Feasibility of open simple prostatectomy with early vascular control.

Abstract

To determine the feasibility of open simple prostatectomy with early vascular control in the treatment of benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH), and thus reduce blood loss. Thirty-seven patients were reviewed from 1991 to 2002; 34 had a Millin's and three a Freyer's prostatectomy performed by one surgeon, with early vascular control. The mean operative duration was 1.3 h and the mean blood loss 841 mL, with a mean decrease in haemoglobin level of 22 g/L. Six (16%) of the patients received a blood transfusion. The mean weight of the prostate removed was 97.8 g; the duration of catheterization and the hospital stay after surgery were 6.21 and 11.7 days, respectively. There was one (3%) death and one case of pulmonary embolism. Three patients (8%) developed stress incontinence. Two failed to void after surgery and one developed acute retention 3 years later. Five patients developed recurrent obstructive symptoms. Open simple prostatectomy with early vascular control reduces the amount of blood loss, rendering it a safe option for treating BPH.