An enlarged prostate is a non-cancerous condition that occurs when prostate tissue overgrows and blocks urine flow through the urethra, the tube that transports urine outside of the body. An enlarged prostate usually occurs in men between the ages of 50 and 80, according to UCLA Health System. It is commonly treated with a minimally invasive surgical procedure called interstitial laser therapy. During this procedure, a tube is inserted into the penis and a laser is directed at the affected area. The intense heat from the laser disintegrates the prostate tissue that blocks urine flow.
Urination Retention
Some men may experience urinary retention immediately following enlarged prostate laser surgery, MayoClinic.com. Urinary retention is described as the inability to urinate. This condition can occur when a urinary tract obstruction prevents the brain from receiving messages from the bladder signaling that the bladder is full. The National Kidney and Urologic Diseases Information Clearinghouse states that men who receive enlarge prostate laser surgery may experience urinary retention when the enlarged prostate presses against the urethra wall and the bladder contracts, weakens and loses its ability to completely empty itself. Symptoms of urinary retention may include frequent urination, small urine outputs, the inability to urinate and sometimes urinary tract infections. Treatment typically consists of inserting a tube inside of the penis to drain excess urine from the body.
Urinary Tract Infection
A common complication associated with enlarged prostate surgery is a urinary infection, according to the National Kidney and Urologic Diseases Information Clearinghouse. During the procedure, a special catheter called a Foley catheter is inserted into the opening of the penis in an effort to drain urine from the bladder into a collection bag. A water-filled balloon is placed at the end of the Foley catheter to keep the bladder from shifting or moving out of place. This catheter is usually left in place for several days. Men who have enlarged prostate laser surgery may experience a urinary tract infection when accumulated urine in the catheter allows bacteria to enter the urinary tract. In addition, prolonged use of the Foley catheter can cause painful bladder spasms. These bladder spasms usually subside once the catheter is removed. Treatment usually consists of antibiotics.
Bleeding
Men who have enlarged prostate laser surgery may experience bleeding following the procedure, according to the National Kidney and Urologic Diseases Information Clearinghouse. The blood or blood clots may appear in the urine as the treated area starts to heal. Some men may notice red blood in their urine once bladder irrigation has been discontinued. Minor bleeding is normal and usually stops within a few days. During recovery, it is important to drink at least 8 cups of water daily to flush out the bladder and accelerate healing.
Retrograde Ejaculation or Erectile Dysfunction
Men who have enlarged prostate laser surgery are at risk for retrograde ejaculation or erectile dysfunction, according to the MayoClinic.com. Retrograde ejaculation occurs when semen flows backward into the bladder during ejaculation. Retrograde ejaculation is a harmless and painless condition in which little or no semen is ejaculated out of the penis during an orgasm. The MayoClinic.com states that there is a slight chance of erectile dysfunction following enlarged prostate laser surgery such as the inability to maintain an erection long enough to have sexual intercourse.
References
- UCLA Health System: Non-Cancerous Enlargement of the Prostate Gland
- MayoClinic.com: Interstitial Laser Therapy
- National Kidney and Urologic Diseases Information Clearinghouse: Urinary Retention
- National Kidney and Urologic Diseases Information Clearinghouse: Prostate Enlargement: Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia
