The Role of Intraprostatic Inflammation in the Acute Urinary Retention

Objectives: Almost 20% of patients with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) due to benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) might also have symptoms of prostatitis. But, the inter-relationship between BPH and prostatic inflammation, and how one can influence the other, is under controversy. The aim of our study was to determine the incidence of prostatic inflammation in BPH patients presented with acute urinary retention (AUR). Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in a hospital at Guilan, the northern province of Iran. A total of 280 patients undergoing transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) or open prostatectomy from 1999 to 2002 were enrolled. Histopathologic samples of prostate were examined for existence of acute and/or chronic intraprostatic inflammation (ACI). Results: Overall, 150 (536%) of patients undertook surgery for AUR and 130 (464%) for LUTS. Among them, 130 patients (46.4%) showed ACI in the pathologic examinations whereas 150 patients (53.6%) did not. The patients with AUR were significantly older than those with LUTS. ACI was significantly associated with AUR. The mean prostate weight was significantly higher in AUR group compared the LUTS group. Those patients who showed ACI according to pathologic examinations had heavier prostates than those who did not. The association of ACI and AUR should be considered in secondary prevention for BPH patients. Conclusions: ACI may increase the degrees of urinary obstruction and AUR.