The prostate gland surrounds the urethra and produces fluid that carries sperm during ejaculation. An enlarged prostate is a grown prostrate usually known as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Factors causing prostate enlargement are aging and changes in the cells of testicles. Almost all men have a small amount of prostate enlargement after the age of 40. Enlarged prostrates disrupts the normal functioning of the urinary system.

The trouble caused by enlarged prostate varies from person to person. Enlarged prostates also cause a risk of developing urinary tract infection (UTI), bladder stones, blood in stones and inability to urinate.


SYMPTOMS

The symptoms of BPH are mild at first but worsens with time if not treated properly. Common symptoms of Enlarged Prostate include :

  • Urine retention
  • Incomplete emptying of the bladder
  • Strong and sudden urge to urinate
  • Weak and slow
  • Straining to urinate
  • Getting up frequently at night to urinate
  • Difficulty starting urination

The symptoms of Enlarged Prostate are treatable and prevents further complications.


DIAGNOSIS

The diagnosis of enlarged prostate begins with the physical examination and learning about the medical history of the patient. Rectal examinations help in estimating the size and shape of the enlarged prostate.

  • Urinalysis is performed for checking blood and bacteria
  • Urodynamic Test- Bladder is filled with liquid through a catheter for measuring the pressure during urination
  • A prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test is performed for checking prostate cancer
  • Post-void residual is performed for checking the left urine in the bladder after urination
  • Cystoscopy is done for examining the urethra and bladder with a tiny lighted scope by inserting it in the urethra
  • Uroflowmetry, Ultrasound KUB

TREATMENT

Thulium Fibre laser prostate surgery instead of Holmium

The procedure involves the removal of tissues blocking urine flow through the prostate by laser. Another instrument is used for cutting the prostate into the fragments for their easy removal.

The surgery is similar to open prostate surgery but doesn’t require incisions or cuts. It removes the entire portion of the prostate blocking urine flow and can treat even severely enlarged prostate. It also preserves removed tissues for laboratory examination and cancer detection.

This laser surgery offers faster recovery and symptom relief compared to traditional prostate surgery.


The person who has developed urinary stones in their life are likely to develop them again. To prevent this, it is advisable to make required changes in lifestyle and diet.

Advantages

Laser surgery can offer several advantages over other methods of treating BPH. The advantages can include :

  • Lower Risk of bleeding- Good option for patient’s on blood-thinning medications and who have bleeding disorders.
  • Outpatient procedure- Takes less time than the open surgery and can be done outpatient basis or an overnight hospital stay.
  • Fast recovery- As the procedure does not involve any cuts and incisions the recovery rate is very fast.
  • Immediate results- The improvement in symptoms is noticeable right after the surgery whereas with medication it can several weeks to months.