1. Overview

Multiple transurethral options are available for treating BPH. These range from the classic monopolar TURP to the newer bipolar,  laser, and minimally invasive technologies. Early interventions were typically performed with monopolar TURP, but newer technology has led to the use of bipolar TURP and allowed for studies looking at immediate and long-term outcomes. Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) represents one of the few conditions in which virtually all men will experience some degree of symptoms secondary to an enlarging prostate as they age.  In fact, up to 90% of men report symptoms by the age of 85 with no intervention.¹

Electrosurgical-based transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) represents the gold standard in endoscopic treatment of symptomatic BPH.² With the introduction of improved medical therapy and minimally invasive options, the number of TURPs performed in the United States has declined,³ but the procedure still remains one of the most effective treatment option after failure of conservative management or medical therapy.  Multiple transurethral options are available for treating BPH.

Per AUA guidelines, absolute indications for transurethral resection include (i) acute urinary retention, (ii) bladder calculi, (iii) azotemia, (iv) recurrent urinary tract infection, (v) recurrent hematuria, or (vi) worsening LUTS refractory to medical therapy.⁴

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