Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia

Introduction and background. Functional anatomy of the male lower urinary tract. The urinary bladder. The prostate gland. Aetiology and epidemiology of LUTS and BPH. Aetiology of LUTS. Natural history of BPH (including prevalence). Complications of BPH. Impact of acute urinary retention. Management of LUTS/BPH in primary care - the UK perspective. What causes men to present to their doctor with LUTS?. Management of BPH in the UK. Office-based work-up of BPH (primary care patient evaluation). History and symptom assessment. Physical examination. Blood urea and electrolytes. Urinalysis. Prostatic-specific antigen. Optional tests. More sophisticated tests. EAU guidelines on assessment, therapy and follow-up of men with LUTS suggestive of BPO. Lower urinary tract symptoms: what is not BPH?. Differential diagnosis of men with LUTS. Referral guidelines for the primary care physician. BPH management strategies. Goals of therapy. Treatment selection. Medical management of BPH. Alpha1-adrenergic antagonists. 5-Alpha reductase inhibitors. Complementary and alternative therapies for male LUTS. Herbal remedies for LUTS. Prostatectomy (including laser). Minimally invasive alternatives to prostatectomy. EAU guidelines for treatment 2004. Cases studies. Appendix 1 - drugs and surgical methods used in BPH management/treatment, with all appropriate details/information (e.g. dosage, side effects, relevant comments). Appendix 2 - EAU guidelines on treatment options for BPH. Appendix 3 - Herbal remedies used in male LUTS. Appendix 4 - Useful websites or addresses of relevant organizations.