[The treatment of prostatic adenoma]

Prostatic hyperplasia is a benign disease of elderly men. In 30-40% of the men the prostatic adenoma causes obstruction which requires operative treatment. 75% of these patients consult the general practitioner. Stage I is treated conservatively. Early surgery is indicated only in those undergoing surgery for hernia and in cases of intermittent obstruction. Operation is definitely indicated in stage II. Stage III should be treated initially with an indwelling catheter for 3-4 months. Treatment with lifelong indwelling catheter is rarely indicated today.