Benign prostatic hyperplasia in primary care: what you need to know.
OBJECTIVE
We reviewed recent literature and treatment guidelines regarding the prevalence, pathophysiology, and management of BPO related to BPH; and management of lower urinary tract symptoms secondary to BPH.


METHODS
Published literature and current treatment concepts were reviewed regarding the diagnosis and treatment options for BPO.


RESULTS
BPH is a histological diagnosis that can contribute to medical problems, including enlargement of the prostate and BPO. These conditions should be treated only if the symptoms are troublesome, there is considerable risk of progression, and/or cancer is suspected. Very effective medical and surgical options are available to treat BPO and improve patient quality of life.


CONCLUSIONS
BPO is highly treatable, but should be managed in close collaboration with the patient. Pharmacological agents and minimally invasive procedures, when appropriate, are generally preferred to more invasive surgery. Patients with mild or moderate symptoms usually can be treated by a primary care physician; more complicated cases should be referred to a urologist for evaluation and management.
Burnett
Arthur L
AL
Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21287, USA. aburnett@jhmi.edu
Wein
Alan J
AJ
D017677:Age Distribution; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001559:Benzhydryl Compounds / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001707:Biopsy, Needle; D003408:Cresols / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D015994:Incidence; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D018727:Muscarinic Antagonists / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D010665:Phenylpropanolamine / Q000627:therapeutic use; D011379:Prognosis; D011470:Prostatic Hyperplasia / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000473:pathology* / Q000628:therapy*; D018570:Risk Assessment; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D013449:Sulfonamides / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000077409:Tamsulosin; D000068737:Tolterodine Tartrate; D020728:Transurethral Resection of Prostate / Q000379:methods*; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D001748:Urinary Bladder Neck Obstruction / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000628:therapy; D014555:Urination Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000628:therapy
D001559:Benzhydryl Compounds; D003408:Cresols; D018727:Muscarinic Antagonists; D013449:Sulfonamides; D010665:Phenylpropanolamine; D000068737:Tolterodine Tartrate; D000077409:Tamsulosin