A descriptive study examining postdischarge patient needs after laser ablation and transuretheral resection of the...

This descriptive study identifies and describes the postdischarge experiences in two groups of patients with benign prostate hyperplasia. The two patient groups included 12 patients who underwent laser ablation and 12 patients who underwent traditional transuretheral prostatectomy. A questionnaire was developed and used to examine the postoperative experiences of the two groups after discharge. The questionnaire obtained demographic information from medical records and examined the types of assistance required at home, the need to contact health professionals, difficulties encountered after catheter removal and the amount of time until resolution of symptoms and a return to normal activities. The laser ablation group were discharged home with an indwelling catheter, and thus were required to complete additional questions regarding their experiences of going home with a catheter and leg bag. The results indicate the laser ablation group went home with an indwelling catheter and reported a higher frequency of symptom distress and technical problems in caring for the leg bag. The laser ablation group also sought more assistance from health professionals. These problems were not demonstrated in the traditional transuretheral prostatectomy group, who remained in hospital until the catheter was removed. This study demonstrates the need for further nursing research examining patient issues that occur during the postdischarge recovery phase.