Transurethral resection and drainage of prostate abscess: A case study

Abstract Background To describe one method of transurethral resection and drainage of a prostate abscess. Prostatitis is the most common urologic diagnosis in patients Patient and Method 42-year-old male presented to the emergency department with a four-day history of diffuse abdominal pain, severe genital pain, and urinary stream slowing eventually leading to urinary retention. He also complained of irritative voiding symptoms. Computed tomography (CT) scan showed a 6cm, central fluid collection within the prostate leading to obstructive uropathy with marked dilation of the urinary bladder as well as both ureters and proximal collecting systems. We performed transurethral resection and drainage of the prostate abscess. Results The prostate abscess was drained successfully and the cystoscope was able to be advanced into the prostatic abscess cavity post-drainage. We left both a urethral catheter as well as a suprapubic catheter indwelling. The operative time was approximately 30 minutes. There were no post-operative complications and the patient was discharged on post-operative day three. Conclusion Transurethral unroofing is an effective approach to the treatment of prostate abscesses. This technique should be considered for abscesses that are large and multi-loculated, and in those that have recurred post-needle aspiration.