[Transurethral resection of prostatic adenoma. Complications and results]

A retrospective study of a homogeneous series of 100 patients who underwent transurethral prostatic resection showed that all ceased to have dysuria, though 6 out of 10 remained with frequency and compelling urge to urinate. Post-operative haemorrhage was not a major risk (1% of the cases) but the septic risk was not negligible (septicaemia 2%, bouts of high fever 8%, epididymitis 6%) despite pre-operative sterilization of the urine. Urethral stenosis developed in 5% of the cases and incontinence in 1 of the 100 patients. This series was conspicuous by the absence of mortality, and systematic anticoagulant therapy proved effective in preventing thromboembolic complications. The difficulties encountered in mastering this surgical technique are illustrated by the need for repeated endoscopic resection on account of a residual lobe in 2 cases. Transurethral prostatic resection therefore entails complications and risks and is not as benign as it would appear.