ECONOMIC-ISSUES AND THE MANAGEMENT OF BENIGN PROSTATIC HYPERPLASIA

Enormous financial resources are expended worldwide on the treatment o f the urologic complications and symptoms induced by benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Even for its surgical management, where the best da ta exist, current international accounting of these expenditures remai ns very poorly documented. On February 8, 1994, the Department of Heal th and Human Services of the US government released clinical guideline s for the diagnosis and management of BPH. Imaging of the upper urinar y tract as a routine diagnostic procedure is not recommended in these guidelines unless a comorbidity indicating its need exists. Diagnostic cystoscopy to assist in the decision of the need to treat is not reco mmended. Adherence to these two principles along with adherence to the strategies of management presented in the guidelines and discussed he rein has the potential of achieving profound financial savings without impairing quality of care worldwide.