Common urologic problems in the elderly. Prostate cancer, outlet obstruction, and incontinence require special management.

Urologic problems in elderly patients often require special management that considers life expectancy, general health, and the clinical significance of the disorder. For men with prostate carcinoma or outlet obstruction, new therapies have proliferated in the last 10 years. For elderly women with incontinence, an orderly evaluation process usually results in directed and effective treatment. Finally, long-term use of Foley catheters requires careful attention to detail so that serious problems can be avoided.