Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) is the non-malignant growth of cells within the prostate. As the size of the prostate increases, the urethra, and in some cases the neck of the bladder, are restricted, causing bothersome urology problems such as the urgent need to urinate, urinary frequency, and a weak urine stream. Approaches to treatment are dependent upon the severity of the condition.
For many men with mild to moderate BPH symptoms, medication proves an effective form of relief whereas others with more severe symptoms find success with one of a number of minimally invasive and surgical treatment options, such as Green Light™ laser surgery, microwave prostate ablation, and prostate resection surgery. To determine what treatment strategy is appropriate for the patients of Academic Urology & Urogynecology of Arizona, our Urologists conduct a thorough physical examination. Based on the findings, a patient may be advised to pursue one of the following BPH treatments:
Prescription medications are often recommended to men with moderate symptoms. Alpha-blockers, a common category of BPH medication, ease urination by relaxing the muscles of the prostate and bladder. Drugs that shrink the prostate gland are known as 5-Alpha Reductase Inhibitors, whereas Anticholinergics increase the capacity of the bladder and thus decrease a patient’s urge to urinate.
In this minimally invasive treatment for an enlarged prostate, urologists insert an antenna into the urethra. Microwave energy is then dispensed, heating and destroying the enlarged tissues of the prostate. Recommended for men with minimal enlargement, microwave ablation of the prostate is an outpatient procedure.
Suitable for men with mild to moderate prostate growth, transurethral needle ablation involves the insertion of a cystoscope into the urethra. Two needles are then inserted into the prostate via the cystoscope and radio waves are transmitted into the enlarged prostate tissue. The targeted tissue is then heated and destroyed, removing the restriction and restoring the flow of urine. As with microwave ablation, needle ablation is considered an outpatient procedure.
This minimally invasive procedure vaporizes obstructive prostate tissue through the application of green lasers via a fiber that reaches the prostate through a cystoscope.
Transurethral resection of the prostate entails the insertion of an instrument known as a resectoscope into the urethra. Using an electrical loop that is affixed to the resectoscope, urologic surgeons excise prostatic tissue to decrease urethral restriction and relieve BPH symptoms.
Open prostatectomy for the treatment of BPH is typically reserved for instances of extreme enlargement, or if bladder stones exist or damage to the bladder is apparent. During this procedure, an incision is made in the lower abdomen in which surgeons remove a part of or the entire prostate gland. This procedure requires hospitalization, catheterization, and includes the risk of male impotence and incontinence.
The UroLift® System treatment is a revolutionary, minimally invasive approach to treating an enlarged prostate, or BPH, that lifts or holds 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.
Rezūm is a minimally invasive alternative to BPH medications that relieves symptoms safely and effectively in an office or out-patient setting, with minimal side effects. The procedure is done during one visit, patients return to activities within a few days.
To determine what treatment strategy is best suited for your BPH symptoms, schedule a consultation with one of the caring Urologists of Academic Urology & Urogynecology of Arizona.