LONG-TERM PROBABILITY OF PROSTATISM VS GENERAL MORBIDITY AND MORTALITY - PROSPECTIVELY OBTAINED DATA IN A RANDOMLY SELECTED COHORT AGED GREATER-THAN-50 YEARS

In a 7-year study of 178 randomly selected Thousands healthy men older than 50, data were respectively obtained concerning treatment for ben ign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH) and overall morbidity and mortality. P lain symptom scores were calculated in all cases and urinary voiding w as recorded in 112. The maximum flow rate was read and the pattern of flow curve determined. Log rank test and survival curves were used in evaluation of results. The general risk of death or disease overshadow ing BPH greatly exceeded the probability of surgery for prostatism. Th e only factor predicting need for prostatectomy was a symptom score hi gher than 6 points. If the symptom score is low and indications for tr eatment are otherwise, relative, an expectant attitude to surgery for BPH is advocated.