[Complication related factors in patients undergoing open simple prostatectomy due to Benign Prostate Hyperplasia in a Colombian hospital.]

Open prostatectomy is an efficacious treatment for Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH), but its complication rates and risk factors for these might vary due to the characteristics of populations and health systems. OBJECTIVE: To determine the frequency of complications and the risk factors for these, in the first three months after open prostatectomy in a hospital in Medellín (Colombia). METHODS: This is a cohort study in which patients undergoing retropubic open prostatectomy were taken. Medical records were reviewed to obtain demographic, preoperative, and intraoperative data. The main outcome was the incidence of complications in the first three postoperative months and this was divided into early (day 1 to 7 post-surgery) and late (day 8 to 90 post-surgery) complications. Risk factors were determined by estimating Relative Risks (RR).

191 patients with a median age of 70 years were included. The frequency of complications was 34.5%,14.6% occurred early and 19.9% late. Risk factors were dyslipidemia (RR: 2.37, 95% CI: 1.25 to 4.47), irrigation time (RR: 1.31, 95% CI: 1.02 to 1.67) and duration of the postsurgical catheter (RR: 1.07, 95% CI: 1.03 to 1.12); general anesthesia was a protective risk factor compared to spinal (RR: 0.47, 95% CI: 0.24 to 0.91).

The frequency of complications of open prostatectomy with a retropubic approach was within the figures reported in the literature. The risk factors found could be modifiable and considered for the prevention of adverse outcomes. This study provides an updated basis for future comparisons with alternative treatments for BPH.