Future directions in the management of benign prostatic hyperplasia

A meeting of the International Consultation on Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) in June 1991 provided an update on the management of PBH. It is recognised that the development of complications in what may be regarded as a relatively well tolerated disease may necessitate surgical intervention. Current treatment is directed towards circumventing or ameliorating the complications of BPH and perhaps to find minimally invasive or non-invasive alternatives to surgery that could eliminate this modality altogether. Anticipated changes in the management of BPH include establishment of an improved scoring system and response criteria; implementation of stenting techniques, physical modalities such as hyperthermia and laser therapy to replace transurethral resection of the prostate; development of more specific alpha blockers with fewer adverse effects; and administration of hormonal therapy, possibly as an eventual preventative of BPH. The 1991 International Consultation on Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH), which took place in Paris, France, under the joint sponsorship or the World Health Organization and the major international and national societies of urology, provided an excellent opportunity to review current knowledge on the subject of BPH and to explore future trends in its management. Most of the information included in this report is drawn from the conclusions of the consultation participants.