The load on family and primary healthcare in the first six weeks after transurethral resection of the prostate.

Objective: The extent of load on spouses and primary healthcare after transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) and the number of treatment-related symptoms in the first 6 weeks after TURP were studied.

Material And Method: A combined interview (qualitative) and questionnaire (quantitative) study was carried out. In the first part of the study 10 spouses underwent semi-structured interviews concerning their husbands' treatment-related symptoms 6 weeks after TURP. Based on these interviews a questionnaire was framed. In the second part questionnaires were sent to 78 spouses whose husbands had undergone TURP 6 weeks before.

Results: 69 questionnaires were returned (88.5%). The median age of spouses and their husbands was 65 years (range 43-90) and 70 years (range 46-85), respectively. Length of hospitalization, including day of operation, was 3 days (range 2-9). There were 43 (62%) unscheduled contacts with the health system after discharge. In relation to discharge, 55 (79.7%) were incontinent to some degree and 29 (42%) were incontinent for more than 4 weeks, 26 (37.7%) had urinary tract infection, 30 (40%) had long-lasting bleeding, 10 (14%) urinary retention, and 41 (59.4%) urgency. Of the spouses, 20 (34.8%) had sleep disorders, 27 (39%) an affected social life and 22 (31.9%) extra work at home; 19 (27.5%) of the spouses felt that their husbands had been discharged too early, 55 (80%) were satisfied with the information given before the operation and 46 (68%) were satisfied with the information given in relation to discharge. The treatment results after 6 months are comparable to other studies.

Conclusions: Among patients discharged after TURP there is a considerable number of treatment-related symptoms in the first few weeks affecting the family as well as health services. The study has resulted in better oral and written information in relation to discharge. More pads are delivered and patients have a urine culture and telephone consultation with a nurse 1 week after discharge.