Surgical Procedures For Enlarged Prostate

Surgery for an Enlarged Prostate

Science knows a few reasons why people experience some problems with their prostate or some symptoms of BPH or Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia that require surgical procedures. Some of them are:

The patient cannot urinate. At least half of males not physically well enough to urinate require catheterization. In catheterization, a tube is inserted into the urethra down to the bladder in order to flush out urine. The other half of males experiencing trouble will require some invasive surgical procedure.
There can be a blockage to the urethra, which may also cause urinary tract infection, stones in the bladder, and damage to the bladder.
There is blood in the urine, and it does not improve through simple medications.
The kidney is damaged.

Sometimes, although the BPH or Benign Prostatic Hyperlasia symptoms are absent, the doctor may still order surgical procedures in order to eliminate uncomfortable effects, or if other treatments failed to resolve the problem.

In such a case, consider the following:

Will the procedure(s) really help in minimizing the effects of prostate problems, or completely resolve the problem?
How extent is the prostate enlargement or any other prostate problem?
What are the post surgery effects or complications?

The most common surgical procedures administered for BPH are usually less invasive, such as when tools designed specially to penetrate the urethra down to the prostate are used, also known as “transurethral surgical procedures”.

Transurethral Resection

The most widely used surgical procedure is called “transurethral resection” or TURP when part of the prostate is removed.
Other surgical procedures being administered to treat prostate problems are rarely used compared to TURP such as:

The TUIP or Transurethral Incision of the Prostate where the prostrate is cut to minimize or release the pressure to the urethra.
The Transurethral Laser Vaporization or Transurethral Laser Coagulation where a laser technology cuts the prostate to relieve pressure in the urethra.
The TUMT or Transurethral Microwave Therapy where a microwave kills tissues in the prostate and some surrounding areas.
The TUNA or Transurethral Needle Ablation where a warm or hot needle kills the tissues in the prostate or some surrounding area.

These surgical procedures are very recent, and their effectiveness has not yet been established.

The open prostatectomy is a more common type of procedure where the surgeon accesses the prostate through a surgical cut in order to minimize and/or eliminate BPH Benign Prostatic Hyperlasia and its uncomfortable effects.

This particular procedure is commonly used for patients with severe cases.

Things that Need to be Considered

While there are many ways to resolve prostate enlargement and other prostate problems, the existing surgical procedures still provide the highest rates of success. Yet even these cannot guarantee 100% success since there is still the possibility of persistent symptoms.

Also, surgical procedures can cause post-surgical effects such as: incontinence, impotence, and retrograde ejaculation (where semen goes straight to the bladder rather than the penis.) At least, most of the time, the patients who have undergone surgical procedures experience relief.

If the physical condition of the prostate calls for a surgical procedure, the patient must consider which procedure to undergo, depending on the extent of the prostate enlargement. Doctors commonly recommend TURP and TUIP under such conditions. TURP is recommended for patients with a higher level of prostate enlargement, while TUIP is for those patients who have minor prostate conditions. The procedures are performed differently; both of them give the same relief for patients.

Alternative Treatments For Enlarged Prostate

Prostate Alternative Treatments

It is true that enlarged prostate symptoms can be uncomfortable. Luckily science has provided several things that can help minimize the effects or even eliminate the possibility of developing a prostate problem such as the Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia or enlarged prostate. Logically speaking, simple changes in lifestyle can play a big role in sealing the enlarged prostate.

On the other hand, some medications and natural remedies can also make sure that the symptoms are eliminated or enhance the overall health of the prostate and the rest of the urinary tract. The right combination of herbs and proper nutrients help in the entire process of improving the health of the prostate condition.

