ABSTRACT
First described in 1945 by Millin (2), retropubic simple prostatectomy achieves complete enucleation of the prostate adenoma through a transverse capsulotomy incision on the anterior surface of the prostate gland. Subsequently, transurethral endoscopic techniques have virtually replaced the open approach in the surgical management of benign prostatic hypertrophy (3-5). Recent modifications of the gold standard transurethral resection (transurethral resection of the prostate) include transurethral needle ablation, thermotherapy, and holmium or “green light” laser enucleation. In general, these techniques are applied for small to moderate sized benign prostatic hypertrophy. More recently, the holmium laser has been employed for “giant” prostatomegaly, even in excess of 100 g (6,7). Nevertheless, at many centers, open prostatectomy remains the technique of choice for the majority of patients with hugely enlarged benign prostatic hypertrophy (8,9).
