Endourologic procedures for benign prostatic hyperplasia: review of indications and outcomes.

PURPOSE To discern the positive and negative attributes of the various treatment modalities for benign prostatic hyperplasia. MATERIALS AND METHODS A comprehensive literature review is presented for endoscopic treatment of the bladder outlet obstruction with an emphasis on current randomized controlled trials available comparing these treatment modalities. RESULTS Transurethral resection of the prostate remains the gold standard when assessing alternative treatment options available for benign prostatic hyperplasia. Holmium laser enucleation of the prostate demonstrates equivalent efficacy with a more favorable risk profile. Photoselective vaporization, transurethral needle ablation, and transurethral microwave therapy have demonstrated safety and short-term efficacy; however, data on long-term efficacy are currently lacking. CONCLUSION The current endoscopic methods may offer favorable safety and efficacy for the treatment of the bladder outlet obstruction. However, further research is needed to establish long-term efficacy for many of the currently available treatment options.