Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia, also known as BPH, is an enlarged prostate that commonly causes urinary problems in men over the age of 50. It is a common condition that occurs as men age, causing the gland to press against the urethra and cause problems with urination.
After BPH is diagnosed, a treatment plan is created based on the patient‘s specific condition. Contact our office to discuss benign prostatic hyperplasia treatment options in La Mesa.
Treatment of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia
Treatment for benign prostatic hyperplasia may vary depending on the severity of the condition. There are various treatment options available for this condition.
Monitoring
Patients with mild symptoms may only need to monitor their condition for signs that it is worsening, while more severe cases may require medication to inhibit hormone production or relax the muscle in the prostate.
Medication
Two common types of medication for benign prostatic hyperplasia are:
Alpha Blockers
Alpha blockers relax the muscles in the bladder and prostate. They can help improve urine flow and reduce risk of bladder obstruction.
5-Alpha Reductase Inhibitors
5-alpha reductase inhibitors block the male hormone that stimulates the prostate. These drugs are generally prescribed to men with significantly enlarged prostates or severe cases of benign prostatic hyperplasia. In addition to relieving symptoms, they increase urinary flow and may even help shrink the prostate.
Surgery
In some cases, surgery may be required to remove the prostate tissue that is blocking the flow of urine. There are several different surgical procedures available for treating benign prostatic hyperplasia, including:
Transurethral Surgery
Transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) is a surgery with no external incisions. A modified cystoscope called a resectoscope is inserted through the urethra and uses an electrical wire loop that cuts tissue away from the center of the enlarged prostate. The resected prostate tissue is sent for analysis.
Transurethral Vaporization of the Prostate
Similar to TURP, no incisions are made and the surgery is performed using a resectoscope. During transurethral vaporization of the prostate, also known as photovaporization of the prostate (PVP) or greenlight laser prostate surgery, a laser transmits a current that vaporizes
prostate tissue away.iTind
Using a special cystoscope, the iTind (Temporarily Implanted Nitinol Device) is placed transurethrally into the prostate for 5-7 days to reshape the prostate tissue and open the urethra. There is no removal of prostate tissue and no permanent implant.
Rezum
Rezum is a minimally invasive transurethral prostate procedure which uses water vapor therapy to steam away prostate tissue.
Urolift
Urolift is a minimally invasive transurethral prostate procedure which uses pins to lift the prostate tissue out of the urethra. The number of clips placed depends on the anatomy of the prostate.
Enucleation
Another transurethral option, prostate enucleation can be performed either using a holmium laser (HoLEP) or bipolar current (BiLEP or TUBE) . At Alvarado La Mesa we use bipolar current to peel the prostate tissue off the prostate capsule removing the maximum amount of prostate tissue. The tissue is then cut into small pieces with a special tool called a morcellator and the chips are suctioned out of the bladder so no incisions are needed.
Aquablation
Aquablation combines the technologies of transurethral prostate surgery with real time
prostate ultrasound to assess the prostate size and contour. A water jet is then used to remove the prostate tissue mapped exactly to the patient’s anatomy.Open and robotic prostate surgery
Traditionally open and robotic surgery was the only option for significantly enlarged prostates. However, options now available including enucleation and aquablation make these surgeries
less common. Review our robotic urology surgeries here.
The longevity of results for BPH surgery depends on the procedure with some lasting 5-
10 years and others with a <1% need for retreatment in a lifetime. The best surgery for each
patient will depend on the severity of symptoms and the patient’s goals as each procedure carries a different risk of incontinence, sexual dysfunction, and retrograde ejaculation. Patients should continue to have rectal and prostate exams once a year and should see their
doctor at the first sign of recurring symptoms.
Schedule Your Benign Prostate Hyperplasia Treatment Consultation in La Mesa
Our team of professionals are here to help you effectively treat your enlarged prostate. Simply fill out the form below or call our office to get started with a consultation.
