The prostate is a walnut-sized organ that constitutes a part of the male reproductive system. It rests at the front of the bladder and above the rectum. This organ is responsible for the production and supply of the fluid that aids the nourishment of sperm during ejaculation. The urethra, where urine travels from the bladder to the penis, runs through the prostate.
Due to factors such as family history, lifestyle, diet, and hormonal changes, the prostate starts growing in size. It usually happens in men after 30. The prostate becomes more enlarged over time, pressing against the urethra and blocking the flow of urine. This condition is known as benign prostatic hyperplasia or BPH.
Enlarged prostates are not always the same in size. Their size can be estimated on a digital rectal exam. The doctor may also suggest an imaging test, like an ultrasound, to check the size of the enlarged prostate. Around 80 grams of prostate is considered to be very enlarged. Even less should not be overlooked, and you must seek the best treatment to avoid further health complications.
When the prostate is left untreated, it may lead to further blockage in your urethra, showing worsened symptoms such as urinary tract infection, bladder stones, blood in your urine, and kidney damage. Depending on the symptoms of the condition and other factors, the doctor will give you the best treatment options.
Modern Treatments for Enlarged Prostate
Medical science is making rapid advancements. Today, surgery is getting replaced by minimally invasive procedures and alternative therapies that not only fix your condition but also ensure quicker recovery time and improved quality of life. Here are the modern treatment options for an enlarged prostate that the doctor might suggest to you.
Water Vapor Thermal Therapy
Water vapour thermal therapy, or WVTT, involves the use of a special steam-creating device that reduces the size of the prostate. The hot steam travels via a thin tube in the urethra and damages excess prostate tissue. Gradually, the body reabsorbs the tissue. This treatment requires multiple sessions, after which the size of the prostate decreases and less pressure is put on the urethra.
This treatment improves the symptoms of an enlarged prostate by 54%. For someone experiencing moderate to severe symptoms of the condition, the doctor may suggest this therapy for relief. One of the best benefits of water vapour thermal therapy is that it has minor side effects.
Prostatic Urethral Lift
Prostatic urethral lift, also known as UroLift, uses implants to hold the prostate back and reduce pressure on the urethra. This procedure is performed by inserting a device into the urethra. The device hooks tiny stainless-steel implants onto the prostate. Once they are secured, they move the prostate away from the urethra, thereby avoiding its enlargement.
The doctors suggest this procedure in many cases due to its efficiency and high success rate. While UroLift is a sought-after procedure for an enlarged prostate, it may not be safe for all.
Transurethral Resection of the Prostate
Under this procedure, the surgeon uses a small camera to look into the urethra and remove tissues to open up the channel that helps in proper urine flow and takes some pressure off the bladder. The tissue is removed using bipolar energy that shaves off the prostate’s pieces.
TURP is looked upon as an effective and less invasive procedure than open surgery. That said, it may lead to some side effects, such as infection, bleeding, need for repeat resection, scarring, and erectile dysfunction.
Transurethral Laser Ablation of the Prostate
Another modern treatment for enlarged prostate is transurethral laser ablation of the prostate. Also known as HoLAP, this procedure is performed to open up the urine channel with a high-powered holmium laser to vaporize the prostate tissue. Similar to TURP, this procedure helps urine flow and checks for the symptoms of an enlarged prostate.
The use of lasers decreases the need for a catheter and reduces bleeding and infection after the procedure. Doctors use a high-powered laser with Moses effect pulses as they can remove tissue more efficiently, thus reducing the time of the procedure.
Prostate Artery Embolization
Prostate Artery Embolization or PAE is performed to restrict blood flow to the prostate, causing it to shrink. During the procedure, the doctor uses a thin tube and inserts it into an artery in the wrist or groin. With the help of imaging technology, they guide the tube into the prostate arteries and inject tiny round particles to restrict blood flow.
While it is a suitable procedure for many patients, some pieces of research suggest that the symptoms of an enlarged prostate may occur even after the treatment. Additionally, there may be complications. The findings on this procedure are mixed.
Takeaway
An enlarged prostate is a common problem in men. If you find yourself waking up in the middle of the night and observe changes in the pattern of urination, discuss these symptoms with your doctor. Depending on your unique case, they will suggest the best treatment option.
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