Long-Term Failure Rates Among Interventions for Benign Prostatic Obstruction

As novel approaches for treating bladder outlet obstruction due to benign prostatic hyperplasia proliferate, it is critical for urologists to have accurate information regarding the durability of these procedures as they counsel patients. We summarize the available data examining the rate and time course of treatment failure for common contemporary procedures.

There is significant clinical variability between procedures for benign prostatic hyperplasia with lack of long-term evidence for several newer procedures.

While numerous surgical approaches for benign prostatic hyperplasia are endorsed by the most recent AUA guidelines, the most durable treatments remain the most invasive. Clinicians should consider the tradeoffs between expected patient lifespan, surgical candidacy, and durability of treatment.