Current Therapies for BPH and the Search
for Smart Engineering Solutions
Benign Prostate Hyperplasia (BPH) is
a common pathological finding in men after age 40. BPH contributes to lower
urinary tract symptoms that affect quality of life. It is estimated that more
than half of men in their 50s and 70% of men in their 70s suffer voiding
symptoms due to BPH. Untreated, BPH may lead to urinary retention, bladder
stone formation, or deterioration of kidney function.
Every year, more than two million
men are treated for BPH. The treatment goal is to resolve bladder outlet
obstruction and ranges from non-invasive medical therapy to open surgery. In
the last decade many new less invasive and non-invasive therapies for BPH have
been introduced. Search for optimum therapy for BPH continues.
We will discuss the current state of
BPH therapy, introducing the more common approaches, followed by a moderated
discussion regarding potentials for engineering improvement in minimally
invasive BPH therapy.
Moderator: W. Scott McDougal, Chief, Department of Urology,
Introduction:
Laser BPH Therapy:
BPH Medical Therapy: Kevin Loughlin , MD, Director, Urologic
Research, Brigham and Women's Hospital, kloughlin@partners.org
Microwave and TUNA BPH therapy