LONG-TERM RESULTS OF TRANSURETHRAL INCISION OF THE PROSTATE AND TRANSURETHRAL RESECTION OF THE PROSTATE - A PROSPECTIVE RANDOMIZED STUDY

TUIP (transurethral incision of the prostate) or TURF (transurethral r esection of the prostate) was performed in 120 patients to treat small -volume (< 20 g) benign prostatic hyperplasia in a prospective randomi zed study. The mean follow up was 43 months. Preoperatively and at reg ular follow-up visits obstructive and irritative symptom scores were o btained, sexual function was evaluated, and a uroflow study was perfor med. Both treatments achieved marked improvement of symptoms. The obst ructive, irritative and the total symptom scores did not differ signif icantly between TURF and TUIP. After 2-3 years the scores slowly incre ased in both groups. Subjective satisfaction rates averaged about 60 % after more than 3 years and remained at this level. Initial significa nt differences in the peak flow rate in favour of TURF were no longer seen after more than 2 years. In smaller prostates TURF and TUIP are e qually effective and since TUIP has fewer side effects and entails low er costs it appears to be an acceptable alternative to TURP.