Understanding Prostate Enlargement

In 2019, Anuj was diagnosed with enlarged prostate gland or Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH), a condition that mostly affects men over 60 years of age. Even though it is not a cancerous condition, it can cause interference with the urinary flow.

Anuj noticed that he was having urination problems for some time. He recalls thinking that someday, he wouldn’t be able to urinate at all. He knew that he needed treatment, but he wasn’t comfortable with having surgery. So, his family doctors prescribed medications first. Unfortunately, it didn’t work. Anuj was then referred to the doctor at the Apollo Spectra who recommended surgery for removing the enlarged prostatic tissue. The surgery that took place in February 2020 took less than one hour. It was a complete success. In fact, Anuj took a vacation six weeks after the procedure. The follow-up tests showed that his urinary flow was excellent.

Apollo Spectra has helped many patients like Anuj who have been dealing with prostate gland enlargement. It is a common condition that causes uncomfortable urinary symptoms like blocking the urine flow and urinary tract, bladder, or kidney problems. The prostate gland, located under the bladder, contains the tube that facilitates the flow of urine out of the penis from the bladder. If the prostate gets enlarged, it starts blocking the urine flow. In most cases, men have prostate growth throughout their life.

At one point, this growth reaches a stage where it causes urinary symptoms. The severity of the symptoms will vary, but gradually they will worsen. That is why, it is important to identify the symptoms of BPH like feeling the need to urinate frequently, difficulty starting urination, inability to empty the bladder, increased urination at night, weak urine stream, and dribbling at the urination’s end. In rare cases, one might see signs like blood in the urine, urinary tract infection, or inability to urinate.

If anyone experiences these symptoms, they have to get treatment immediately. Failure to do so will result in complications like urinary tract infections (UTIs), urinary retention, bladder damage, bladder stones, or kidney damage. At Apollo Spectra, the treatment will begin with a diagnosis. The specialists at the hospital will order a diagnostic test on the basis of the symptoms. A few examples of such symptoms include a digital rectal exam, blood test, urine test, or prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test. After the initial test, another test might be recommended for confirming the enlarged prostate such as the urinary flow test or postvoid residual volume test.

Apollo Spectra offers a wide range of treatments including medications, therapies, and surgeries. The treatment will depend on different factors like age, the size of the prostate, general health, and the amount of discomfort the patient is experiencing. In case the symptoms are tolerable, the doctor will recommend some medications and monitor the symptoms. If not, the next option is a minimally invasive surgery. The specialists at the Apollo Hospital can offer the following surgical options for treating enlarged prostate:

1. Transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) - This surgery is used for relieving symptoms of an enlarged prostate. During the procedure, an instrument named a resectoscope will be inserted into the urethra through the tip of the penis. The surgeon will then remove the excess prostate tissue blocking the flow of urine.
2. Transurethral incision of the prostate (TUIP) - This is another surgical procedure in which the surgeon will widen the urethra making passing or urine easy. A resectoscope will be inserted into the urethra to make incisions in the muscle connecting the prostate and the bladder. Once the opening to the bladder is relaxed, the urine will flow out easily.
3. Insertion of prostatic urethral lift implants - This is a new surgical procedure in which tiny implants are inserted through the urethra to hold the enlarged prostate in a way that it isn’t blocked. This doesn’t provide permanent relief from the symptoms in all cases.
4. Open prostatectomy - This procedure is used in the case of severe BPH. An incision is made in the abdomen to remove the outer portion of the prostate.
5. Newer techniques - There are some newer techniques for getting relief from enlarged symptoms. One such procedure is the Holmium laser enucleation of the prostate in which excess prostate tissue is removed with the help of a laser. Another example is KEP laser vaporization in which pulses of laser energy are fired through a cystoscope inserted into the urethra for burning the prostate tissue.

Whatever the recommended treatment is, the experts at the Apollo Spectra can make sure that you get high-quality treatment. So, book an appointment to know more.