Development of the prostatectomy since 1966. An analysis of 3,180 patients

An analysis of 3,180 prostatectomies (between 1966 and 1982) reveals an increasing number to sixfold from 1966 to the end of the 70s. The preoperative preparation of the patients often suffering from several cardiovascular and especially respiratory diseases (about 40%) is improved by an early cooperation of all medical disciplines involved. Important complications such as the fluid absorption toxicity could be reduced; the excessive absorption of irrigation fluid (i.e., the TUR-P syndrome) was found in about 1.0% of the cases. Postoperative complications such as epididymitis or urethral strictures can be diminished by special surgical treatment methods.