Transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) remains the gold standard in treating complications from benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH), even amid advances in minimally invasive techniques. However, the relationship between the resected prostate weight and patient outcomes continues to generate debate. A recent study conducted at the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital has provided valuable insights into how the degree of tissue removal influences urinary and quality-of-life improvements in men undergoing TURP.
Resected Prostate Weight and Voiding Function
The study assessed several outcome measures, including post-void residual urine (PVR), peak flow rate (PFR), International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), and quality of life (QoL). Findings revealed a clear correlation between the resected prostate weight and improved voiding function. Resections exceeding 30% of the prostate volume produced the most significant gains in PFR, rising from an average of 12.5 ml/s with smaller resections to 24.0 ml/s with larger ones. This near-doubling of flow rate underscores the functional benefit of more complete tissue removal.
Interestingly, while greater resection volumes improved urinary flow, quality of life improved across all patients, regardless of resection size. Most men reported a shift from “unhappy” (QoL grade 5) before surgery to “delighted” (grade 0) afterwards, demonstrating that even modest resections can deliver substantial symptomatic relief.
Clinical Significance and Sexual Function
The study also found that erectile function, measured by the IIEF-5 score, remained largely unchanged after surgery, suggesting that the resected prostate weight had minimal impact on sexual health. This aligns with some international findings, though the literature remains mixed.
Overall, these results reaffirm TURP as a highly effective intervention for BPH-related obstruction, particularly when more than 30% of the prostate is removed. The findings further highlight the importance of surgical precision and adequate training in optimising outcomes, especially in regions where TURP remains underutilised.
Reference
Adanu KK et al. The resected prostate weight matters in transurethral resection of the prostate in men with benign prostatic hyperplasia. BMC Urol. 2025;25(1):249.
