Transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) is still the gold standard in the treatment of symptomatic benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). It has proved possible to reduce the mortality rate from this operation almost to zero, whereas the morbidity has remained unchanged at 18% for decades. Procedures that will be similarly effective but have lower morbidity are therefore still needed. Current developments in this field are intra-urethral implants (spiral, intra-urethral catheter, Wallstent), balloon dilatation, transurethral incision of the prostate (TUIP), ultrasound-induced aspiration of tissue and heat treatment (hyperthermia, thermotherapy). Chances of success and risks inherent in these different technical procedures are reviewed. The Wallstent, TUIP, and thermotherapy are the methods of future potential.