Introduction: Minimally invasive treatments (MITs) for benign prostatic hypertrophy are effective treatments in properly selected patients. Despite being minimally invasive, significant complications can still arise. The objective of this study is to describe a tertiary care center experience with complications arising from MITs for benign prostatic hyper-trophy.
Patients and Methods: A retrospective chart review was done from January 2007 to August 2008 to identify patients who developed stress incontinence or a urethral stricture after undergoing a MIT for benign prostatic hyper-trophy.
Results: Three patients were identified as experiencing a complication. All 3 patients had undergone a prior transurethral microwave thermotherapy procedure at 9, 14, and 13 months prior to presentation. No patients had prior pelvic radiation, bladder or urethral trauma. No patients had prostate cancer. Patient ages were 61, 71, and 90 years. One patient developed a urethral stricture without incontinence. The other 2 patients developed both stress incontinence as well as urethral strictures.
Conclusions: MITs for benign prostatic hypertrophy are effective treatments in properly selected patients. Despite being minimally invasive, significant complications can still arise. Proper training and good surgical technique are required to minimize and avoid complications.