Objectives and methods: In a retrospective analysis, the medical records of 166 patients over 80 years of age (80-99 years, mean age 82 years) who underwent transurethral prostatectomy (TURP) for clinically benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) were reviewed in order to evaluate the morbidity and mortality rates in this special group of patients. The mean follow-up was 60 months (6-85 months).
Results: According to the American Society of Anesthesiologists operative risk classification, 147 (88.5%) patients were found to be of groups ASA III and IV. All patients had at least one serious associated medical disease. Early complications occurred in 25.9% (n = 43) of patients. Late significant urology complications were noted in 13.2% (n = 22) of patients. Reoperation was carried out in 4.2% (n = 7) of cases. Two patients died within 30 days after the operation (1.2%). During the period of follow-up 43 patients died. Comparing the survival curve (according to the Kaplan-Meier analysis) of our group with the expected survival rate of the age-matched overall population, no statistical difference could be observed.
Conclusion: Being aware of the limits of a retrospective study, we believe that TURP as a treatment for BPH in patients over the age of 80 years has a satisfactory outcome with an acceptable morbidity and mortality rate.