[Transurethral resection in the treatment of benign prostatic hypertrophy: analysis of its results]

To analyze the results achieved with transurethral resection in the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia.

We analyzed the results achieved with transurethral resection in 400 patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia who had been treated at the Joaquín Albarrán teaching hospital. The procedure was utilized for prostates weighing up to 50 gm and middle lobe involvement independent of its size. Sterile water was used as irrigant since it permits excellent vision, it is low-cost and carries a low risk of complications associated with intraoperative osmotic diuresis.

4.75% of the cases required blood transfusion (not more than two units). The intraoperative complication rate was 2.75%; hemorrhage (2%), capsular perforation (0.5%), and one death from myocardial infarction (0.25%). Hematuria resolved within 48 h postoperatively in 83.75% and the urethral catheter was removed in 82.75% within the first 72 h. Urinary tract infection was the most common postoperative complication; 8.5% were acute and 3.25% presented late. Urethral stenosis was observed in 2.25% and sclerosis of the neck was observed in 1.75%. Good results were achieved in 360 patients (90%). The mean length of hospital stay was 3.8 days. There were two deaths (0.5%); both were due to myocardial infarction.

Transurethral resection in the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia achieved good results in 90% of our patients. The length of hospital stay was short and the mortality rate was low.