An Analysis of Cases of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia in a Tertiary Hospital in Eastern Nigeria: Incidence, Treatment, and Cost of Management

Background: Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is one of the most common conditions in aging men. Although BPH is not life threatening, the clinical manifestations such as lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) reduce patients’ quality of life. BPH is associated with high healthcare costs and is a burden on the patients’ families and society.

Objective: To assess the incidence, treatment pattern, and direct cost of management of BPH in a tertiary hospital, in Eastern Nigeria.

Methods: A retrospective descriptive assessment of case notes of patients diagnosed with BPH between September 2017 and August 2019. The treatment pattern was assessed for 12 months. Costs were calculated for BPH-related clinical procedures and medications.

Results: The incidence rate of BPH in this population is 6.7%. One-hundred and two case notes were retrieved and evaluated. About 50.4% of the patients visited the hospital between 2 to 4 times, with a mean visit of 4.4 times a year. Ninety-nine percent of the patients received pharmacological interventions, while the combination of alpha blockers and 5-alpha reductase inhibitors was the most frequently prescribed drug therapy for BPH. The total annual direct cost of managing BPH in this healthcare facility is about N4,966,080 (Nigerian Naira), an equivalent of $12,810 USD.

Conclusion: The combination of alpha blockers and 5-alpha reductase inhibitors was the most frequently prescribed drugs for BPH in this facility. Most patients made out-of-pocket payments hence, appropriate treatment options must be selected for each patient in other to prevent complications and reduce costs.