Introduction: Many options exist for the surgical treatment of lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) due to benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), including transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP), laser surgery, and open adenomectomy. Recently, endoscopic techniques have been used in the treatment of BPH.
Material and methods: We reviewed clinical studies in PubMed describing minimally invasive endoscopic procedures for the treatment of BPH.
Results: Laparoscopic adenomectomy (LA) and robotic-assisted simple prostatectomy (RASP) were introduced in the early 2000s. These operative techniques have been standardized and reproducible, with some individual modifications. Studies analyzing the outcomes of LA and RASP have reported significant improvements in urinary flow and decreases in patient International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS). These minimally invasive approaches have resulted in a lower rate of complications, shorter hospital stays, smaller scars, faster recoveries, and an earlier return to work.
Conclusions: Minimally invasive techniques such as LA and RASP for the treatment BPH are safe, efficacious, and allow faster recovery. These procedures have a short learning curve and offer new options for the surgeon treating BPH.
Keywords: adenomectomy; benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH); laparoscopic adenomectomy (LA); robotic–assisted simple prostatectomy (RASP); simple prostatectomy.