The State of TURP Through a Historical Lens

In 1926 Maximilian Stern introduced a new instrument to treat obstructions at the vesical orifice and baptized it resectoscope. With reference to astonishing historical statements about the new instrument and surgical technique made by the pioneers and their critics we will value why transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) remains the gold standard for most men suffering from lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) due to benign prostatic enlargement. TURP is currently challenged by recently introduced new instruments and techniques claiming advantages over TURP. However, TURP offers an excellent balance between high efficacy in symptom relieve and low morbidity along with low costs and favorable long term outcome compared to other treatment options. We will outline these arguments demonstrating that even after a century has elapsed, since its introduction into the urologists armamentarium, TURP continues to stand the passage of time.