Changes in S-PSA after transurethral resection of prostate and its correlation to postoperative outcome

Purpose: Although different factors may affect prostate-specific antigen (PSA) reduction after transurethral resection of prostate, an approximate 70 % decrease from baseline is expected. We hereby undertook a prospective study to analyze changes in serum PSA (S-PSA) after transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) and its correlation with the residual prostatic weight and clinical symptom score improvement. Methods: Seventy patients who underwent TURP for bladder outlet obstruction were included in the study. Patient's evaluation included history, International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), S-PSA, Qmax, post-void residual urine and prostate size. On follow-up, trans-rectal ultrasonography, S-PSA and IPSS score were calculated. Patients were analyzed in three groups based on the amount of tissue resected: less than 40, 40-60 and more than 60 % tissue resected. Results: Preoperative prostate size, IPSS, Qmax and S-PSA were 62.56 ml, 23.84, 11.68 ml/sec and 3.3 ng/ml. There was a significant decrease in the IPSS score, prostate size and S-PSA levels after TURP in all the three groups. There was a significant positive correlation of the amount of tissue resected with change in S-PSA levels, change in IPSS score and postoperative IPSS score. Reduction in IPSS score significantly correlated with patient's satisfaction. Conclusions: The amount of tissue resected in TURP has a direct bearing on the S-PSA levels, change in symptom score and residual prostate volume. It is the percentage change in IPSS score and not the absolute value of IPSS, which has a direct bearing with the patient satisfaction and with the amount of tissue resected. Percentage fall in S-PSA by 70 % was found to be predictor of more than 60 % resection.