Description Rigid scope with electrosurgical loop inserted in urethra to remove urethra and diseased tissue in the prostate. Advantages Surgical 'gold standard' for most severe BPH cases. Efficacy rate of 85 percent. Durability rate of 90 percent after five years. Disadvantages Invasive, painful and costly surgery.
Side effects can include incontinence, impotence and blood loss.
Rigid scope uses probes to puncture the urethra. Energy heats diseased tissue. Advantages Generally has good initial outcomes. Costs less than surgery. Disadvantages Low durability, high retreatment rate.