Effects of transurethral resection of prostate on the quality of life of patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia.

BACKGROUND

This article investigated the effects of transurethral resection of prostate on quality of life (QOL) and urinary symptoms in patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).

STUDY DESIGN

In a prospective study, 30 patients without significant comorbidities undergoing transurethral resection of prostate for BPH were studied. Patients completed four validated questionnaires: the International Prostate Symptom Score and the associated QOL index because urinary symptoms, the Montgomery and Asberg Depression Rating Scale, the McGill Pain Questionnaire, and the QOL questionnaire Short Form-36. These were completed preoperatively, on the first postoperative day, on discharge from hospital, and at 1 and 3 months postoperatively.

RESULTS

The QOL of patients who undergo transurethral resection of prostate for BPH had significantly improved at 3 months after their operation. The International Prostate Symptom Score scores at 1 month (9.3+/-4.6) and 3 months (5.4+/-5.6) were less than they were preoperatively (19.9+/-7.1). The QOL index because urinary symptoms was less at 1 month (2.4+/-1.9) and at 3 months postoperatively (1.5+/-1.4) in comparison with the preoperative scores (4.5+/-1.2). The Montgomery and Asberg Depression Rating Scale scores at 1 month (5.4+/-6.8) and 3 months (4.9+/-6.5) were less than they were preoperatively (9.2+/-8.3). The McGill Pain Questionnaire sensory and pain rating index scores were less at 3 months than they were preoperatively (p=0.02 and p<0.02 respectively). The McGill Pain Questionnaire affective score was less at 1 month than it was preoperatively (p<0.03). The McGill Pain Questionnaire evaluative scores were less than the preoperative score at all times postoperatively. The role physical (p=0.007), bodily pain (p=0.006), social function (p=0.007), and physical component summary (p=0.007) subsections of the Short Form-36 were greater at 3 months postoperatively when compared with the preoperative scores.

CONCLUSIONS

Transurethral resection of prostate is associated with significant improvement in the overall QOL, in addition to urinary symptoms, of patients with BPH at 3 months postoperatively. The magnitude and timing of this improvement may serve as a useful comparator in determining the optimal treatment of patients with BPH.