Topic:	Kidney and Urologic Diseases (KU)
Title:	Evaluation of the Economic Costs and Patient-Related Consequences of Treatments for Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia.
Author:	Disantostefano, R.L.; Biddle, A.K.; Lavelle, J.P.
Source:	BJU International. 97(5): 1007-1016. May 2006.
Abstract:	This article reports on a study undertaken to compare the costs and effectiveness of treatments for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), including watchful waiting, drug therapy, transurethral microwave thermotherapy (TUMT), and transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP). The study used a Markov model over a 20-year period and the societal perspective to evaluate the costs of treatment alternatives for BPH. The authors note that considering something the “best” treatment depends on the value that an individual and society place on costs and consequences. Alpha-blockers are less expensive than the alternatives and are effective at relieving patient-reported symptoms. Unfortunately, they have little effect on clinical outcomes and have the highest BPH progression rate. Other treatments have lower disease progression and better clinical outcomes, but are more expensive and entail more invasive treatments. TURP remains the gold standard for surgical procedures. The desire to avoid TURP or the 2 weeks of catheterization associated with TUMT might affect a patient’s treatment decision when symptoms are severe. More information about patient preferences and risk aversion is needed to inform treatment decision-making for BPH. 4 figures. 5 tables. 54 references.
Format:	Journal Article
Language:	English.
Major Keywords:	Urologic Diseases. Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia. Therapy. Patient Care Management. Patient Selection. Drug Therapy. Surgery. Transurethral Resection. Microwave Therapy.
Minor Keywords:	Surgical Techniques. Costs. Catheterization. Patient Compliance. Recurrence. Prostatic Diseases. Watchful Waiting. Symptoms. Urination Disorders.
Publication Number:	KUJA11560.
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