Transurethral resection of the prostate

Symptoms related to benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) are the most common reason why patients consult a urologist. Despite the rise of new minimally invasive technologies, transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) remains the most commonly used procedure (at 84 %) to treat BPH patients in Germany. The continued popularity of this procedure can be explained by three main reasons: a robust, simple technique, an until now unsurpassed efficacy and-with regard to the risk-benefit ratio-a low morbidity. Following TURP, the mean Qmax is 19-20 ml/s and the mean IPSS is 6. BPH recurrence occurs in 2-7 % of patients within 8-22 years following TURP. Regarding clinical efficacy, meta-analyses now show relevant differences between monopolar and bipolar (B) TURP. However, BaEuroTURP seems to be favourable considering potential complications. Clot retention with an incidence of 1-5 % is the most common acute complication and urethral strictures with an incidence of 2-9 % are the most common long-term complications of TURP. TUR syndrome is nowadays a clinical rarity. However, many complications can be avoided by a proper resection technique. TURP is still the standard in surgical BPH therapy.