Although glomerulation in the bladder mucosa when the bladder is overdistended is a finding suggestive of interstitial cystitis (IC), it is sometimes observed at transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) for patients with lower urinary tract symptoms suggestive of benign prostatic hyperplasia (LUTS/BPH). We prospectively investigated the incidence and clinical implications of glomerulation found at TURP.

From December 2003 to October 2005, 197 patients aged 50 years or older who were considered to be appropriate candidates to undergo TURP for LUTS/BPH were investigated in this study. Just before beginning resection under spinal anesthesia, the bladder was filled to a water pressure of 80 cm and the capacity was measured. After evacuation of the fluid, careful inspection was conducted for glomerulation during refilling. Before TURP, and 3 and 12 months after TURP, the International Prostate Symptom Score and O’Leary-Sant IC Symptom and Problem Index were determined, and uroflowmetry and measurement of residual urine volume were performed.

Glomerulation was observed in 40 of the 197 patients (20.3%). There was no difference in bladder capacity between the glomerulation and nonglomerulation groups, although the glomerulation group was younger with lighter resected weight and a higher baseline IC problem index than the nonglomerulation group. There were no differences in other parameters before, 3, and 12 months after TURP between the 2 groups.

Although glomerulation at TURP is a common finding, the clinical implications related to IC are unknown. Glomerulation itself may not be a predictor of the clinical outcome of TURP. Glomerulation observed during transurethral resection of the prostate for patients with lower urinary tract symptoms suggestive of benign prostatic hyperplasia is a common finding but no predictor of clinical outcome.