Publication:

Monopolar trans-urethral resection of prostate: our initial experience in a new African hospital with few resources

Background Diseases of the prostate including benign prostate hyperplasia constitute a significant portion of cases that are routinely managed by urologists worldwide. Where there is need for surgical intervention of clinical BPH, monopolar trans-urethral resection of prostate is a gold standard surgical option. The objective of our study is to describe and share our initial experience of monopolar TURP in our new African hospital with few resources, a stepping stone for future comprehensive research on TURP and urology capacity building.

Methods Retrospective study of twelve patients who had M-TURP using sterile distilled water as irrigation fluid over one year period, at Yobe State University teaching hospital, a new hospital in North-Eastern Nigeria. Data related to the TURP were extracted from the patients’ folders and operation theatre register, and then analyzed.

Results The mean age of patients was 67.4 years, recurrent urine retention was the commonest indication for M-TURP (50.0%), preoperative mean volume of prostate was 45.8 ml , mean duration of surgery was 63.8 minutes and mean weight resected prostatic chips was 18.4 grams. There was low complication rate (16.7%).

Conclusions M-TURP using sterile water as irrigation fluid is efficacious, reliable and pocket-friendly surgical option for our patients that needed surgery for clinical BPH. Patient selection and minimizing the time spent on M-TURP are of paramount importance in avoiding or reducing the risk of complications as observed in our study.