Long-term clinical outcome of diagnostic transurethral resection of the prostate in patients with elevated prostate-specific antigen level and minor lower urinary tract symptoms.

INTRODUCTION

In patients with minor lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS), elevated prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels and (multiple) negative multi-site biopsies, therapy decision is complex. Long-term outcome of a diagnostic transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) in these patients needs to be determined.

METHODS

We retrospectively evaluated patients with minor LUTS, elevated PSA levels (>or=4 ng/ml) and no signs of prostate cancer. Patients with bladder outlet obstruction (BOO) underwent TURP. When TURP showed no malignancy, patients were annually evaluated by PSA testing and the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS).

RESULTS

The study included 82 consecutive patients satisfying the inclusion criteria. All patients underwent TURP. No malignancy was encountered in 74 patients (90.2%). Of this group, 36 patients were followed >3 years (mean 62.1 months). One patient (2.8%) showed a persistently rising PSA level with positive extended multi-site biopsies 4 years after TURP, implying further treatment. 35 patients (97.2%) had a permanent complete normalization of PSA levels (<4 ng/ml) together with normalized IPSS.

CONCLUSIONS

We consider an elevated PSA level in patients with minor LUTS and (multiple) negative multi-site biopsies as a sign of BOO. If these patients receive a diagnostic TURP, long-term outcome is excellent.