A variety of ''less invasive'' treatment options are available for the
management of symptomatic benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Some of
these may be appropriate for use in an office-based setting. These in
clude transurethral microwave thermotherapy, transurethral needle abla
tion, interstitial laser coagulation, transurethral incision of the pr
ostate, and stent insertion. Office use will be determined by the abil
ity to perform these procedures without the need for spinal or general
anesthesia and with minimal anesthetic monitoring. Reasonable costs a
nd durability of outcomes are crucial to the acceptance of the new dev
ices.