Benign Prostate Hyperplasia (BPH), commonly referred to as Prostate Enlargement is a very common condition and has proven & non-surgical treatment options available. But many times, we observe people delay starting treatment plans which may limit treatment options.
For any symptomatic discomforts for prolonged periods, even if manageable, visit a doctor for better, economical, and non-complex treatment options. This gives you information on the criticality of the issue and gives you a layout of options available.
Enlarged prostate, now what?
When is Hospital treatment required for Enlarged Prostate?
Patients with mild BPH symptoms may only require monitoring and medication to ensure that their condition does not worsen.
For patients with more severe symptoms, based on the results from diagnostics, various surgical and non-surgical options are available.
What is the latest & best treatment for an enlarged prostate?
Prostatic artery embolisation (PAE) is a latest medically advancement in treatment of BPH which is minimally invasive. This technique is developed in Europe that aids in the relief of lower urinary tract symptoms of BPH.
PAE procedure is performed by an Interventional Radiologist who uses X-rays and other advanced imaging. A small catheter is inserted by an interventional radiologist into the artery in your wrist or groin. The interventional radiologist then guides the catheter into the vessels that supply blood to your prostate.
Without damaging any tissue, tiny round microspheres (particles) are injected through the catheter and into the blood vessels that feed your prostate to reduce its blood supply.
As the blood supply to the prostate reduces, it shrinks in size thus releasing pressure from the urethra leading to relief for the patient.
How do you know if prostatic artery embolisation is right for you?
You may be a candidate for PAE procedure if you have:
- Used medication for six months or more without relief.
- If medication caused significant side effects
Discuss with your doctor. Ask your doctor about the side effects and risks associated with conventional surgical options.
Consult a Urologist AND Consult an Interventional Radiologist.
Candidates for PAE procedure are those who are not interested or not ineligible for traditional surgery. An examination by an interventional radiologist can determine if you are an eligible candidate for PAE.
Lifestyle Changes and Medication:
Timely diagnosis is a must for this option to be available to the patient.
- Pelvic Floor Muscles Exercise
- Reducing alcohol and caffeine intake
- Preventing constipation
- Medicines as prescribed by the doctor
Surgical Procedure for Enlarged Prostate
Open Prostatectomy
Now undertaken only when the prostate is greatly enlarged or if some clinical condition warrants, under this conventional procedure, an incision is made through the skin to reach the prostate.
- Open Surgery
- Requires General Anaesthesia
- Longer Hospital Stay & Rehabilitation Period
Minimally Invasive Treatment Options For Enlarged Prostate
Transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP)
TURP is among the most common types of prostate surgery. The doctor inserts a resectoscope through the urethra to reach the prostate and cuts pieces of enlarged prostate tissue with a wire loop. Fluids carry the tissue pieces into the bladder, and at the end of the procedure, the surgeon flushes them out.
Transurethral Incision of the prostate (TUIP)
TUIP is a procedure to widen the urethra. If the prostate is not enlarged much, surgeons make some small incisions in the prostate, adopting a similar process as during TURP, which releases pressure and provides relief with urination.
Transurethral Microwave Thermotherapy (TUMT)
With a special catheter placed via the urethra, microwave energy is passed into identified zones of the prostate thus destroying the inner tissue and leading to shrinkage of the prostate. This procedure is recommended only in special situations and may not give immediate relief to the patient.
Laser (HoLEP) Surgery
Refers to Holmium Laser Enucleation of the prostate. Recommended only for minor prostate issues, a laser fiber is used to destroy the prostate tissue around the urethra to release pressure and provide symptomatic relief.
UroLift
In the UroLift procedure, a doctor uses small implants to hold the prostate tissue away from the urethra. The limitation with the UroLift System is that it is not a one-size-fits-all treatment option for enlarged prostate. UroLift procedure is only effective and suitable for men with relatively smaller prostate glands and is not effective or recommended to those who have a large prostate gland.
The above procedures are surgical and work on the basis of removing or destroying the prostate tissue and releasing pressure on the urethra.
- Mild to Heavy post-operative bleeding
- With some procedures, patients need a catheter to drain the bladder for some weeks. This is done to ensure the recovery of body tissue from the damage.
- Temporary difficulty with urination
- Retrograde Ejaculation: A quite common side effect of the above surgeries is that patients experience retrograde ejaculation or dry orgasms i.e., no semen is released during ejaculation.
- Erectile Dysfunction
Medical Science has been registering some phenomenal inventions in recent history. New procedure techniques with significant benefits have been developed which provide results with substantially lower post-procedure issues.
Truly Minimal Invasive Treatment For Enlarged Prostate
Prostatic artery embolisation is a huge leap of modern science in the technique with which we usually view such medical conditions. While we will tell you what it is, we urge you to enquire about it before you decide on any treatment protocol.
Ask doctors. Make an informed decision.
Which doctors to consult?
Anatomically, BPH is a urological medical condition, and hence traditionally a Urologist is the primary doctor for the medical condition. However, the new treatment options like PAE are performed by interventional radiologists.
It is especially important for the patient that the procedure is done by an experienced doctor with special training in PAE. This is a critical factor to lower risks.
Our advice would be that once you have been diagnosed with the condition consult both a urologist and interventional radiologist for an optimum treatment plan.
Ask your doctor, if you are eligible and can avoid surgery by opting for Prostatic Artery Embolisation (PAE)