Patient-centered care shapes modern BPH treatment approaches

In this video, recorded at the 2025 LUGPA Annual Meeting, Arpeet Shah, MD, a urologist with Associated Urological Specialists in Homewood, Illinois, emphasizes a patient-centered approach in treating benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), highlighting that the growth of treatment options allows care to be tailored to individual goals. He notes that patients may have different priorities, such as avoiding catheters, preserving sexual function, or relieving urinary obstruction, and modern technologies enable physicians to align treatment with these objectives while keeping patients at the center of decision-making.

In determining the best treatment, Shah stresses the importance of thorough diagnostics. His practice relies on comprehensive evaluations, including cystoscopy, transrectal ultrasound, prostate volume measurement, flow assessments, and urodynamic studies like uroflometers. These tools provide objective data on bladder and prostate health, helping both patients and providers make informed decisions about medical therapy or procedural interventions.

Advanced practice providers (APPs) play an integral role in BPH management within Shah’s practice. Given that BPH is the most common diagnosis they encounter, APPs help streamline care by evaluating patients, guiding them along appropriate treatment pathways, and ensuring timely access to physician counseling when needed. This team-based approach enhances efficiency while maintaining quality of care.

Despite advances, unmet needs remain in BPH management. Shah points out that all therapies carry failure rates, making post-procedural monitoring essential. He emphasizes educating patients about these risks and tracking outcomes to ensure interventions are effective and bladder health is maintained. Continuous evaluation after treatment is crucial for identifying complications or suboptimal responses early, enabling timely adjustments in management.

Overall, Shah underscores that modern BPH care combines individualized, patient-focused decision-making with rigorous diagnostic assessment, team-based workflow integration, and careful post-treatment follow-up to optimize outcomes and address the evolving needs of patients.