Benign prostatic hyperplasia

NHS Centre for Reviews and Dissemination
Record ID 31999008312
English
Authors' objectives:

This report aims to summarise the research evidence for the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), or lower urinary tract symptoms in older men.

Authors' recommendations: Enlargement of the prostate affects about one third of men over 50 and can cause distressing urinary symptoms. The progress of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is unpredictable, but only a minority of men deteriorate rapidly and some will improve spontaneously. Many men willingly tolerate mild symptoms of BPH. Care should be taken not to overtreat men who are not too bothered by their symptoms. For the majority of men whose symptoms are not unacceptably severe, the condition may be best managed by watchful waiting and simple lifestyle changes. The most effective treatment for severe symptoms is surgery, but about a quarter of men fail to benefit and some end up worse. The most common operation for BPH is transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP). Incision of the prostate (TUIP) is often just as effective, uses fewer resources and is less hazardous; however it is under-used. Drug therapy on average has a small effect on symptoms, but some men may experience significant benefit. Because each type of treatment involves a different balance of risks and benefits, patients should be encouraged to participate in making decisions about their management.
Authors' methods: Systematic review
Details
Project Status: Completed
Year Published: 1995
English language abstract: An English language summary is available
Publication Type: Not Assigned
Country: England
MeSH Terms
  • Urologic Diseases
  • Prostatic Hyperplasia
Contact
Organisation Name: University of York
Contact Address: University of York, York, Y01 5DD, United Kingdom. Tel: +44 1904 321040, Fax: +44 1904 321041,
Contact Name: crd@york.ac.uk
Contact Email: crd@york.ac.uk
Copyright: Centre for Reviews and Dissemination
This is a bibliographic record of a published health technology assessment from a member of INAHTA or other HTA producer. No evaluation of the quality of this assessment has been made for the HTA database.