Surgery
Doctors may recommend surgery if the patients have severe symptoms or are unwilling to take long-term medication, or if medication is not effective or complications have occurred. The purpose is to remove part of the excess prostate tissue. The following are several common types of surgery for BPH:
(a) Transurethral incision of the prostate (TUIP)
This is an endoscopic procedure. It is performed by inserting an endoscope through the urethra to the prostate. Then a small incision is made in the prostate tissue to enlarge the opening of the urethra and bladder outlet. TUIP is a pretty safe procedure and there is no exterior wound after surgery. The procedure takes about 40-50 minutes.
(b) Transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP)
This is also an endoscopic procedure. It is performed by inserting an endoscope through the penis and removing the obstructing prostate piece by piece with an electric current. The heat of the electric current can stop bleeding quickly as well. The procedure takes about 60-90 minutes and may be done under general or regional anesthesia.
(c) Open prostatectomy
This is a more traditional operation. An incision is made in the lower abdomen to remove prostate tissue. It is generally performed when the prostate is very large.
Minimally invasive treatments
Minimally invasive treatments are comparatively newer and less traumatic. They generally can be done under regional anesthesia and do not require hospitalization.
Some of the minimally invasive treatments are:
Transurethral microwave thermotherapy (TUMT): TUMT uses microwave heat to destroy enlarged prostate tissue.
Transurethral needle ablation (TUNA): TUNA uses low levels of radiofrequency energy to heat and destroy overgrown prostate tissue.
Visual laser ablation of the prostate (VLAP): VLAP uses high-energy lasers to destroy excess prostate tissue.
Balloon Dilation: This treatment uses an expandable balloon to widen the urethra.
Illustration by @bowlful.of.rice
