Transurethral resection of the prostate still represents the "gold standard" in surgical treatment of symptomatic benign prostatic enlargement (BPE). New demands were made on transurethral electrosurgery with the appearance of alternative, minimal invasive procedures. Bleeding complications had to be reduced. Different attempts were made to improve the conventional TURP. Band loops and roller bars were developed in order to gain a more effective coagulation during the cutting process by a larger tissue contact. Major advances could be achieved by modifications of the high-frequency generator. Improved procedures like the "Coagulating-Intermittent-Cutting" (CIC), the "Instant-Response-", as well as the "Dry-Cut-Technology" combine cutting and coagulating effects to realize lowered bleeding and an efficient resection process. The introduction of bipolar currency flow opens the possibility of conventional TUR-P with saline solutions and thus to the theoretical avoidance of the TUR-syndrome. By the neoadjuvant use of 5alpha-reductase-inhibitors before planned TUR-P, bleeding- and irrigation fluid absorption should be reduced by lowering perfusion and the size of the prostate. Regarding these innovative approaches which improve the surgical standard and minimize the risk of perioperative complications, transurethral electrosurgery remains the method of choice in instrumental therapy of symptomatic BPE. In the future efficacy and costs will be comparable to those of the transurethral laser-resection or laser-vaporisation.