Overview of BPH Surgical Treatment

BPH Surgical Treatment are typically minimally invasive procedures. Read more about the processes here. Urology and Oncology Specialists PC, Mobile, Alabama

BPH Surgical Treatment

Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia is also called BPH or Prostate Gland Enlargement. This is very common in older men. BPH is when the prostate gland becomes enlarged and can cause various urinary symptoms. You may experience a block of flowing of urine, bladder infections, urinary tract infections, or kidney problems. There are many different surgical treatments that can be done. Your physician will be able to help you decide which procedure is going to be best for you based on your health and what you would prefer.

Minimally Invasive Surgery for BPH

Men that have moderate to severe BPH symptoms are best suited for minimally invasive surgeries. These men typically have trouble urinating, blood in the urine, bladder stones, or urinary tract obstruction. Surgery is also a good option for men that have gone through therapy and medications that have not worked. These surgeries are typically done as outpatient procedures. There are many factors that may change this. You will want to speak to your physician about what is best for you.

1. Stent A prostatic stent is used inside the urethra to hold it open. The stent is permanent, and is a flexible, self-expanding, and spring like device. There is no anesthesia required for this procedure, so this works well for men that are at a high-risk for surgery. This surgery helps improve the flow of urine and decreases symptoms of BPH. There are not many side effects from surgery, but men may experience voiding symptoms.
2. Laser Prostatectomy Laser prostatectomy can be done in a few different ways. This procedure is most commonly done with a laser and varying wavelengths. There are very few side effects from this procedure, and works well for those who do not want an invasive surgery. Your hospital stay will likely be very short and will be done as an outpatient procedure. There are no side effects from this procedure. It also shows a decreased risk of complications that are associated with BPH.
3. High intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) A high intensity focused ultrasound is used to reduce the risk of damage that is done to the surrounding tissues. This is done by placing an ultrasound probe into the rectum. This probe transmits ultrasonic energy and it heats the prostate to high temperatures. These high temperatures cause the tissue in the prostate to reduce in size. This surgery does not work well in men that have large prostates. The recovery time for this is very quick. Some side effects include trouble urinating, blood in the urine, and the risk of needing a catheter.
4. Transurethral needle ablation (TUNA) The transurethral needle ablation is very similar to high intensity focused ultrasound. The transurethral needle ablation also uses high-frequency radio waves. A cystoscope is inserted into the tip of the penis through the urethra. A tiny needle will be guided to the tissue and then will deliver the radio waves. This procedure is perfect for men who are not able to or do not want to have anesthesia. It also works well for men that have too many medical conditions to have surgery. There are no real complications that are associated with this procedure. You may experience a burning feeling after the procedure.

Standard Surgical Procedures

1. Transurethral restriction of the prostate (TURP) The transurethral restriction of the prostate, or TURP, is considered the gold standard of effective treatment for BPH. This surgery is the most common treatment for men with BPH. There is no incision required for this procedure. Your physician will put a resectoscope through the end of the penis and through the urethra. Then the tissue of the prostate gland will be removed. The resectoscope has a lighted camera, valves that maintain irrigating fluid, as well as an electrical loop. The tissue will be cut and the blood vessels will be sealed. At the end of the procedure, the tissue will be removed through the irrigating fluid into the bladder and then will be flushed from the body. Outcomes are positive. Complications are rare, but you may experience infection, pain, or bleeding.
2. Transurethral incision of the prostate Transurethral incision of the prostate is a good option in men that have a smaller prostate. During this procedure, small incisions are made in the prostate and where the urethra meets the bladder. This process helps to widen the urethra, which makes urination easier and removes the pressure of the prostate on the urethra. All of this makes urinating much easier. Some of the side effects for this procedure are incontinence, erectile dysfunction, urine retention, or a urinary tract infection.
3. Open prostatectomy An open prostatectomy is done in men with BPH that have a large prostate. In these men, transurethral surgery is not safe. During an open prostatectomy, the physician will make an incision from the navel to the pubic bone. Then the bladder is opened. The tissue of the prostate is then removed. After the surgery, a urethral catheter will be in place for one week. Since this is a more invasive surgery, you may be in the hospital for a longer stay. Complications with this may include infection and bleeding.

Which Procedure is Right for Me?

The first step to deciding which procedure is right for you, is speaking with your physician. Your procedure will be based on your overall health and what you would prefer. The size of the prostate will play a big role in what surgery you will have. For example, large prostate glands are not able to have certain surgeries, and the same is true for small prostate glands. Let your physician know what you are experiencing and what your wishes are. You can both work on a decision for what is best for you.