Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia
Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia, also known as BPH, is an enlarged prostate that commonly causes urinary problems in men over the age of 50. It is a common condition that occurs as men age, causing the gland to press against the urethra and cause problems with urination.
After Benign Prostate Hyperplasia (BPH) is diagnosed, a treatment plan is created based on the patient‘s specific condition.
Treatment of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia
Treatment for benign prostatic hyperplasia may vary depending on the severity of the condition. There are various treatment options available for this condition.
Monitoring
Patients with mild symptoms may only need to monitor their condition for signs that it is worsening, while more severe cases may require medication to inhibit hormone production or relax the muscle in the prostate.
Medication
Two common types of medication for benign prostatic hyperplasia are:
Alpha Blockers
Alpha blockers relax the muscles in the bladder and prostate. They can help improve urine flow and reduce risk of bladder obstruction. They are often prescribed to men with smaller prostates.
5-Alpha Reductase Inhibitors
5-alpha reductase inhibitors block the male hormone that stimulates the prostate. These drugs are generally prescribed to men with significantly enlarged prostates or severe cases of benign prostatic hyperplasia. In addition to relieving symptoms, they increase urinary flow and may even help shrink the prostate.
In Office Procedure (Benign Prostate Hyperplasia)
UroLift
What is UroLift?
The UroLift System is a straightforward procedure that utilizes tiny implants to lift and hold the enlarged prostate tissue out of the way, so it no longer blocks the urethra. There is no cutting, heating or removal of prostate tissue.
Who is a Candidate for UroLift?
For men older than 50, benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is the most common prostate problem. For most of these men, medication is often the first choice of treatment.
However, for patients with a relatively small to moderate sized prostate gland who do not want to take a daily dose of medication, the UroLift treatment is ideal.
How does UroLift Work?
UroLift is unique in that it does not destroy tissue. Instead, UroLift compresses normal tissue that blocks the urethra, resulting in improved urine flow.
Benefits of UroLift Treatment
Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) can have a negative impact on a man’s quality of life. The benefits of the UroLift treatment, especially for younger men, will include not only the relief of bothersome urinary symptoms, but also the preservation of ejaculation.
Because UroLift is performed in the office under local anesthesia, the recovery time and return to daily activities is faster than with more invasive procedures.
Surgery (Benign Prostate Hyperplasia)
In some cases, surgery may be required to remove the prostate tissue that is blocking the flow of urine. There are several different surgical procedures available for treating benign prostatic hyperplasia, including:
Transurethral Surgery
Transurethral resection of the prostate is a surgery with no external incisions. A modified cystoscope called a resectoscope is inserted through the urethra and uses an electrical wire loop that cuts tissue away from the center of the enlarged prostate.
Prostate Spanner Device
A temporary device is placed in the urethra within the prostate to hold the urethra open to allow the passage of urine. This is usually an option for patients who are unable to take medication or do not want to undergo more invasive surgery.
Transurethral Vaporization of the Prostate
During transurethral vaporization of the prostate, also known as TUVP, an elecrode transmits a current that vaporizes prostate tissue. Using an instrument that delivers high-voltage electrical current, the doctor pinpoints the prostrate tissue that will be destroyed.
Simple Prostatectomy
In the case of a significantly enlarged prostate, open surgery is usually recommended. An incision is made in the lower abdomen and the interior of the prostate is removed, leaving the outer lining of compressed normal prostate tissue. This surgery results in the greatest increase in urinary flow of all treatment techniques.
Surgery for benign prostatic hyperplasia usually provides effective results for at least fifteen years. Patients should continue to have rectal and prostate exams once a year and should see their doctor at the first sign of recurring symptoms.
There are a wide range of treatment options available for benign prostatic hyperplasia and if treated promptly and effectively, patients can live relatively normal lives.
