Authors' objectives:

The objectives of this assessment are to determine the effectiveness, safety and cost implications of the various modalities of medical management of symptomatic benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).

Authors' recommendations: There is sufficient evidence that alpha blockers and 5 alpha reductase inhibitors are effective to treat moderate symptoms of BPH. Alpha blocker are safe for normotensive and controlled hypertensive elderly patients, with Tamsulosin having least side effects compared to other alpha adrenoceptor blocker. 5alpha reductase inhibitors have minimal sexual related side effect, but is otherwise safe and well tolerated. With respect to cost implications there is sufficient evidence to support medical management of BPH in older patients, since it is only cost effective for a short time horizon. Alpha blocker are more cost effective than alpha reductase inhibitors. There is insufficient evidence to support the effectiveness and safety of phytotherapy. Medical management is thus recommended for elderly patients with mild to moderate BPH.

Authors' methods: Systematic review

Project Status: Completed

URL for project: http://www.moh.gov.my/

Year Published: 2002

English language abstract: An English language summary is available

Publication Type: Not Assigned

Country: Malaysia

Organisation Name: Malaysian Health Technology Assessment Unit

Contact Address: Health Technology Assessment Unit, Medical Development Division, Ministry of Health Malaysia, Level 21, PERKIM Building, Jalan Ipoh, 51200 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Tel: 603 4045 7781, Fax: 603 4045 77 40

Copyright: Malaysian Health Technology Assessment Unit (MHTAU)