OBJECTIVETo compare therapeutic effects of elongated needle therapy and routine acupuncture therapy on dysuria induced by benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).

METHODSRandomized, controlled, multi-central method was adopted and 150 cases confirmed to the enrolled criteria were divided into two groups by odd or even number, an elongated needle group (n = 72) and a routine acupuncture group (n = 78). Acupuncture was given at bilateral Zhibian (BL 54) and Zhongji (CV 3) in the two groups, once daily, 5 sessions constituting one course, with a 2-day interval between two courses. The treatment was given for 2 courses. Changes of I-PSS symptom cumulative score, urine flowing rate, residual urine in bladder before and after the treatment were observed.

RESULTSThe effective rate was 83.3% in the elongated needle group and 44.9% in the routine acupuncture group. There were significant differences between the two groups in improvemet of I-PSS score, increase of urine flowing rate and reduction of residual urine in bladder (all P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONThe elongated needle therapy has a definite therapeutic effect on dysuria induced by benign prostatic hyperplasia.