom Scores and post-void residual volume differ significantly between the two groups, Dr. Ruszat said.

The transurethral catheter was removed after 1.8 days in the PVP group and after 2.9 days in the TURP group. Hospitalization time was significantly shorter in the PVP group (p