[Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) : Surgical therapy options]

The surgical treatment options available today for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) can take various forms and often follow a course of pharmacological therapy. In addition to conventional transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) and its modifications (bipolar resection), which has represented the standard therapeutic option for decades, the focus of research and clinical application has shifted to alternative so-called "minimally invasive" instrumental techniques, such as transurethral microwave therapy (TUMT) and, particularly more recently, to the different laser-assisted techniques. By reviewing the current literature, preferably from randomized controlled trials, critical appraisals of the individual procedures are made.