Botulinum toxin for the treatment of lower urinary tract symptoms due to benign prostatic hyperplasia.

Botulinum toxin (BTX) is the most potent biological toxin used for the treatment of urologic conditions. During the last 3 years, the use of BTX has been extended to the treatment of symptomatic benign prostatic hyperplasia, however, the actual mechanism through which BTX can reduce prostate volume and infravesical resistance is not well understood. This article reviews the main effects of BTX in prostate tissues. A critical analysis of the outcomes of patients who were studied in clinical series that used this toxin to treat lower urinary tract symptoms related to benign prostatic hyperplasia is also presented.