BPH (enlarged prostate)

BPH is one of the most common medical conditions among men over 50. It is non-cancerous and occurs naturally during the aging process as a number of prostate cells increases. The progression of BPH causes the prostate gland to become larger and compress the urethra, causing frequent and sometimes painful or difficult urination. Interference with sexual activity may also occur.

SYMPTOMS

Common symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) include the following:

• Hematuria
• Dribbling after voiding
• Frequent urination
• Hesitant, interrupted or weak urine stream caused by decreased force
• Leakage of urine
• Pushing or straining to begin urination
• Recurrent, sudden, urgent need to urinate

In severe cases, another symptom of BPH is acute urinary retention which is the inability to urinate can result from holding urine for a long time, alcohol consumption, long periods of inactivity, cold temperatures, allergy or cold medications containing decongestants or antihistamines and some prescription drugs.

TREATMENT

There are several options available for benign prostate hyperplasia, depending on the severity of symptoms. If symptoms do not threaten the patient's health, the patient may choose not to be treated. If symptoms are severe enough to cause discomfort, interfere with daily activities, or threaten health, treatment is usually recommended.

Some treatment options for BPH may include the following:

• UroLift® System is a safe, minimally invasive procedure that alleviates urination problems while preserving sexual function.
• Medications: 5-Alpha reductase inhibitors, prevent the conversion of testosterone to the diydrotestosterone. Alpha Blockers, relax smooth muscle tissue in the bladder neck and prostate which increase the urinary flow.
• Prostatic stents: a tiny, spring like device inserted into the urethra. When expanded, it pushes back the surrounding tissue and widens the urethra.
• Minimally Invasive treatment: use state-of-the-art tools and techniques to reduce or eliminate symptoms.
• Indigo LaserOptic Treatment® uses a cystoscope through which a fiber optic probe is directly introduced into the prostate. Heat energy is conducted through the probe and quickly coagulates the obstructing prostate tissue.
• GreenLight PVP™ Laser uses a special high-energy laser to vaporize excess prostate tissue and seal the treated area.
• HoLap uses a laser to vaporize obstructive prostatic tissue.
• Cooled ThermoTherapy™ uses targeted heat energy and catheter technologies to destroy enlarged prostate tissue and relieve pressure on the urethra.
• TUMT™ uses a specially designed antenna inside a catheter inserted into the prostate through the urethra. The antenna is used to direct microwave energy into the prostate to heat and destroy enlarged tissue.
• CoreTherm® uses a transurethral catheter containing a microwave antenna and an intraprostatic probe with three temperature sensors.
• TherMatrx® uses heat delivered through a microwave antenna that is passed through the urethra and prostate gland and is secured by a balloon at the tip of the catheter that passes through the urethral sphincter.
• Prolieve™ uses a special balloon catheter filled with warm water to open up the urethra, as well as microwave energy to heat and destroy enlarged prostatic tissue.
• AquaTherm™ uses water-induced thermotherapy to destroy obstructive prostatic tissue and reopen the urethra
• Prostiva™ RF therapy/TUNA uses a small probe through the urethra to the prostate to distribute low-level radio frequency energy to destroy excess prostatic tissue, without damaging the urethra or surrounding healthy tissue.

Surgical Treatment: removes the enlarged part of the prostate that constricts the urethra.

Transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) uses an instrument called a resectoscope which is inserted in to the penis through the urethra. The obstructing tissue is removed using the electrical loop and then irrigating fluids carry the tissue to the bladder.

HoLep uses a holmium laser to remove prostatic tissue and seal blood vessels. TUIP uses cuts in the bladder neck where urethra joins the bladder, extending into the prostate. This reduces the prostates pressure on the urethra and makes urination easier.