Transurethral Vaporization of the Prostate Used to Treat Enlarged Prostate

Transurethral vaporization of the prostate (TUVP) is a minimally invasive procedure for relieving symptoms of an enlarged prostate. 

During a TUVP, a visual and surgical instrument known as a resectoscope is used with a roller ball or roller electrode. The roller electrode delivers a strong electric current in the body as it is rolled over the prostate. The resulting heat vaporizes the obstructing tissue portion of the enlarged prostate. 

Another common form of TUVP, known as photoselective vaporization, utilizes a laser instead of an electrode to vaporize excess prostate tissue.

The more standard treatment, transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP), involves cutting away the tissue in the body. Transurethral vaporization can cause less bleeding and decreased recovery time than traditional TURP.

Patients suffering from an enlarged prostate are candidates for a TUVP. Unfortunately, with each pass of the roller, the layer below the vaporized tissue becomes more solid, or coagulated. This coagulated tissue is harder to vaporize -- a drawback that makes the procedure more tedious and time-consuming. For this reason, TUVP is best limited to men with small prostates.