Which surgical procedure is commonly used to treat symptomatic benign prostatic hyperplasia?

Which surgical procedure is commonly used to treat symptomatic benign prostatic hyperplasia?

• A. Cystectomy
• B. Nephrectomy
• C. TURP
• D. Urethral dilatation

Answer: (C)

When benign prostatic hyperplasia causes bladder outlet obstruction, the goal is to remove the tissue driving the obstruction and restore urine flow. Transurethral resection of the prostate achieves this most directly: a resectoscope is inserted through the urethra, and the obstructing prostatic tissue is shaved away, widening the channel for urine. This procedure provides durable relief of symptoms and meaningful improvements in urinary flow and residual urine compared with other options. Cystectomy and nephrectomy remove the bladder or kidney, not the obstructing prostate tissue, and carry greater morbidity for BPH. Urethral dilatation can ease symptoms temporarily but generally doesn’t produce lasting relief or better flow, making it a less effective long-term option.

When benign prostatic hyperplasia causes bladder outlet obstruction, the goal is to remove the tissue driving the obstruction and restore urine flow. Transurethral resection of the prostate achieves this most directly: a resectoscope is inserted through the urethra, and the obstructing prostatic tissue is shaved away, widening the channel for urine. This procedure provides durable relief of symptoms and meaningful improvements in urinary flow and residual urine compared with other options.

Cystectomy and nephrectomy remove the bladder or kidney, not the obstructing prostate tissue, and carry greater morbidity for BPH. Urethral dilatation can ease symptoms temporarily but generally doesn’t produce lasting relief or better flow, making it a less effective long-term option.