Some Alternative Steps in Improving the Prostate Condition

A patient or person with BPH or enlarged prostate notices that he needs to cut his sleep short and go to the restroom to urinate, he should reduce the amount of water or any liquid intake before bedtime. Another idea is to reduce the amount of caffeinated and alcoholic drink consumption.
One suffering from the enlarged prostate or BPH should also get some relaxation because this can also help reduce the amount of fats in the prostate and the rest of the urinary system. It can be hard to relax if you have lived most of life with a very busy schedule. Luckily, there are some guides and professionals who can help and teach the person how to get some ideal relaxation.
It is better for men to avoid medications that contain antihistamines, decongestants, and all other medications that contain common substances that can contribute to prostate enlargement or BPH. These over-the-counter medications can damage the muscle groups in the bladder, which can later cause prostate irritation and enlargement. You can minimize the effects and promote faster healing by taking several warm baths in a day. Avoid stagnant positions, take a quick walk if you must sit the whole day at work or better yet, get some daily simple exercises.
Consider taking supplements that contain zinc or eat food rich in zinc. According to some studies, 30 to 60 mg of zinc each day can greatly help minimize the effects or even eliminate the risk of prostate enlargement. Although this suggestion has not been medically proven, it will do no harm if a person tries this.
Most Europeans believe that Saw Palmetto is especially effective to improve problems with prostate conditions. Studies have determined the effectiveness of saw palmetto and concluded that the substances in this natural wonder can help reduce the effects of enlarged prostate or BPH symptoms, if not totally eliminate the development of BPH.

8 Treatments Considered Homeopathic

8 Homeopathic Treatments for BPH

As men age, the risk of developing some prostate problems increases as well. The most common prostate condition that is not life threatening is BPH or Benign Prostatic Hyperlasia. Other conditions are considered dangerous, such as inflammation of the prostate (prostatitis) and prostate cancer. This enlargement is very common, and that is why doctors really consider it a part of aging in men.

The prostate contributes to the process of ejaculation. It is the gland that produces the fluid necessary for semen to be properly secreted. The prostate becomes active during puberty, and it gets bigger as the person ages.

Most of the time, the person won’t experience any symptoms until the age of 40. Treatments are only required if the symptoms worsen, and they usually appear when the person reaches 60.

Pressure increases in the urethra if the prostate becomes larger than its normal size. This is one of the reasons why urination becomes harder as it weakens the bladder in time.

An Enlarged Prostate will show the Following Symptoms:

Difficulty in urination.
Dysuria or painful urination.
Weakened urethral reflex or difficulty in allowing urine to flow in the urethra or stopping the flow.
Problem in clearing the urine in the bladder.
Leaking of the urine due to the weakened urethral reflex.
Increased urination.
Involuntary urination.
Irritation in the scrotum area.
Uncomfortable feeling during ejaculation.

A lot of men experiencing these symptoms ignore them because they feel ashamed with their condition. But this is not a good way to deal with it, since it will definitely worsen everything. This include symptoms such as pain and the development of serious conditions in the kidney and prostate.

Common Homeopathic Treatments

Some items found in the kitchen help minimize the effects of prostate enlargement. These products can also eliminate the actual prostate condition and all its complications. Some of the home items include:

Corn Silk has been an alternative medicine, especially for prostate problems or Benign Prostatic Hyperlasia. The husk of the corn is boiled until the extract mixes with the water. You then drink it like usual tea.
Fish is rich in omega-3 such as tuna, mackerel, and salmon, which can help minimize the risk of tumors.
A German doctor discovered pumpkin seeds. The seeds minimize the development of BPH, made possible because of the zinc content, which enhances the overall condition of the immune system. You can eat the seeds as is, or boil them to make a tea as well.
Saw Palmetto extract has been proven effective in enhancing the urinary system; it frees the urethra from any blockage as well as prevents anything that can block urine passage. The extract has substances that can affect hormone production, which will minimize the size of the prostate. Consult a doctor to find out the recommended dosage taken, depending on the condition of the prostate.
Soy and soy based food contains phytoestrogens, known to help the body lower the level of testosterone. Testosterone is a known contributor in the development of cancer and tumors in the body, especially in the prostate.
Stinging Nettle is popular, especially in Europe for a long time now. This herb is potent enough to minimize or eliminate the symptoms of BPH or prostate enlargement. It works by preventing testosterone binding to the cells. Consult a doctor specializing in prostate health to find out about the recommended dosage.

Simple Things that can Make a Difference in Prostate Care

Drinking lots of water everyday will definitely help. At least 8 glasses of water is all the body needs to clean the organs, especially the prostate and urinary tract.
Reduce consumption of red meat and fats.
Check your prostate at least annually or if any symptoms appear.
Avoid drinking alcohol, or simply lessen alcohol consumption if you can’t
completely avoid it.

