If you are one of the millions of men who are living with Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH), you may be wondering if surgery is right for you. There are a number of surgical treatments available, each with its own benefits and drawbacks. In this blog post, we will discuss the different types of surgery available for BPH, and help you decide which is the best option for you.
Do I need surgery?
The first question to ask yourself is whether or not you need surgery. For some men, BPH will cause no symptoms and will not require treatment. Others may experience mild symptoms that can be managed with lifestyle changes or medication. If your symptoms are severe, however, or if they are impacting your quality of life, surgery may be the best option.
Some things to consider before surgery include:
- The severity of your symptoms
- How long you have been living with BPH
- Your age and overall health
- Whether you are experiencing any complications from BPH, such as urinary retention or kidney damage
- Your preferences and treatment goals
Surgical Treatments for BPH
There are a number of different surgical treatments available for BPH. The type of surgery you have will depend on a number of factors, including the severity of your symptoms, the size of your prostate, and your overall health.
The most common types of surgery for BPH are:
Prostatic Artery Embolization (PAE):
Prostatic Artery Embolization (PAE) is a minimally invasive procedure used to treat Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH). In PAE, an embolic agent is injected into the prostatic artery, which blocks the blood supply to the enlarged prostate. This causes the prostate to shrink, relieving symptoms such as difficulty urinating. PAE is typically performed as an outpatient procedure, and does not require general anesthesia.
Transurethral Microwave Thermotherapy (TUMT):
Transurethral Microwave Thermotherapy (TUMT) is a minimally invasive procedure used to treat Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH). In TUMT, microwave energy is delivered to the prostate through a probe placed in the urethra. The heat from the microwaves destroys excess prostate tissue, relieving symptoms such as difficulty urinating. TUMT is typically performed as an outpatient procedure, and does not require general anesthesia.
Urolift:
Urolift is a minimally invasive procedure used to treat Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH). In the Urolift procedure, special implants are placed into the prostate tissue to hold it in place. This relieves symptoms such as difficulty urinating. Urolift is typically performed as an outpatient procedure, and does not require general anesthesia.
Rezum:
Rezum is a minimally invasive procedure used to treat Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH). In Rezum, steam is delivered to the prostate through a probe placed in the urethra. The heat from the steam destroys excess prostate tissue, relieving symptoms such as difficulty urinating. Rezum is typically performed as an outpatient procedure, and does not require general anesthesia.
Transurethral Resection of the Prostate (TURP):
Transurethral Resection of the Prostate (TURP) is a minimally invasive surgical procedure used to treat Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH). In TURP, a resectoscope is inserted into the urethra, and the surgeon uses it to remove excess prostate tissue. TURP is typically performed under general anesthesia and may require a short hospital stay with a urinary catheter.
Radical Prostatectomy:
Radical Prostatectomy is a surgical procedure used to treat Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH). In a Radical Prostatectomy, the entire prostate gland is removed. This is typically done as an inpatient procedure, and requires general anesthesia. A urinary catheter will also be needed following surgery.
In Conclusion
In this blog, we have discussed surgical treatments for BPH. We have explained how to decide if surgery is right for you, and what types of things to consider before surgery. We have also explained the various surgical techniques: PAE, TUMT, Urolift, Rezum, TURP, and Radical Prostatectomy. If you are considering surgery for BPH, be sure to talk to your doctor about which option is right for you.
