Changes in diagnosis rate and treatment trends of benign prostatic hyperplasia in Korea: A nationwide population-based cohort study

PURPOSE: This study aimed to evaluate benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) diagnosis rate and the changing landscape of medical and surgical management of BPH over the last decade using national population data of South Korea. METHODS: The present study analyzed data of patients diagnosed with BPH (N40) who underwent medical treatment or surgery in 3% of the national patient sample of the Health Insurance and Review Assessment database each year between 2012 and 2018. The primary outcome was the proportion of medical and surgical treatment for BPH. It was evaluated each year between 2012 and 2018. Secondary outcomes included total BPH diagnosis rate in each year of the study period. BPH diagnosis rate by age group was evaluated. The proportion of medical and surgical treatment for BPH according to the type of medical institution was investigated. RESULTS: The proportion of surgical treatment was 1.2% in 2012, 1.0% in 2013, 1.0% in 2014, 0.9% in 2015, 0.8% in 2016, 0.7% 2018, and 0.8% 2018, showing a progressive overall decrease from 2012 to 2018. The rate of surgical treatment for BPH increased with increasing age during the study period, showing a progressive overall increase (from 9,202 per 100,000 men in 2012 to 11,610 per 100 000 men in 2018). The number of patients with BPH was increased steadily from 2012 to 2018 in all age groups. The rate of surgical treatment in tertiary referral hospitals was the highest during the study period, followed by that in general hospitals, hospitals, and clinics. CONCLUSIONS: In Korea, the diagnosis rate of BPH was steadily increasing during the study period. Overall surgical treatment gradually decreased compared with an increase in medical treatment among all treatments for BPH. Thus, a comprehensive treatment plan for BPH should be established considering this trend.