Treatments And Solutions

Treatments & Solutions for Prostates

The solutions and treatments for enlarged prostates vary. These depend on the extent of the prostate problem, and its physiological effect also plays a big role in determining the right solution. There are in fact a good number of treatments available to resolve the problem — the most basic among them is to carefully watch for some possible symptoms, modify the lifestyle to something that will favor the overall condition of the prostate, and taking prescribed drugs, or going for the surgical or proven medical procedure.

Those people in their 60s and up are prone to developing prostate problems. The bothersome part is that most of the people who already have enlarged prostate, mostly men, do not feel or see any symptoms. If diagnosed in an early stage, the individuals can just make some changes with their diet and lifestyle in order to minimize the effects or even resolve the prostate enlargement.

On the other hand, if the enlargement of prostate has been classified and diagnosed as BPH, consult a medical specialist or a doctor to prevent the condition from getting worse. Early diagnosis is always better because the options in resolving the prostate enlargement will not be limited.

Some Lifestyle Change for Early Stage or Mild Symptoms

Do not control urination. If your body feels like urinating, comply and do not delay the process. Also, urinating even if you do not feel like doing so helps.
As much as possible, minimize or better yet avoid caffeinated drinks or beverages especially before bedtime.
Drink plenty of water the whole day (during day time) and do not drink any fluid before bedtime.
Avoid taking medications that have antihistamine or decongestant as their active ingredients. These substances greatly contribute to worsening the prostate condition.
Get some exercise. No extravagant of exercising is necessary; simple walking and running will do just fine.
Keep your body comfortably warm all the time if possible.
Reinforce or strengthen the vital body parts such as the pelvic area. This can be achieved by doing Kegal exercises.
Avoid stress or simply minimize stress if it is something you cannot eliminate due to work or other daily factors.

On Medications

Medications formulated to resolve hypertension may also help minimize the effects, or even actual prostate enlargement and other problems. These start by relaxing the prostate and muscle groups in the bladder and are all possible with the help of Alpha 1-blockers like Alfuzosin, Doxazosin, Praxozin, Tamsulosin, and Terazosin.
Most of the time doctors prescribe dutasteride and finasteride in order to minimize the hormone production of the prostate, make urination easy, and minimize the symptoms of BPH. Don’t expect an immediate result from the medication, and it may even take up to six good months before these positive effects appear. The downsides of these substances are diminished sexual drive and even impotency.
In cases of chronic prostasis, also known as inflammation of the prostate, prescribed antibiotics will lessen the inflammation and minimize some possible infections.
Saw Palmetto is a natural remedy or a medication often suggested to resolve or treat BPH in replacement of the synthetic treatments. Most men who have already tested or tried it say that it works, but some medical experts still question this fact. If you have tried using saw palmetto and observe favorable improvements, talk to a doctor to verify and confirm its safety and effectiveness.

On Surgical Remedies

Surgical procedures are only suggested to patients who are suffering from the following symptoms:

Blood presence in the urine
Bladder stones
Chronic or repetitive Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)
Decrease in kidney function
Urinary retention
Incontinence

The surgical procedure recommendation depends on the extent of the prostate problem or how enlarged the prostate is. Known surgical procedures for prostate enlargement include the following:

Transurethral Incision (TUIP)

This surgical procedure is administered to those patients who have lesser prostate enlargement conditions, though it is similar to Transurethral Resection of the Prostate or TURP.

The process involves initiating a non-harmful cut to the prostate that enlarges the passage leading to the bladder and urethra. The process does not remove anything in the prostate. It is also considered an outpatient procedure depending on the physical condition of the patient.

Transurethral Resection of the Prostate (TURP)

This surgical procedure is more invasive compared to TUIP. The scope is inserted to the urethra in order to remove some parts from the prostate. This is the most used method in treating BPH.

Simple Prostatectomy

From the word “ectomy”, which means removal of a certain body part, this surgical procedure is considered an inpatient procedure. This ensures proper management before and after the surgery. The patient is required to stay in the hospital from seven to ten long days.

The procedure is performed by removing parts of the prostate through an incision on the stomach near the scrotum area. This is normally done with spinal or general anesthesia.

Patients who have undergone these procedures mentioned that their urination and overall physical condition improved.

