Open prostatectomy in benign prostatic hyperplasia: 10-year experience in Italy

Area of Science:

• Urology
• Surgical Oncology

Background:

• Open surgery was historically the primary treatment for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).
• The advent of endoscopic techniques significantly reduced the prevalence of open surgical procedures for BPH.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report the nationwide experience of 47 Italian urology units regarding open surgery for BPH.
• To establish current guidelines for open surgery in BPH management based on a decade of data.

Main Methods:

• A retrospective survey of 47 Italian urology units and the University of Perugia's urology unit.
• Analysis of a 10-year nationwide experience, including indications, contraindications, complications, and results.

Main Results:

• Open surgery for BPH, while declining, is still performed.
• The study details the specific indications and contraindications for open surgery in contemporary BPH management.
• Complications and outcomes from a decade of practice were analyzed.

Conclusions:

• Traditional surgical skills remain mandatory for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) management.
• Guidelines for open surgery in BPH have been developed based on extensive national experience.
• Open surgery continues to have a role in specific BPH patient cases where alternatives are not suitable.