BENIGN PROSTATIC HYPERPLASIA

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is the most common cause of bladder outlet obstruction in elderly men. As the average age increases in th e entire western world an increased incidence of BPH is expected. BPH is a nonmalignant growth of the prostate. The etiology is not clarifie d but it is known that a combination of age and androgens are needed f or the development of BPH. The gold standard treatment for BPH is tran surethral resection of the prostate (TURP). In 1987 approximately 400, 000 patients underwent TURP in the United States. Other invasive treat ment modalities, however, have been introduced (transurethral incision of the prostate, balloon dilation, laser ablation, urethral stents, a nd hyperthermia). Medical treatment with alpha-adrenergic receptor blo ckers or antiandrogens is indicated for some patients.