Transurethral resection of prostate and 'open' prostatectomy: Experiences in a general surgical unit

Abstract

The experiences of 'open' prostatectomy and T.U.R.P. in a General Surgical Unit are presented. The results obtained are critically analysed. The advantages of T.U.R.P. over 'open' prostatectomy are many. It is our experience that about 80% of our prostatic hypertrophy cases can be dealt with by T.U.R.P. The very large adenomas, however, are better removed by the 'open' operations. In these days of escalating hospital costs, it is just not enough to cure the patient of his disease. The staggering bill he receives may leave him a financial cripple. Even though a service is provided without consideration to cost to the patient the advantages of T.U.R.P. over the 'open' methods of operation expressed in terms of hospital stay of the patient and the productivity of the surgical team is that two patients operated upon transurethrally require the facilities for every one in whom an 'open' operation is done. A transurethral resectionist in a General Surgical Unit can therefore complement the work of the Unit.