DOES OLD-AGE CONTRAINDICATE TURP

Objective: This investigation was performed to evaluate the prognostic role of high age as to survival after transurethral prostatic resecti on (TURF). Material and Methods: The study was retrospective, consider ing all men over the age of 80 years consecutively treated for lower u rinary tract symptoms (LUTS). The material consisted of 249 patients w ho had TURF, 30 patients who were considered too ill for surgery and 1 8 who did not want treatment. Survival was compared to the background population. Results: A significantly higher mortality was found initia lly if patients treated with TURF were compared to the age-matched bac kground population. Twelve patients died within 30 days after operatio n. These patients suffered from severe preoperative comorbidity. Ninet y-seven patients had chronic retention while only 17 had a catheter at discharge from the hospital. Conclusion: In conclusion, even very old men benefit significantly from a TURF, provided they have been carefu lly selected.