and Memokath prostatic stenting anadn Md Memeomkoakthat hpr porsotastiact isct esntetnintigng and Memokath prostatic stenting Introduction Introduction

Introduction Bladder outflow obstruction (BOO) due to benign prostatic enlargement is the commonest cause of lower urinary tract symptoms in the elderly male. Although transurethral resection of the prostate gland (TURP) is still accepted as the gold standard for the relief of moderate to severe obstruction, it is not without its dangers, particularly in men who have concomitant disease adding to the risk of complications or even death. With a growing elderly population, unfit males presenting with severe lower urinary tract symptoms or urinary retention due to BOO are likely to pose an increasing management problem. Thus a plethora of alternative less-invasive options (Table 46.1) has emerged in recent years. Despite these advances, many elderly men, perhaps fearing surgery, present late and are treated by long-term catheterization in the community with continuing care from the district nursing service (DNS). Contact with the urology team occurs only occasionally when major problems arise, but minor problems are frequent and can cause considerable suffering.