Surgery for Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia

By Chris -

Surgery for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) offers various options to effectively manage this common condition in older men. From traditional techniques like TURP to modern, minimally invasive procedures such as laser surgery and UroLift, each method has its specific indications and advantages. Understanding these surgical options, their potential side effects, and the recovery process is crucial for men considering surgery for BPH. This blog post aims to provide a comprehensive overview of surgical treatments available for BPH, helping patients make informed decisions about their healthcare.

Surgery for BPH includes techniques like TURP, laser surgery and UroLift, each method has its specific indications and advantages. Source.

TURP and TUIP surgery for BPH

Transurethral Resection of the Prostate (TURP) is a standard surgical procedure for treating BPH. It involves removing parts of the prostate through the urethra, using a resectoscope. TURP is known for effectively relieving symptoms and improving urine flow, but it requires hospitalization and has potential risks like bleeding or postoperative infections. Transurethral Incision of the Prostate (TUIP) is less invasive than TURP. It involves making small incisions in the prostate gland to widen the urethra, improving urine flow. TUIP is typically suited for men with smaller prostate enlargement and has a shorter recovery time than TURP.

Open Prostatectomy surgery for BPH

Open Prostatectomy for BPH is usually reserved for severe cases or when the prostate is too large to be treated with other methods. This surgery involves making an incision in the abdomen to remove the enlarged part of the prostate. It's more invasive and requires a longer recovery period, but it's effective for significantly enlarged prostates.

Laser, PVP and TUMT surgery for BPH

Laser Surgery for BPH is a modern, minimally invasive treatment option. It involves using a high-energy laser to remove or vaporize excess prostate tissue, relieving urinary obstruction. This approach is known for its precision, reduced bleeding risk, and shorter hospital stay compared to traditional surgery. Photoselective Vaporization of the Prostate (PVP) is a specific type of laser surgery for BPH. It uses a green light laser to vaporize the overgrown prostate tissue. PVP is effective in quickly improving urinary symptoms with a lower risk of side effects. Transurethral Microwave Thermotherapy (TUMT) offers a less invasive approach for BPH treatment. It uses microwaves to heat and destroy excess prostate tissue. TUMT is done as an outpatient procedure and is particularly beneficial for men with moderate symptoms who wish to avoid surgery.

TUNA, UroLift, Rezum, and PAE surgery for BPH

Transurethral Needle Ablation (TUNA) for BPH is a minimally invasive procedure using radiofrequency energy to shrink prostate tissue. It's beneficial for those with moderate symptoms seeking an alternative to more invasive surgeries. Prostatic Urethral Lift (UroLift) is a novel procedure where tiny implants are used to lift and hold enlarged prostate tissue, so it no longer blocks the urethra. It's less invasive, preserving sexual function with a quick recovery. Water Vapor Therapy (Rezum) involves injecting steam into the prostate to reduce excess tissue. It's effective for moderate to severe BPH symptoms, offering a balance between invasiveness and effectiveness. Prostate Artery Embolization (PAE) is an emerging treatment where blood flow to prostate tissue is reduced, causing it to shrink. It's a promising option for those who cannot undergo traditional surgery.

Side effects and recovery from surgery for BPH

Surgery for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) can lead to various side effects and requires a recovery period. Common side effects include urinary incontinence, erectile dysfunction, bleeding, infection, and urinary tract infections. The recovery time varies based on the type of surgery, ranging from a few days for minimally invasive procedures to several weeks for more invasive surgeries like TURP or open prostatectomy. Patients are advised to avoid heavy lifting, strenuous activities, and to follow a specific diet and medication regimen. Regular follow-up appointments are crucial to monitor recovery and address any complications.

Conclusion

In summary, surgical intervention for BPH encompasses a range of techniques, each tailored to the severity of symptoms and individual patient needs. While surgery can significantly improve quality of life for men with BPH, it's important to weigh the benefits against potential side effects and the recovery process. Consulting with a healthcare provider, understanding the different surgical options, and considering personal health circumstances are essential steps in choosing the most suitable treatment. With the right approach, surgery for BPH can offer relief and a path to a more comfortable life.

References

  1. Anderson BB, Pariser JJ, Helfand BT. Comparison of Patients Undergoing PVP Versus TURP for LUTS/BPH. Curr Urol Rep. 2015 Aug;16(8):55. PMID: 26077354.
  2. Pushkaran A, Stainer V, Muir G, Shergill IS. Urolift - minimally invasive surgical BPH management. Expert Rev Med Devices. 2017 Mar;14(3):223-228. PMID: 28270016.
  3. Payton S. BPH: Lasers equal TURP in head-to-head study. Nat Rev Urol. 2014 Jan;11(1):6. PMID: 24296708

Disclaimer: This blog post is intended solely for informational purposes, based on the references cited. It is not meant to serve as medical advice. For professional medical guidance, please consult your doctor.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

What is Blood in the Urine or Hematuria?

By Chris -
Image
Blood in the urine, medically known as hematuria, is a condition where red blood cells are present in the urine. Hematuria can be alarming, but it is not always a sign of a serious medical condition. It can be caused by a wide variety of factors, ranging from infections to more serious conditions such as kidney disease or bladder cancer. This guide provides an in-depth explanation of what hematuria is, its causes, types, symptoms, diagnostic methods, treatment options, and prevention strategies. By understanding the potential causes and how it is diagnosed and treated, patients and their loved ones can be better informed about this condition. Hematuria, or blood in the urine, can be a symptom of a variety of conditions, ranging from minor infections to more serious issues such as kidney disease or cancer. While it can be alarming, it is important to seek medical evaluation to determine the underlying cause and receive appropriate treatment. Understanding Hematuria Hematuria occurs whe...
Read more

What is Reflex Nephropathy?

By Chris -
Reflex nephropathy is a kidney condition that results from an abnormal backward flow of urine, primarily caused by vesicoureteral reflux (VUR). In a normal urinary system, urine flows from the kidneys to the bladder without any backward movement. In individuals with VUR, urine flows back into the kidneys, causing repeated infections and scarring. This leads to the development of reflex nephropathy, which can cause chronic kidney disease (CKD) or kidney failure . The condition often starts in childhood, making early detection critical. Reflex nephropathy can vary from mild to severe, depending on the level of kidney damage and the extent of the reflux. Children with frequent UTIs are at a higher risk for developing this condition, especially when these infections are left untreated. Both genetic and environmental factors play a role in its development, and recent advancements have identified several genes associated with VUR and reflex nephropathy, such as PAX2, HNF1B, and RET. Awarene...
Read more

What is Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR)?

By Chris -
The glomerular filtration rate (GFR) is a key measure of kidney function, representing how efficiently your kidneys filter blood to remove waste products and excess fluids. GFR provides an estimate of how much blood passes through the glomeruli, the tiny filtering units in the kidneys, each minute. This measurement is crucial for assessing kidney health and diagnosing conditions like chronic kidney disease (CKD). This guide aims to provide a clear understanding of GFR, its importance, how it is calculated, and what it reveals about kidney health. Understanding Kidney Function and the Role of GFR The kidneys play a vital role in maintaining overall health by filtering waste, balancing electrolytes, and regulating fluid levels in the body. The functional units of the kidneys, known as nephrons, contain glomeruli, which are responsible for filtering the blood. The glomeruli act like tiny sieves, allowing waste products and excess fluids to pass through while retaining essential substance...
Read more