A postal survey evaluation of prostatectomy.
BACKGROUND
The aims of this study were to determine the prevalence of urinary symptoms after prostatectomy, and the relationship between pre- and post-operative symptoms.


METHODS
A retrospective postal survey was carried out, on an unselected series of patients in Leicestershire, one to two years after transurethral resection. Four hundred and sixty-five men received a questionnaire, and of these 78 per cent responded.


RESULTS
The operation relieved 92 per cent of all preoperative urge-incontinence, but 3 per cent of those who were continent beforehand developed urge-incontinence. Urgency and hesitancy also responded well. Nocturia, frequency and dribbling were the least responsive. There was a general tendency for symptoms to persist rather than develop post-operatively.


CONCLUSIONS
Prostatectomy is an effective intervention, particularly for cases with urge-incontinence, urgency, incontinence or hesitancy. These results are consistent with those of other, prospective, studies. Postal surveys may provide a cheap and effective method of evaluating local prostatectomy services.
Castleden
C M
CM
Department of Medicine for the Elderly, Leicester General Hospital.
McGrother
C W
CW
Jagger
C
C
Clark
H
H
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D004739:England / Q000453:epidemiology; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011177:Postal Service; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology; D015995:Prevalence; D011468:Prostatectomy; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014549:Urinary Incontinence / Q000453:epidemiology; D014555:Urination Disorders / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology