Elsevier

Urology

Volume 62, Issue 2, August 2003, Pages 259-264
Urology

Adult urology
Relief by botulinum toxin of voiding dysfunction due to benign prostatic hyperplasia: results of a randomized, placebo-controlled study

https://doi.org/10.1016/S0090-4295(03)00477-1Get rights and content

Abstract

Objectives

To evaluate the therapeutic role of botulinum toxin injection in men with benign prostatic hyperplasia.

Methods

Men with benign prostatic hyperplasia were enrolled in a randomized, placebo-controlled study. After a baseline evaluation, each participant received 4 mL of solution injected into the prostate gland. Patients in the control group received saline solution and patients in the treated group received 200 U of botulinum toxin A. The outcome of each group was evaluated by comparing the symptom scores, serum prostate-specific antigen concentration, prostate volume, postvoid residual urine volume, and peak urinary flow rates.

Results

Thirty consecutive patients were enrolled. No local complications or systemic side effects were observed in any patient. After 2 months, 13 patients in the treated group and 3 in the control group had subjective symptomatic relief (P = 0.0007). In patients who received botulinum toxin, the symptom score was reduced by 65% compared with baseline values and the serum prostate-specific antigen concentration by 51% from baseline. In patients who received saline, the symptom score and serum prostate-specific antigen concentration were not significantly changed compared with the baseline values and 1-month values. Follow-up averaged 19.6 ± 3.8 months.

Conclusions

Botulinum toxin injected into the prostate seems to be a promising approach for the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia. It is safe, effective, and well-tolerated. Furthermore, it is not related to the patient’s willingness to complete treatment.

Section snippets

Material and methods

The study was conducted at Department of Surgery of the University Hospital Agostino Gemelli, Rome. The institutional review board approved the protocol for this double-blind, placebo-controlled study.

Results

Forty-two consecutive outpatients were assessed for eligibility. Of them, 8 patients did not meet the inclusion criteria and 4 patients refused to participate. Thus, 30 patients were randomized: 15 received BT and 15 placebo. No differences were found at baseline between the two groups (Table I). No complications during the procedure were observed in any patient.

Comment

BPH management is currently in transition.4, 5, 7 Although surgery will continue to be widely used, medical therapies are assuming increasing importance, owing to the desire of patients to avoid surgery whenever possible. A pilot study on the impact of a program to aid in decision-making about BPH showed a 40% decrease in the surgery rate in American patients.24 However, the goal of therapy is to relieve lower urinary tract symptoms. For this reason, the efficacy of any treatment for

Conclusions

We found BT injection into the prostate to be a promising approach to the treatment of BPH. It is well-tolerated and should be considered for patients who are at risk of surgery. Furthermore, it is not related to the patient’s willingness to complete treatment. Additional investigation of BT treatment is indicated before its general use can be advocated.

References (30)

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