TURis plasma vaporization electrode for benign prostatic hyperplasia therapy

About one third of men over the age of 50 and half of those over 70 suffer from the effects of an enlarged prostate gland. From the age of 30, a man’s prostate can begin to enlarge as a natural process of aging whereby it increasingly presses on the urethra and thus narrows it. This can lead to the typical voiding disorders: a weak urine stream, dribbling after urination, feeling that the bladder is not completely empty and/or the need to pass urine frequently at night. This condition is called benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and its symptoms can reduce the quality of life to a great extent. BPH also may cause complications such as severe urinary tract infections, urinary retention or even renal failure.

The TURis plasma vaporization electrode does not cut off tissue with a loop, but energetically vaporizes the tissue with a small button electrode. With the help of the latest plasma technology, cells can be removed by merely gliding the electrode over the prostate tissue. A smooth tissue surface is left behind – no healthy tissue is irritated or injured by plasma vaporization. Bleeds during and after this minimally invasive surgery can be avoided with this technique and quick healing of the wound stimulated. Plasma vaporization represents an innovative surgical treatment option that can remove the cause of BPH safely, gently and with high efficiency.

For physicians, this new procedure is very convenient. The learning curve is short: The TURis procedure is well established, thus electrode guidance skills can be acquired effortlessly and quickly. The semi-spherical design of the electrode allows the surgeon to guide it precisely over the tissue for highly targeted treatment. The view of the operation field remains clear because no tissue shavings, blood or laser impulses restrict the visual field.