The impact of the surgical waiting list for transurethral resection of the prostate on patient’s clinical course during the waiting period: a single-center investigation

Abstract

To investigate the impact of the duration of the waiting list for TransUrethral resection of the prostate (TURP) on patients’ clinical course, focusing on Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) complications, progression of symptoms, and quality of life (QoL). We retrospectively analyzed data from 156 patients with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS)/BPH scheduled for TURP between 01/2019 and 12/2024 and still on the waiting list. The surgical waiting time was categorized according to the quartile values as ⩽15 months (25th percentile = group 1); 16–35 months (group 2), and ⩾36 months (75th percentile = group 3). Adverse events were recorded. At follow-up, patients completed the International Prostate Symptoms Score and a five-point Likert scale investigating QoL compared to the time when the operation was proposed. Descriptive statistics and logistic regression models were applied. The median (IQR) age at consultation was 71 (65–75) years, with a median LUTS duration of 37 (24–60) months. At TURP scheduling, the median IPSS score and prostate volume were 15 (10–19) and 65 (46–95) mL, respectively. Patients waiting ⩾36 months (group 3) had higher complication rates (42.3% vs 19.2% vs 11.5%, p  = 0.03) and more frequent medication changes (38.4% vs 15.3% vs 11.5%, p  = 0.01). At follow-up, group 3 had worse QoL scores ( p  = 0.001) and greater IPSS worsening ( p  = 0.01). Waiting more than 36 months for TURP is associated with BPH-related adverse events and has a negative impact on patients’ QoL. Despite being a benign disease, more efforts should be made to reduce the surgical waiting list for the treatment of LUTS/BPH.