Patna, Bihar – A silent crisis is unfolding in Patna as a growing number of men undergoing Transurethral Resection of the Prostate (TURP) surgery are projected to face postoperative urinary incontinence (PUI) by 2025. Medical estimates suggest that nearly 1 in 10 men in Patna will experience this complication, reflecting a troubling national pattern that has significant implications for both patients and the healthcare system.
TURP is a commonly performed procedure for men with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), but studies across India indicate that the risk of PUI following surgery ranges from 5 to 10 percent. In Patna, this risk is compounded by multiple factors including the patient’s age, preoperative urinary symptoms, and the surgical approach adopted.
Patients suffering from PUI often report a sharp decline in their quality of life, with symptoms that impact daily functioning, emotional well-being, and social confidence. Caregivers too face added stress, contributing to the overall health and economic burden on families.
The concern is further heightened by the World Health Organization’s projection that India will face a significant shortage of trained urologists by 2025. In Bihar, where access to specialist care is already limited, this could lead to delayed diagnosis, inadequate management, and missed opportunities for rehabilitation.
Dr. Dheeraj Kumar Dheeroo, Consultant Urologist at Ruban Memorial Hospital, Patna, emphasizes the growing need for clinical vigilance and proactive intervention.
“Postoperative urinary incontinence is not just a medical complication—it’s a life-altering condition that can affect a man’s self-esteem, social life, and emotional well-being. In cities like Patna, where awareness remains limited and urologist availability is already stretched, the risk becomes even more critical. We must treat TURP not as a standalone procedure, but as part of a continuum of care that includes preoperative risk stratification, advanced surgical training, and structured postoperative rehabilitation. If we fail to act now, we risk letting thousands of men suffer silently when better outcomes are within reach.”
Experts are calling for urgent steps to address this issue. These include training more urologists, investing in patient education, and developing regional centers of excellence that can offer holistic care to men undergoing TURP.
With the rising number of prostate surgeries expected in the next few years, it is crucial for healthcare providers and policymakers to recognize the long-term implications of PUI and ensure that every patient receives timely, comprehensive care. Raising awareness at the community level and promoting evidence-based practices could go a long way in protecting the dignity, independence, and health of men across Bihar.