Bipolar transurethral resection of prostate: risk factors for perioperative complications. A literature review

Abstract

Introduction: Regardless of the technique used, either bipolar or monopolar, transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) is considered the cornerstone of surgical management for low urinary tract symptoms (LUTS), and benign prostatic obstruction (BPO). Objective: To review the available literature regarding the frequency of bipolar TURP (B-TURP) complications and the risk factor associated with them. Results: The search was conducted using Medline and studies addressing the research question published between 1996 and 2017 were retrieved. Seventy six article were screened and 50 were included. Those papers reported that B-TURP was associates with good long-term outcomes. According to Clavien-Dindo classification, a high proportion of complications were grade I, and the most frequent ones were: retrograde ejaculation, urine retention, urinary tract infection, bleeding and urethral stricture. Risk factors most commonly associated with these complications were: patient’s medical status before surgery, the extent of disease at the time of the procedure, skills and technique of the surgeon, amongst other. Discussion: The majority of the surgical complications associated with B-TURP are mild, and identifying the best moment to conduct the procedure and intervening on modifiable risk factors before surgery, may contribute to improve outcomes of the B-TURP.

Keywords

• Intraoperative Complications
• Postoperative Complications
• Transurethral Resection of the Prostate