An intense discussion has recently begun regarding current standards in the diagnosis and treatment of benign prosta tic hyperplasia (BPH). A number of factors have led to this discussion. In an increasing proportion of aging men, for example, BPH causes so-called obstructive symptoms that must be relieved by medical or operative means. This entails an immense social and economic impact in terms of health costs. In addition, recent data indicate the most frequently performed operation for BPH - transurethral resection of the prostate - is associated with a higher risk of death due to cardiac...