BERKELEY, CA (UroToday.com) - Multiple endoscopic procedures are available for the treatment of bladder outlet obstruction caused by benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).
While transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) remains the gold standard when assessing alternative treatment options available for BPH, numerous treatment options have become available.
Holmium laser enucleation of the prostate demonstrates equivalent efficacy with a more favorable risk profile. Photoselective vaporization, transurethral needle ablation, and transurethral microwave therapy have demonstrated safety and short-term efficacy, however, data on long-term efficacy are currently lacking. Newer laser technologies utilizing thulium have also proven to yield equivalent if not superior outcomes when compared to TURP.
The current endoscopic methods may offer favorable safety and efficacy for the treatment of bladder outlet obstruction, however, further research is needed to establish long-term efficacy for many of the currently available treatment options.
Written by:
Stephen B. Williams, MD* as part of Beyond the Abstract on UroToday.com. This initiative offers a method of publishing for the professional urology community. Authors are given an opportunity to expand on the circumstances, limitations etc... of their research by referencing the published abstract.
*Urologist and Surgeon
Associated Urologists of Orange County
1801 N. Broadway
Santa Ana, CA 92706
Endourologic procedures for benign prostatic hyperplasia: Review of indications and outcomes - Abstract
UroToday.com BPH and Male LUTS Section