Technologies for Minimally Invasive Treatment of BPH

Newswise — Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate that affects urine flow and increases the risk for urinary tract infections and kidney stones. A special panel briefing will be held on identifying the warning signs of BPH and new technologies for minimally invasive treatment during the 100th Annual Scientific Meeting of the American Urological Association (AUA). The briefing will be held on May 25, 2005 in the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center in San Antonio. Anthony Y. Smith, M.D., a member of the AUA Public Media Committee, will moderate the briefing on May 25 at 11:00 a.m.

Featured research includes:The Impact of Contemporary Surgical Management on Inpatient Resource Utilization and Costs for Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (1383): BPH has historically been treated with surgical procedures, but now minimally invasive surgical therapies are routinely offered to men as an alternative, causing an increase of 15% in outpatient visits between 1991-2000. However, the cost of care and utilization of surgical options have not been evaluated. Using data from Medicare and Health Care Utlization Project, this study found a shift towards utlitzation of outpatient centers and an overall cost savings to Medicare.

A Randomized Trial Comparing Photo-Vaporization and Transurethral Resection of the Prostate in Patients (1555): Transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) is the most common method for treatment of BPH, but other methods have been proposed, such as the Greenlight® laser system. In this study designed to compare the outcomes of photo-vaporisation of the prostate (PVP) through laser treatment to TURP, researchers found PVP to vaporize the tissue quickly, increasing urine flow rates immediately without causing major bleeding.

Evolution of Outpatient Care for BPH in the 1990s: Data from the Urologic Diseases in America Project (35): Due to the increase in outpatient visits in recent years, researchers evaluated the use of medical technology, medications, outpatient care and overall cost of care during the 1990s. Data pulled from the Urologic Diseases in America project showed that BPH has shifted from a surgically treated disease to treatment by pharmacologic therapy, which has increased visits to non-urologists and the overall cost of outpatient care.

Four-year Results of a Prospective Randomized Study Between Transurethral Vaporization using Plasmakinetic Energy and Transurethral Resection of Prostate (1564): A common surgical procedure for BPH treatment is the removal of sections of the prostate. A new method of treatment is via Plasmakinetic energy, which vaporizes the prostate tissue thus relieving pressure on the urethra. Researchers evaluated the safety and efficacy of this form of treatment and found it just as effective as the TURP method. This simple, safe procedure also reduced bleeding during the operation.

Prospective Comparison of Photoselective Laser Vaporization and Transurethral Resection of the Prostate (1558): During transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP), a catheter is inserted in the urethra to remove the section of the prostate causing blockage. This study evaluated the effectiveness and early complication rate of photoselective laser vaporisation (PVP) as treatment for BPH in comparison to standard TURP. Comparison found PVP provided immediate relief of urinary blockage and had fewer complications during operation than TURP. Complication rates following the procedures was comparable between TURP and PVP.

"Each year in the United States, there are over 4 million visits to a physician for BPH," said Dr. Anthony Smith, who moderated the panel. "Prostate enlargement is common in aging. Since the prostate plays such a major role in sexual and urinary function, treatment options need to continually advance to provide the highest quality of life possible for patients."

About the American Urological Association: Founded in 1902 and headquartered near Baltimore, Maryland, the American Urological Association, Inc. is the pre-eminent professional organization for urologists, with more than 13,000 members throughout the world. An educational nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization, the AUA pursues its mission of fostering the highest standards of urologic care by carrying out a wide variety of programs members and their patients, including UrologyHealth.org, an award-winning on line patient education resource, and the American Urological Association Foundation, Inc., formerly AFUD.

For full copies of abstracts, vist http://www.aua2005.org or contact the Press Room.