[Clinical manifestations and indications for therapy of benign prostatic hyperplasia]

The high incidence of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), together with the wide variability in its clinical manifestations and in the natural course of disease, requires a careful evaluation of the patient. Technical progress and continuing development of established methods mean that a wide range of diagnostic procedures is available and an "objective" correlate of infravesical obstruction can be obtained. In addition to these objective criteria, the patient's subjective perception of the impact of the symptoms on his quality of life also affects the decision as to whether therapeutic intervention should be attempted and the degree of success that can be attained, as is becoming increasingly evident. The diagnostic methods available for the routine assessment of patients with BPH is reviewed, and their relative value as a basis for deciding on therapeutic intervention is analysed.