Benign prostatic hyperplasia. The Saudi perspective in the year 2000

All published data on benign prostatic hyperplasia in Saudi Arabia was reviewed. The age of presentation of the benign prostatic hyperplasia Saudi patient is between 60 and 70 years. Until the introduction of medical therapy for benign prostatic hyperplasia, presentation by complication was common, mainly by retention of urine in 40-50% of the cases. Diagnostic modalities are improving and both biochemical and imaging techniques are now available. Medical therapy for benign prostatic hyperplasia is widely used but studies on only 2 alpha adrenergic blocking agents out the 5 pharmacological preparations currently in the field were reported. Those are Prazosin and Terazosin. Several studies on the use of the 5-alpha reductase enzyme inhibitor Finastride were also reported. Minimally invasive surgery, other recent techniques including laser technology and standard surgical techniques such as open prostatectomy and Trans-urethral Resection of the Prostate are reported to be efficiently utilized. The workload due to benign prostatic hyperplasia is increasing and estimated currently to be 20-40% of the whole urological workload. Late and complicated presentations still pose a serious medical problem. Screening programs and enhancement of awareness are required to ensure early presentation. The diagnostic modalities have improved and need to further improve by making both PSA testing and ultrasonography as standard procedures. Most advanced methods of medical and surgical treatment are available. More studies researching all aspects of benign prostatic hyperplasia are needed to improve patient care.