Age-related differences in risk factors for prostatectomy for benign prostatic hyperplasia: the VA Normative Aging...

The Veterans Administration Normative Aging Study (VANAS) is an ongoing study of a cohort of 2,280 men assembled between 1963-1968 and followed to the present time. Among this cohort of men, urinary symptoms were found to be strongly predictive of surgery for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), and this risk varied by age. Nocturia (OR 1.8) and hesitancy (OR 4.3) were found to be predictive of surgery for younger men (age range 49-55), while only nocturia (OR 2.4) was predictive among older men (age range 62-68). This age-related difference in both identification of risk factors and magnitude of association with surgery was independent of assessing other commonly studied risk factors. Ultimately, the decision to operate is a combination of patient's need, access to care, and patient's preference. Further research will be required to assess which factor or factors are responsible for the age-related differences in surgical risk factors.