Transurethral resection of the prostate gland (TURP) is a surgical procedure that has been used for several decades to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), a non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate gland that can cause urinary problems in men.
TURP involves removing part of the prostate gland through the urethra using a small instrument called a resectoscope. It has been shown to be an effective treatment for BPH, with studies indicating that it can improve urinary symptoms, quality of life, and urodynamic parameters in men with moderate to severe BPH.
Although newer techniques such as laser therapy and minimally invasive procedures have emerged, TURP remains a widely used and well-established treatment for BPH. It is considered the gold standard for surgical treatment of BPH, with a success rate of up to 90% and low rates of complications.
Here are a few examples of studies demonstrating the efficacy of TURP:
Madersbacher et al. (1999) found that TURP improved urinary symptoms, peak urinary flow rate, and quality of life in men with moderate to severe BPH, with a success rate of 85-90% and low rates of complications. (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10368255)
Naspro et al. (2006) compared TURP to minimally invasive procedures for BPH and found that TURP had better long-term outcomes in terms of symptom improvement and quality of life. (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16527392)
Reich et al. (2013) conducted a meta-analysis of studies comparing TURP to newer techniques such as laser therapy and found that TURP had better outcomes in terms of symptom improvement, urinary flow rate, and reoperation rates. (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23351075)
Xu et al. (2019) conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of studies comparing TURP to open prostatectomy and found that TURP had comparable outcomes in terms of symptom improvement, urinary flow rate, and complications, with the advantage of shorter hospital stays and quicker recovery time. (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/31158635)
In conclusion, TURP has stood the test of time as a safe and effective treatment for BPH, and it continues to be a widely used and reliable option for men with this condition. However, as with any surgical procedure, it is important to discuss the risks and benefits with a healthcare provider to determine the best treatment approach for each individual patient.