Effects of transurethral resection of prostate on the quality of life of patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia

BACKGROUND: This article investigated the effects of transurethral resection of prostate on quality of life (QOL) and urinary symptoms in patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). STUDY DESIGN: In a prospective study, 30 patients without significant comorbidities undergoing transurethral resection of prostate for BPH were studied. Patients completed four validated questionnaires: the International Prostate Symptom Score and the associated QOL index because urinary symptoms, the Montgomery and Asberg Depression Rating Scale, the McGill Pain Questionnaire, and the QOL questionnaire Short Form-36. These were completed preoperatively, on the first postoperative day, on discharge from hospital, and at 1 and 3 months postoperatively. RESULTS: The QOL of patients who undergo transurethral resection of prostate for BPH had significantly improved at 3 months after their operation. The International Prostate Symptom Score scores at 1 month (9.3+/-4.6) and 3 months (5.4+/-5.6) were less than they were preoperatively (19.9+/-7.1). The QOL index because urinary symptoms was less at 1 month (2.4+/-1.9) and at 3 months postoperatively (1.5+/-1.4) in comparison with the preoperative scores (4.5+/-1.2). The Montgomery and Asberg Depression Rating Scale scores at 1 month (5.4+/-6.8) and 3 months (4.9+/-6.5) were less than they were preoperatively (9.2+/-8.3). The McGill Pain Questionnaire sensory and pain rating index scores were less at 3 months than they were preoperatively (p=0.02 and p<0.02 respectively). The McGill Pain Questionnaire affective score was less at 1 month than it was preoperatively (p<0.03). The McGill Pain Questionnaire evaluative scores were less than the preoperative score at all times postoperatively. The role physical (p=0.007), bodily pain (p=0.006), social function (p=0.007), and physical component summary (p=0.007) subsections of the Short Form-36 were greater at 3 months postoperatively when compared with the preoperative scores. CONCLUSIONS: Transurethral resection of prostate is associated with significant improvement in the overall QOL, in addition to urinary symptoms, of patients with BPH at 3 months postoperatively. The magnitude and timing of this improvement may serve as a useful comparator in determining the optimal treatment of patients with BPH.