Minor Surgical Procedures

Some patients are not willing to go through invasive surgical procedures. Depending on their prostate condition, some minor surgical procedures may provide relief as well. These procedures use heat technology to immobilize or eliminate some tissues in the prostate. They include:

Interstitial laser Coagulation (ILC / HoLEP – Holmium Laser uses beams or lasers in order to create heat that will kill the tissues in the prostate.
Transurethral Electrovapurazation (TUVP) kills the prostate tissues by heat coming from the electric current.
Transurethral Microwave Thermotherapy (TUMT) initiates heat through microwaves.
Transurethral Needle Ablation (TUNA) uses radio waves to create heat that kills or eliminates some tissues in the prostate.
Water-Induced Thermotherapy (WIT) uses hot or warm water to kill the prostate tissues.

These procedures have proven effective in the field of medicine already but Transurethral Resection of the Prostate (TURP) tops the list as the most recommended and proven method for treating prostate conditions. Those patients who have undergone minor surgical procedures for the prostate had a higher chance of repeating the same surgical procedure at least five or ten years later.

Nevertheless, the minor surgical procedures can be helpful for: patients of younger age, patients who are already too old to undergo invasive surgeries, and patients who have preexisting medical conditions (like addiction to alcohol, cirrhosis, diabetes, heart health problems, lung problems, and kidney problems. Finally, the minor procedures can be helpful with people who are on medication that weakens or thins the blood.

Science and Technology have never stopped in creating and providing options for patients, and the “robot guided prostatectomy” is just one of these tested surgical procedures. With all this, the fact remains that the Robot-Guided Prostatectomy is well beyond all other established medical or surgical producers.

Apparently, these procedures have not gotten any feedback as to their effectiveness and safety so that they can be on the market.

Causes, Diagnosis And Treatment

BPH: Causes, Diagnosis, & Treatment

Having an enlarged prostate is different from having prostate cancer. The development of an enlarged prostate differs from the development of prostate cancer. Enlarged prostate is also known as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), and its development is not lethal, making its prognosis good. Despite its good prognosis, having BPH could still become uncomfortable for the person. Bladder and kidney failure, urinary tract infections (UTIs), stones of the bladder, damages of the bladder, and other medical concerns may arise if BPH is left untreated.

The medical condition BPH is found more prevalent in men over the age of over 40. Structurally, the prostate gland is a walnut-sized mass of gland located between the bladder and the penis.

When the prostate gland becomes enlarged, it becomes difficult for the bladder to work. The bladder stores urine, and it is responsible for passing urine through the thinner linings of the urethra.

Difficulty experienced by the bladder muscles causes it to work more than usual, thus making the bladder more sensitive. The more a bladder is sensitive, the more a person urinates.

In the long run, the bladder becomes severely stressed and before it gets empty, more urine gets stored causing an excess.

Causes of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia

There has been no one reason why BPH occurs, but some claim that it is because of bodily hormones. Professionals believe that male body hormones such as testosterones and other androgens lead to BPH. Testosterone is an essential hormone in the male body. Through the conversion of testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (DHT) by the prostate gland, the tissues surrounding the prostate grow. Excessive production of androgens and excessive conversion of testosterones into DHTs cause thick tissue lining.

Other researchers believe that older men have weaker blood vessels. These weaker blood vessels decrease the blood flow and amount of oxygen passing through the prostate causing it to become enlarged.

Diagnosis and Assessment Of BPH

There are three methods to assess and diagnose the presence or absence of BPH. The first of the three methods is the rectal exam. However, physicians often verify the presence of the prostate enlargement. The second method is with the use of blood tests, and the last is ultrasound. Ultrasounds performed during assessments must be taken on the urinary tract and prostate. Urine samples may also be used to detect infections and if these infections cause BPH symptoms.

In differential diagnoses, prostate cancers are ruled-out in order to diagnose the presence of an enlarged prostate.

Treatment of BPH

Knowing the presence of an enlarged prostate greatly aids in knowing what process will be used for treatment as well as to avoid a worsening of the condition. The patient may be asked to take oral medication or be asked to undergo surgery.

Seek medical consultation if you feel any of the symptoms of BPH. Should prescribed medications fail, medical surgery would be best to remedy the condition.