Adequate Urethral Diameter Post-TURP for Normal Urinary Flow

Urethral Patency Post-TURP

TURP remains the gold standard surgical treatment for lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) secondary to benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) for prostates between 30-80 ml in size, according to the European Association of Urology 1, 2
A successful TURP should result in a significant improvement in maximum flow rate (Qmax), with post-operative values typically exceeding 10 ml/sec and ideally reaching 15 ml/sec or higher, as recommended by the American Urological Association 3

The size of the resectoscope used during TURP can influence the risk of urethral stricture formation, with larger instruments potentially causing more urethral trauma, as reported by the American Urological Association 3
Bladder neck contracture (BNC) is a specific complication that can reduce effective urethral diameter post-TURP, particularly at the bladder neck region, according to the American Urological Association 3

Uroflowmetry is an essential tool for assessing the functional outcome of TURP, with maximum flow rate (Qmax) serving as a proxy for adequate urethral diameter, as recommended by the American Urological Association 3
A post-TURP Qmax greater than 15 ml/sec generally indicates adequate urethral diameter and successful relief of obstruction, according to the American Urological Association 3

For patients with a history of TURP who require repeat endoscopic procedures, special attention should be paid to the prostatic urethra to avoid further trauma, as suggested by the National Comprehensive Cancer Network 4