Surgical Evolution: Transforming Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia Treatment Through History

We are conducting a two-part exploration of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH), reviewing both the historical and the forward-looking path of surgical care. This Research Topic focuses on the past paradigm shifts, techniques, and lessons learned that shaped contemporary practice. For our companion collection on future techniques and developments, please see this Research Topic: “Next-Generation Minimally Invasive Therapies in BPH: Outcomes, Adoption, and Future Directions.”

The field of urological surgery has undergone significant transformation, particularly in the management of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), a common condition among aging men. Surgical approaches have evolved from conventional techniques such as transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) to modern, minimally invasive options like laser enucleation and robot-assisted procedures. This shift reflects an ongoing effort to enhance patient outcomes, reduce recovery time, and minimize surgical morbidity, in light of an ever-ageing society. However, these advancements also introduce challenges, including disparities in access, the need for widespread training, and hurdles in standardizing new techniques.

This Research Topic seeks to provide a comprehensive, retrospective, historical and clinical overview of BPH surgical interventions. It aims to explore how foundational procedures laid the groundwork for modern innovations, assess the impact of technological developments and clinical trials, and identify existing challenges and future directions in BPH treatment. Key objectives include evaluating the safety, efficacy, and patient experience across various surgical approaches.

We invite submissions of original research, reviews, case studies, and methodological analyses addressing, but not limited to:

- The historical development and milestones in BPH surgery
- Comparative studies of traditional vs. modern surgical methods
- The transition from open prostatectomy to TURP, lasers, and robotic interventions
- The role of clinical trials, registries, and training innovations in shaping practice
- Socioeconomic, ethical, and global considerations in BPH surgical care
- Lessons learned and enduring principles for today’s surgeons and educators

Preferred article types include historical and surgical reviews, comparative retrospectives, educational and methodological analyses, guideline and evidence historiography, institutional and international series, and perspective pieces on key influencers or paradigm shifts.

Future-looking content and articles on novel therapies can be submitted to the Research Topic “Next-Generation Minimally Invasive Therapies in BPH: Outcomes, Adoption, and Future Directions.”

A. Tamalunas received research grants by Ludwig-Maximilians-University (LMU), Munich (D), German Society of Urology, Düsseldorf (D), Apogepha Arzneimittel GmbH, Dresden (D), and German Research Foundation, Bonn (D) via Munich Clinician Scientist Program (MCSP). A. Tamalunas served as a consultant to Merck Healthcare Germany GmbH (D), Pfizer Pharmacy GmbH (D), Apogepha Arzneimittel GmbH (D), Trovagene (USA), Cardiff Oncology (USA), A3P Biomedical (S), including travel grants, participation in advisory boards, and speaker honoraria. A. Tamalunas is a safety physician and medical advisor to Boehringer Ingelheim International GmbH (D).
M. Hennenberg received research grants by Ludwig-Maximilians-University (LMU), Munich (D), Horst-Jürgen-Lühl-Stiftung, Munich (D), German Research Foundation, Bonn (D), and Trovagene, San Diego (USA).
Prof. Miernik receives research funding from the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research, Berlin (D). He receives support for his travel activities from the European Association of Urology, Arnhem (NL), and German Society of Urology, Düsseldorf (D). A. Miernik is also a consultant for: KLS Martin, Tuttlingen (D), Dornier MedTech Laser GmbH (D), Optimed (D), Richard Wolf GmbH (D), Boston Scientific (USA), Gimmi (D) and Filax medical (CH). The other Topic Editors declare no conflict of interest.

Article types and fees

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Clinical Trial
• Curriculum, Instruction, and Pedagogy
• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• FAIR² DATA Direct Submission
• General Commentary
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Methods
• ... View all formats

Articles that are accepted for publication by our external editors following rigorous peer review incur a publishing fee charged to Authors, institutions, or funders.

Article types

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Clinical Trial
• Curriculum, Instruction, and Pedagogy
• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• FAIR² DATA Direct Submission
• General Commentary
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Methods
• Mini Review
• Opinion
• Original Research
• Perspective
• Review
• Study Protocol
• Systematic Review
• Technology and Code

Keywords: benign prostatic hyperplasia, surgical evolution, transurethral resection of the prostate, minimally invasive techniques, laser enucleation, robot-assisted surgery, technological advancements.

Important note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.