Evaluation and Treatment of Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms in Older Men

PURPOSE: The 6th International Consultation on New Developments in Prostate Cancer and Prostate Diseases met from June 24-28, 2005 in Paris, France to review new developments in benign prostatic disease. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A series of committees were asked to produce recommendations on the evaluation and treatment of lower urinary tract symptoms in older men. Each committee was asked to base recommendations on a thorough assessment of the available literature according to the International Consultation on Incontinence level of evidence and grading system adapted from the Oxford system. RESULTS: The Consultation endorsed the appropriate use of the current terminology lower urinary tract symptoms/benign prostatic hyperplasia/benign prostate enlargement and benign prostatic obstruction, and recommended that terms such as "clinical benign prostatic hyperplasia" or "the benign prostatic hyperplasia patient" be abandoned, and asked the authorities to endorse the new nomenclature. The diagnostic evaluation describes recommended and optional tests, and in general places the focus on the impact (bother) of lower urinary tract symptoms on the individual patient when determining investigation and treatment. The importance of symptom assessment, impact on quality of life, physical examination and urinalysis is emphasized. The frequency volume chart is recommended when nocturia is a bothersome symptom to exclude nocturnal polyuria. The recommendations are summarized in 2 algorithms, 1 for basic management and 1 for specialized management of persistent bothersome lower urinary tract symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: The use of urodynamics and transrectal ultrasound should be limited to situations in which the results are likely to benefit the patient such as in selection for surgery. It is emphasized that imaging and endoscopy of the urinary tract have specific indications such as dipstick hematuria. Treatment should be holistic, and may include conservative measures, lifestyle interventions and behavioral modifications as well as medication and surgery. Only treatments with a strong evidence base for their clinical effectiveness should be used.