Two-hundred-and-twenty-nine men aged between 80 and 97 years (mean 83 years) underwent transurethral prostatectomy (TUR-P) for lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS). All case records were reviewed. The follow-up period was 6-16 years. One-hundred-and-seven patients underwent operation because of acute urinary retention, and 122 because of chronic retention. The mean weight of tissue removed was 20 g (1-200 g). The perioperative mortality (< 1 month) was 2% (5 patients). Postoperative complications occurred in 21% (49 patients). Reoperation was performed in 11% (26 cases). The result was considered satisfactory in 196 patients (86%). The present data demonstrate that transurethral resection of the prostate in men over 80 years has a good outcome with an acceptable urological complication rate and mortality, and we therefore advocate surgery instead of watchful waiting in the fit patient.