[Surgical management of benign prostatic hyperplasia by thermotherapy and other emerging techniques: A review of the literature by the LUTS committee of the French Urological Association]

Abstract

Purpose: To perform an update on mini-invasive surgical treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) by thermotherapy and other emerging techniques.

Method: A systematic review of literature was performed in Pubmed database for the period running from 1980 to 2011. The level of evidence of each report was evaluated, and only recent publications of high level of evidence were included.

Results and conclusions: Monopolar transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) and open prostatectomy remain the gold standards. Thermotherapy using transurethral microwaves or needle ablation is an alternative to medical management. Urethral stents should only be proposed in exceptional cases of surgical contra-indication, because of their related complications. Botulinium toxin and ethanol intra-prostatic injections are currently under evaluation.