Patient-perceived health status before and up to 12 months after transurethral resection of the prostate for benign prostatic hypertrophy.

As part of a prospective cohort study of 388 men undergoing transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) for benign prostatic hypertrophy, the perceived physical, social and emotional health before and 3, 6 and 12 months after surgery was assessed using the Nottingham Health Profile. Before surgery, 88% of patients reported one or more specific health problems, most commonly concerning sleep (75%). The areas of daily life considered by the patients to be most affected by their health status were employment (by 33% of those currently in work), sex life (31%), social life (29%) and holidays (29%). Comparisons with other patient groups are described. Three months after surgery the proportion of patients reporting at least one health problem had fallen to 66%. Significant improvements occurred in all aspects of health, particularly sleeping problems. The improvements persisted for all aspects during the year following surgery with the exception of physical mobility, which deteriorated. These improvements were reflected in a significant reduction in perceived limitations in the patients' daily lives, with a tendency for the patients to perceive fewer limitations 1 year after surgery than at the 3-month assessment.