In a nutshell
This study examined the effect of the patient’s health and number of medical conditions on the occurrence of side effects after transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP). Researchers concluded that these did not affect the occurrence of side effects after TURP. Most complications after TURP were considered mild.
Some background
BPH can lead to bothersome urinary symptoms and surgery is often required to remove the enlarged prostate tissue. A minimally invasive procedure called transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) is the current standard-of-care. TURP allows for the destruction of prostate tissue through a wire loop inserted into the urethra (the penile opening). Removing enlarged tissue from the prostate allows for better flow through the urethra and relieves symptoms of BPH. However, some men can experience side effects after TURP. Whether the patient’s general health before surgery or the presence of additional medical conditions (also called comorbidities) affect TURP outcomes is still being investigated.
Methods & findings
The aim of this study was to examine the effect of the patient’s health and number of comorbidities on the occurrence of side effects after TURP.
The records of 2,326 men with BPH treated with TURP were analyzed. 32.4% of men had no comorbidities, 63.9% had one comorbidity, and 3.7% of men had two or more comorbidities. 10.9% of men were healthy before surgery, 81.6% of men were considered mildly unhealthy, and 7.4% of men were considered unhealthy.
515 complications were recorded following TURP. Complications were graded from 1 to 5 depending on severity (with 1 being the least and 5 being the most severe). 0.4% of men experienced grade 1 complications. This was 17.9% for grade 2, 2.4% for grade 3, 1.8% for grade 4, and 0.1% for grade 5 complications.
Complications were experienced by 10.6% of men with no comorbidities, 10% of men with one comorbidity, and 13.1% of men with two or more comorbidities. 9.3% of healthy men experienced complications. This was 10% for mildly unhealthy men, and 14.4% for unhealthy men. However, the differences between patient groups were not statistically significant. Having more comorbidities or being classified as less healthy did not significantly increase the occurrence of side effects after TURP. However, hospital stays, size of removed prostate tissue, and age were all higher for men classified as unhealthy before surgery.
The bottom line
Researchers concluded that the patient’s general health and comorbidities did not affect the occurrence of side effects after TURP.
The fine print
The rate of complications was only followed for 90 days after TURP.
Published By :
Urology
Date :
Jul 26, 2016
