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Olympus PlasmaButton transurethral vaporization technique for benign prostatic hyperplasia

Michael McClelland Jr

Urology Austin, Austin, Texas, USA
Address correspondence to Dr. Michael McClelland Jr., Austin Urology, 3100 Red River, Austin, Texas 78705 USA

Canadian Journal of Urology 2011, 18(2), 5630-5633.

Abstract

Objective: This article describes an efficient and effective method of using the Olympus PlasmaButton (Olympus, Southborough, MA, USA) for transurethral vaporization of the prostate (TUVP).
Methods: This technique was developed over the past 18 months. During the procedure, patients underwent TUVP using the Olympus PlasmaButton, with vaporization focused on the inner aspect of the prostate until it was judged to be significantly open and unobstructed.
Results: Patients were found to tolerate the procedure well, with what appears to be durable clinical outcomes. Postoperative bleeding, both in the short and long term, has not been a significant concern using this method.
Conclusion: The Olympus PlasmaButton procedure represents a new minimally invasive treatment option for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). As with all emerging technologies, surgeons develop techniques over time that enhance the effectiveness, efficiency, and safety of the procedure. This article outlines one surgeon’s refined approach, which has evolved into a successful method for managing patients undergoing minimally invasive transurethral vaporization of the prostate. There may be other vaporization techniques that surgeons have also developed with experience using the PlasmaButton, which could be equally effective.

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