Reference range of prostate-specific antigen after transurethral resection of the prostate.

OBJECTIVES

The aim of the present study was to investigate how transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) affected the serum levels of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) and to establish reference ranges of PSA in patients who have undergone TURP.

METHODS

PSA was determined preoperatively and 3 months postoperatively in 190 patients who underwent TURP because of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).

RESULTS

Mean PSA levels were reduced by 70%, from 6.0 to 1.9 ng/mL. Prostate volume was reduced by 58% from 63.3 to 26.5 cc, which is close to the reported normal volume in men without BPH. Ninety percent of the patients had a postoperative PSA value of less than 4 ng/mL and 98% less than 10 ng/mL.

CONCLUSIONS

After a complete TURP with a benign histopathologic specimen, PSA should be expected to be within the normal reference range, that is, less than 4 ng/mL.