[The value of self-assessment in management of patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia]

Since benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a very common and slowly progressive disease which requires surgical treatment in only one-third of those affected, surveillance of the condition on the basis of subjective symptoms is of considerable importance. For this reason, the WHO developed a prostate symptom score (WHO-PSS or I-PSS), which includes both irritative and obstructive symptoms, and which has become accepted all over the world. This score can be used both in investigative studies as a means of monitoring the efficacy of therapy, and as a very good instrument for patient management in the doctor's office.