Putting patients ahead by leaving nothing behind: An emerging treatment paradigm in minimally invasive surgical therapy for benign prostatic hyperplasia

Abstract

Lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) secondary to benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) are highly prevalent in older men. The long-term clinical utility of lifestyle modification and oral medications for LUTS is limited. There is a great clinical need for safe, effective, and durable BPH therapies for men who unsuccessfully attempt conservative measures. Enthusiasm for transurethral resection of the prostate has declined due to surgical risk, high rates of postoperative sexual dysfunction, and the perceived invasive nature therein. Consequently, interest has grown in developing minimally invasive surgical treatments (MISTs) that are efficacious but with a more favorable risk profile in order to better align with patient preferences. This review evaluates currently available MISTs for BPH. Further, we critically examine a “Leave Nothing Behind” philosophy in MIST for BPH since implantation of permanent metallic devices may be associated with increased long-term failure rates.