OBJECTIVETo explore the effect of prostatectomy on nocturia in patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).

METHODSThe data of patients who had received prostatectomy for BPH between June 2006 and December 2007 were collected. Nocturia severity was assessed preoperatively and 3 to 6 months after prostatectomy by the number of nocturia events, the time from falling sleep to the first awakening to void (hours of undisturbed sleep, HUS), the score of the nocturia quality of life (N-QOL) questionnaire, the International Prostatic Symptom Score (IPSS) and the quality of life (QOL) score.

RESULTSOne hundred and twenty five cases were included. Of them, 73 patients finished the follow-up completely. There were 62 patients whose number of nocturia events before the operation was equal or more than 2. The data from these 62 patients were analyzed. Of them, 56 patients underwent transurethral resection of prostate, the remaining 11 patients suprapubic prostatectomy. Significant improvement (P < 0.01) was noted in all the following parameters after treatment: the number of nocturia events decreased from 4.2 ± 2.4 to 2.2 ± 1.0, HUS increased from (1.8 ± 0.7) h to (3.0 ± 1.4) h, N-QOL score raised from 30 ± 10 to 40 ± 7, IPSS decreased from 23 ± 5 to 8 ± 5, and QOL score fell down from 4.4 ± 0.7 to 1.5 ± 1.0.

CONCLUSIONThe prostatectomy can markedly improve the symptoms of nocturia, sleep and life quality in the BPH patients who accompanied with nocturia.