TITLE:
Non-Operative Treatment of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia in Northern Benin: Indications and Results
AUTHORS:
Isidore Gandaho, Cabrel Tommi Nana, Armand Mfokoue, Aloys Tetinou, Michel Agounkpe, Adrien Hodonou, Dejinnin Josue Georges Avakoudjo
KEYWORDS:
Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia, I-PSS Score, Medical Treatment
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Journal of Urology,
Vol.16 No.9,
September
23,
2026
ABSTRACT: Introduction: Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is the leading cause of lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) in elderly men. In resource-limited countries, medical management remains the cornerstone of care to reduce morbidity and delay the need for surgery. This prospectively documented study aimed to evaluate the indications, functional efficacy, and tolerability of medical treatment for BPH in sub-Saharan Africa. Materials and Methods: A descriptive retrospective study conducted from January 2023 to August 2025 at the CHUD Borgou-Alibori (Benin). Inclusion criteria targeted patients followed for symptomatic BPH under exclusive medical treatment. The initial and 3-month evaluations included sociodemographic parameters, the I-PSS (International Prostate Symptom Score), ultrasound prostate volume, adverse events, and the occurrence of obstructive complications. Results: Out of 1,489 urological consultations, 328 patients were followed for benign prostatic hyperplasia (prevalence: 22.0%), of whom 263 received exclusive medical treatment and met the study’s inclusion criteria. The mean age was 64.0 ± 10.7 years. At admission, the predominant symptoms were nocturia (92.8%) and dysuria (59.7%); the mean baseline I-PSS score was 10.3 ± 4.1 (moderate symptomatology: 72.4%). A prostate volume of 30 to 80 mL was found in 67.7% of patients. Alpha-blockers were the predominant therapeutic class (78.7%). At 3 months, a reduction in the mean I-PSS score was observed (5.0 ± 4.2; paired statistical test, p Discussion: This cohort confirms the typical clinical profile of symptomatic BPH in the Borgou-Alibori Department in Benin, characterized by late presentation and a predominance of storage-phase disorders. The use of alpha-blockers (alfuzosin, tamsulosin) and phytotherapy was associated with a notable functional improvement, quantified by a decrease in the I-PSS score of more than 5 points, of the same order as that reported by international clinical trials; in the absence of a comparator group and randomization, this observational design does not, however, allow a direct causal link with treatment to be established. Conclusion: In this retrospective series, medical treatment for BPH in Northern Benin was associated with a marked symptomatic improvement and good tolerability, suggesting its value as a first-line strategy in a setting with restricted access to surgical facilities; comparative, randomized studies would be needed to confirm these results.