Total transurethral resection versus minimal transurethral resection of the prostate--a 10-year follow-up study of urinary symptoms, uroflowmetry and residual volume.

OBJECTIVE

To assess the long-term results of total transurethral resection (T-TURP) and minimal transurethral resection of the prostate (M-TURP) in patients with obstructive symptoms caused by benign prostatic hyperplasia.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Between September 1979 and September 1980, 167 patients were studied: 83 were randomized to T-TURP and 84 to M-TURP. The patients were examined pre-operatively and 6 and 12 months post-operatively. Ten years post-operatively they were invited to attend for further examination, including uroflowmetry, determination of residual volume and evaluation of subjective symptoms.

RESULTS

At the 10-year follow-up 39 patients were found to have died and 47 were lost to follow-up. Twelve patients had undergone repeat TURP and seven had been treated for urethral stricture. Thus 33 T-TURP and 29 M-TURP patients underwent detailed examination. Significant relief in obstructive and irritative symptoms was seen in both groups. The improvement in maximum flow rate remained stable throughout the follow-up period, with no significant differences between the two groups. Post-void residual urine decreased throughout follow-up, with minor differences between the groups.

CONCLUSION

M-TURP is recommended as an alternative to T-TURP.