Benign prostatic hyperplasia, or BPH, is a condition that affects the prostate, a small gland located at the base of the bladder in men. BPH is characterized by enlargement of the prostate gland, which is mainly linked to the aging process. BPH rarely affects men under 40, but more than 50 percent of men in their 60s may have symptoms of BPH. The likelihood of developing BPH increases even more for men in their 70s and 80s; about 90 percent of men this age have symptoms of BPH.
Symptoms
Typical symptoms of BPH include frequent urination, particularly at night, pain on urination, incontinence and difficulty in passing urine. The degree to which the prostate has enlarged is not necessarily related to the severity of the symptoms. Some men may have a very large prostate but experience fewer symptoms than those whose prostate glands are less enlarged. Because the symptoms of BPH are similar to those of prostate cancer, it is important that men with these symptoms visit their doctor to get a correct diagnosis.
Transurethral Resection of the Prostate
An operation known as transurethral resection of the prostate, or TURP, is used to treat BPH. It involves passing a thin tube through the penis and into the urethra. The tube acts as a telescope which enables the surgeon to see the prostate gland. Surgical instruments attached to the tube then remove abnormal prostate tissue. TURP is usually carried out under a general anesthetia and may require a two-to-three-day stay in hospital.
Open Surgery
Open surgery is used in cases where the prostate gland has become very large or if there are other complicating issues that rule out TURP. During open surgery, the surgeon makes an external incision and cuts tissue from the enlarged prostate. Like TURP, open surgery is carried out under a general anesthetic.
Laser Surgery
Although the efficacy of laser therapy in BPH treatment has not been proven, a surgical procedure that uses side-firing laser fibers and a type of laser known as Nd:YAG may be employed to dissolve excess prostate tissue. This form of surgery is very quick to perform and usually has a faster recovery time than TURP or open surgery. However, according to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, laser surgery is not always helpful for larger prostates.
