[Transurethral prostatic resection by cold punch technique. Indication and results (author's transl)].

In men of advancing age benign prostatic hypertrophy is the most frequent cause of obstructive urinary symptoms. Transurethral prostatic resection has been demonstrated as a suitable method to lastingly cure patients with this disease, even if they belong to a high age group or to a so-called high risk group. This report is based on 1490 patients who were operated upon by transurethral prostatic resection utilizing the cold punch technique. The average age was 70.9 years. 5.7% of the patients were 80 years or older. In 38.1% the operative risk was increased. The indication for performing a transurethral prostatic resection is discussed and technical differences between the cold punch technique and the better known electroresection are pointed out. Early and late results as well as complications of the procedure are reported.