As with TURP, these operations cause prostate tissue to be cut out of the prostate:
In TUVP, the prostate is vapourised. There is no tissue remaining to send to the pathologists after TUVP, meaning that if prostate cancer is also present, it will not be identified. TUVP is recognised by NICE as an option for the treatment of BPH.
A number of different laser techniques were established in the 1990s. However, most have been superseded by holmium laser prostatectomy and photoselective vaporisation of the prostate (PVP, also known as Greenlight laser).
Holmium laser prostatectomy: holmium (YAG laser energy) is strongly absorbed by water in prostate tissue, allowing precise vaporization of the prostate and reducing bleeding. Holmium laser resection of the prostate (HoLRP) and holmium laser enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP) are both approved by NICE. The outcomes following HoLEP seem to be comparable with TURP, but there are no high quality research studies which confirm this or tell us if the effects will be as long lasting as TURP.
Photoselective vapourisation of the prostate (PVP): PVP laser vapourisation is currently gaining popularity as patients are able to go home on the day of surgery without a catheter. NICE have approved this treatment. However, long-term trials on outcome are currently lacking.
A Transurethral incision of the prostate is similar to a TURP, in that the operation involves the insertion of instruments into the prostate via the urethra, but is a smaller operation, lasting a shorter amount of time and aimed at overcoming blockages in men with a smaller prostate. It works by cutting away the blockage and opening up the bladder. As with a TURP, you will have a general anaesthetic and a catheter inserted, but the stay in hospital is generally a bit shorter.
The main difference that many men find between a TURP and TUIP is that retrograde ejaculation is less common in a TUIP, although the need for a follow-up operation is greater than in the case of a TUIP, than a TURP.
 |
 |
 |
 |