Transurethral resection of the prostate: one-year experience in a single centre

Background: Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is the most common cause of lower urinary tract symptoms among older males. Transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) still remains the gold standard in the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia. However, its availability is not widespread in most public healthcare facilities across sub-Saharan Africa. This study was designed to describe and share our experience of TURP in a single centre. Methods: This is a retrospective evaluation of 64 patients who had TURP for bladder outlet obstruction secondary to enlarged prostate. The records of men who had TURP over a period of one year (January 2022-December 2022) were retrieved and reviewed. The pre-operative prostate specific antigen (PSA), pre-operative ultrasound measured size of prostate, resected weight of prostate, duration of surgery, duration of hospital stay, indication for TURP and complications were analysed. Results: Sixty-four patients had TURP done during the period under review. The age range was 50-90 years (mean 68.33), the pre-operative prostate gland weight was 76.78gm. The mean resected weight was 53.9gm. The pre-operative serum prostate specific antigen PSA had a minimum value of 1.5ng/ml and the maximum was 50.8ng/ml with mean value of 13.8ng/ml. The mean duration of surgery was 55.73 minutes and the mean duration of hospital stay was 3 days. The most common indication for TURP was lower urinary tract symptoms. We recorded four complications; capsule perforation, clot retention, hypotension and stress incontinence, 60 patients had no complications. Conclusions: Transurethral resection of the prostate is an effective surgical treatment for benign prostatic hyperplasia, it is associated notable improvement in the patient’s quality of life and minimal complications.