Objectives. To identify predictors of poor symptomatic improvement after transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP), we investigated mucosal cell abnormalities in men about to undergo this procedure, and any association between these abnormalities and pre- and postoperative urinary tract symptoms.

Methods. Bladder lavages were obtained from patients undergoing TURP for outflow obstruction during 1995 to 1996 at the Repatriation General Hospital. Pressure flow studies were obtained preoperatively, and International Prostate Symptom Scores and flow rates were obtained preoperatively and 3 months and 2 years postoperatively. Cells from bladder washings were examined flow-cytometrically for Tn antigen expression and DNA cell cycle parameters.

Results. Of 192 patients recruited, 145 met the inclusion criteria. The frequency of Tn antigen expression, aneuploidy, and tetraploid aneuploidy in bladder mucosal cell washings in this group was comparable to a previous study. Weak, statistically significant associations were found between S-phase fraction and the initial International Prostate Symptom Score irrespective of whether total S-phase fraction cell numbers or categories were used. The trend of each of these associations was consistent (ie, patients with higher S-phase fraction values had more severe symptoms, poorer quality of life, and lower flow rates). The association was maintained at 3 months postoperatively but not at 2 years. Potential confounding factors did not explain the association.

Conclusions. Bladder mucosal cell abnormalities can be found in men selected to undergo TURP to relieve obstruction and are associated with poor short-term symptomatic outcome. Further studies are needed to confirm these findings, in particular any association between higher mucosal cell proliferation rates and the presence of lower urinary tract symptoms.