TRANSURETHRAL RESECTION OF THE PROSTATE IN COMMUNITY OUTREACH: WHAT ARE THE LESSONS?

Transurethral resection of the prostate is the gold standard for treating benign prostate enlargement that presents with complications or worsening lower urinary tract symptoms despite medical treatment. We report the experience of transurethral resection of the prostate in indigenous community in the sub-Saharan Africa.

Arrangements were made with selected communities for transportation of endoscopic instruments by road. Medical officers were taught on the inclusion and exclusion criteria for men suitable for transurethral resection of prostate. Scheduled visits were arranged between January 2016 and December 2019.

Fifty-five men age range 45-98years underwent TURP. The mean prostate volume, preoperative infection rate, operation time, hospital stay, postoperative day of catheter removal, and incidental prostate cancer were 52.5 cm3, 9%, 41.3 minutes, 2 days, 5 days, and 5.5% respectively. There was an increase in TURP per year from 4 to 20 patients. The postoperative complication rate was 4%.

TURP in the indigenous and pensioners community is feasible, accessible, with satisfactory outcome. The government needs to support this initiative of scheduled community outreach to ensure modern day treatment is brought to the doorstep of her citizens.