Surgery to treat urinary tract symptoms related to benign prostatic hyperplasia

This study made treatment recommendations in the treatment of lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) related to benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). 

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate gland. BPH can impede the flow of urine. This leads to lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) such as dribbling of urine and a feeling of incomplete bladder emptying. This can have a poor effect on quality of life.

The best surgical options for this are still under investigation.

This study made recommendations on treatment options. These could be surgical or non-invasive.

Surgery is recommended if patients have kidney problems due to BPH. It is also used for patients with recurrent infections or bladder stones. Minimally invasive surgery such as trans-urethral prostate surgery (TURP) is an option for small prostates. Open surgery is recommended for larger ones. 

Water vapor thermal therapy is an option for smaller prostates. It uses steam to treat the extra prostate tissue that is causing symptoms. Its long-term effectiveness is unclear. Microwave therapy is also an option. However, the rates of needing further surgery are higher with this technique.

Laser therapy can be used to treat BPH, no matter the size of the prostate. Aquablation is another treatment option for smaller prostates. This uses a high-pressure water jet to remove extra prostate tissue. However, its long-term effectiveness is still under investigation.

This study made treatment recommendations in the treatment of LUTS caused by BPH.