Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia Disease Summary

Overview

As mentioned in the Introduction section, the histopathological diagnosis of benign prostatic hyperplasia is characterized by epithelial cell and smooth muscle cell proliferation in the transition zone of the prostate leading to a non-malignant enlargement of the gland, leading to lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS), including voiding and storage symptoms.  

A detailed discussion about the prevalence of benign prostatic hyperplasia is in the Epidemiology section.

The Pathophysiology section states that the development of benign prostatic hyperplasia and LUTS is likely to be multifactorial; LUTS occur as a result of prostatic obstruction and an increase in smooth muscle tone and resistance.

As mentioned in the Etiology section, the exact cause of benign prostatic hyperplasia is not well understood but may be due to male androgenic steroid hormones or age-related increases in sympathetic tone.  

The Risk Factors section lists the risks for benign prostatic hyperplasia including age, family history, other medical conditions, and even lack of physical exercise. 

Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia_Disease Summary

History and Physical Examination

The Clinical Presentation section describes the different symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia. Details that should be noted in the history are mentioned in the History section. The Physical Examination section states the importance of doing a digital rectal exam (DRE); one should also check for signs of a distended bladder, back and flank pain, urethral discharge, and even swelling or tenderness of the scrotum.

Diagnosis

The Diagnosis and Diagnostic Criteria section discuss the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS).  

Various diagnostic tests, such as urinalysis, frequency volume chart, urodynamic tests, pressure flow studes, etc are discussed in the Laboratory Tests and Ancillaries section. The Imaging section lists the imaging protocols and imaging tests that can be done. 

Other conditions that should be ruled out in the diagnosis of benign prostatic hyperplasia are listed in the Differential Diagnosis section.

Management

The primary treatment goals in benign prostatic hyperplasia are mentioned in the Principles of Therapy section.

The Pharmacological Therapy section discusses in detail the different drugs that can be used in benign prostatic hyperplasia. Combination treatments are also discussed in this section.

The Nonpharmacological section supports the importance of proper nutrition, avoidance of constipation, weight loss, and regular physical activity in benign prostatic hyperplasia.  

Different surgical interventions such as transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP), open prostatectomy, laser treatments, transurethral incision of the prostate (TUIP), and minimally invasive surgical therapies (MISTs) are discussed in the Surgery section.

The Follow-up section gives a detailed description of the schedule of assessment.