Does old age contraindicate TURP.

Abstract

This investigation was performed to evaluate the prognostic role of high age as to survival after transurethral prostatic resection (TURP). The study was retrospective, considering all men over the age of 80 years consecutively treated for lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS). The material consisted of 249 patients who had TURP, 30 patients who were considered too ill for surgery and 18 who did not want treatment. Survival was compared to the background population. A significantly higher mortality was found initially if patients treated with TURP were compared to the age-matched background population. Twelve patients died within 30 days after operation. These patients suffered from severe preoperative comorbidity. Ninety-seven patients had chronic retention while only 17 had a catheter at discharge from the hospital. In conclusion, even very old men benefit significantly from a TURP provided they have been carefully selected.