The changing practice of transurethral prostatectomy: a comparison of cases performed in 1990 and 2000

Transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) is considered by many to be the 'gold standard' treatment for benign prostatic enlargement. However, with the relatively recent introduction of pharmacological and other surgical treatment modalities, the performance of TURP appears to be in decline.

A retrospective casenote analysis of 200 patients who underwent TURP in 1990 and the year 2000 with the aim of identifying changes in the incidence and practice of TURP.

There was a decline in the number of TURPs performed of 31.6% over the 10-year period, with more being carried out because of urinary retention. In 2000, the patient was older and the operative procedure took statistically longer than 10-years earlier, but the weight of prostate tissue resected, patient satisfaction and complication rates were similar.

At present, TURP is in decline, with urinary retention being the commonest indication. The population at present is older but this does not carry additional co-morbidity. The weight of resection has not altered, although surgery currently takes longer to perform.