Acute myocardial infarction after transurethral resection of the prostate

Several factors inherent in the transurethal resection of the prostate (TURF) procedure may impose stress on the cardiovascular system. The risk of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) is usually considered to be low but has still been an issue during the last 10 years. Interestingly, the concerns are focused on a possible adverse effect of TURP on the long-term risk of AMI and on survival. Selection bias has been a problem in many of the published studies, however. Co-morbidity is also difficult to handle when the follow-up lasts for several years in particular since benign prostatic enlargement alone seems to be associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. (C) 2001 Editions scientifiques et medicaies Elsevier SAS.