15-year Google trends analysis results of minimally invasive surgical treatments for benign prostatic hyperplasia in the United States

This study used Google Trends data to compare the popularity trends of five minimally invasive surgical therapies—Holmium laser enucleation of the prostate, Water vapor thermal therapy-Rezum®, Aquablation, UroLift, and Prostatic artery embolization—in the United States of America between 2010 and 2024. Google Trends was used to analyze the relative search volume for the terms "Holmium laser enucleation of the prostate," "UroLift," "Water vapor thermal therapy-Rezum®," "Aquablation," and "Prostatic artery embolization." Relative search volume scores (0–100) reflect interest over time; data was statistically analyzed from searches conducted in the United States between January 2010 and October 2024 Annual averages were calculated, and polynomial trend modeling was applied to identify temporal patterns. Pearson correlation analysis and linear regression analysis were performed to assess treatment modalities' relationships and trends over time. A p-value of < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Between 2010 and 2024, HoLEP demonstrated a consistent increase in relative search volume, with a notable acceleration after 2017, followed by a plateau after 2020. Rezum® steadily gained popularity beginning around 2015–2016. Aquablation showed limited growth and remained relatively less searched overall. UroLift peaked around 2020 but subsequently declined, while prostatic artery embolization demonstrated a gradual increase in interest after 2020. Correlation analysis revealed strong associations between Holmium laser enucleation of the prostate–Aquablation (r=0.95), Holmium laser enucleation of the prostate–Prostatic artery embolization (r=0.92), and Rezum®–UroLift (r=0.92). Linear regression analysis identified significant trends for HoLEP, Rezum®, and Aquablation (p < .001), whereas UroLift's trend was not statistically significant. Prostatic artery embolization showed a borderline-significant upward trend (p = .051). At the state level, the highest RSV values were observed in Maine for HoLEP, Arizona for Rezum®, and Rhode Island for Aquablation. Heatmaps illustrated regional variations in interest across the treatment modalities. Holmium laser enucleation of the prostate and Rezum® have shown a marked and sustained increase in popularity, driven by both technological advancements and broad clinical adoption. These findings highlight the evolving landscape of treatment strategies, the pace of new technology integration, and growing public awareness. The trend analysis presented in this study serves not only as a tool to assess patient-driven interest but also as a complementary method to evaluate technological adaptation processes and shifting patterns of clinical practice in managing benign prostatic hyperplasia.