Purpose: We studied how transition zone index (TZ index) influenced the therapeutic efficacy of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). In addition, we retrospectively investigated the availability of TZ index in selection of the more effective therapeutic method for BPH.
Method: One hundred twenty-five patients with symptomatic BPH whose prostate volume (PV) was more than 15 ml by transrectal ultrasonography were investigated. Sixty-nine men underwent transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) whereas 56 were treated with alpha 1-blocker. Tamsulosin hydrochloride. These patients were evaluated based on TZ index as well as ordinary parameters of BPH; international prostatic symptom score, QOL score, peak flow rate and PV.
Results: The patients with TZ index > or = 0.5 showed good therapeutic results in the TURP group. On the other hand, the patients with TZ index < 0.5 showed favorable response in alpha 1-blocker group. Multivariate analysis revealed that TZ index affected the therapeutic efficacy more strongly than the other parameters.
Conclusion: TZ index had strong influence on therapeutic efficacy of TURP or alpha 1-blocker and seemed to be a useful tool for the selection of BPH therapy.