To test the hypothesis that transurethral prostate procedures (TUPPs) eliminating tissue result in greater medication discontinuation and lower de novo initiation rates than procedures inducing tissue necrosis.

Retrospective review of all men undergoing first time TUPPs at a large tertiary center from 2001 to 2016 was completed. Procedure type and urologic medication use before, 3-12 months after, and greater than 12 months after TUPP were analyzed with simple open prostatectomy as a comparator. Tissue-eliminating TUPPs included transurethral resection of the prostate and laser prostatectomy. Tissue-necrosing procedures included microwave therapy (transurethral microwave therapy) and radiofrequency ablation (transurethral needle ablation), which were grouped in analyses. Medication types were 5-alpha reductase inhibitors (5ARI), alpha blockers, anticholinergics, and beta-3 agonists (B3A).

A total 5150 TUPPs were analyzed. Preoperative medication use significantly varied across TUPPs for 5ARI (P <.01), alpha-blockers (P .01), and anticholinergics (P .047), but not B3A (P .476). Transurethral resection of the prostate and laser prostatectomy were associated with significantly higher medication discontinuation rates and lower resumption and initiation rates compared to tissue-necrosing procedures. Relative to TUPPs, simple prostatectomy had significantly higher medication discontinuation, as well as the lowest resumption and initiation rates.

Tissue-eliminating benign prostatic hyperplasia procedures were associated with better medication discontinuation, resumption, and de novo initiation rates compared to tissue-necrosing benign prostatic hyperplasia procedures.