Enlargement of the prostate, called benign prostatic hypertrophy or BPH, in not uncommon in older men. Sometimes, the condition interferes with urination to a degree that necessitates surgery. This is routinely done with an approach through the urethra that does not require an external incision. Although the surgery is usually successful, some post-surgical side effects may last for a while. Saw palmetto is a traditional herbal remedy that may help to alleviate some of these problems. Discuss its use with your doctor to decide if the herb is right for you.
After Surgery
The aim of prostate surgery through the urethra is to remove enlarged prostate tissue with minimal disruption of the entire gland and no external incision. However, after surgery you may experience some side effects that include incontinence, temporary impotence and blood in your urine. Because acidic urine contacts the internal incision, you may also feel some burning or other discomfort when you urinate. Although usually temporary, these symptoms can be unpleasent, and taking saw palmetto might lessen the duration of some of them. Also, since the entire prostate is generally not removed, saw palmetto may also help to suppress the growth of remaining prostate tissue.
Saw Palmetto
The saw palmetto plant, or Serenoa repens, resembles a palm and produces berries that have medicinal properties. Its biologically active components include a number of fat-soluble compounds called phytosterols. The berries have been part of traditional medicine for hundreds of years and are usually recommended for different types of urinary problems. Saw palmetto extract containing the plant's active compounds is also a supplement often used for prostate problems and to reduce prostate growth in BPH. It may also help to speed your recovery from prostate surgery.
Evidence
Several studies have documented the usefulness of saw palmetto for reducing prostatic enlargement. In addition, a study published in the Italian journal "Minerva Urologica e Nefrologica" in 2010 evaluated use of saw palmetto for subjects undergoing prostate surgery. Those who took saw palmetto extract for two months before surgery experienced less bleeding, less catheterization and a shorter hospital stay than those who took a placebo. However, this study only tested use of the herb before surgery. Studies are still needed to determine whether continuing saw palmetto consumption after surgery would provide additional benefits.
Recommendations
Saw palmetto extract is available from most health food stores in capsules, standardized for 85 percent to 95 percent liposterol extract. The recommended dose is 160 mg, twice daily. Although use of saw palmetto after surgery has not been studied carefully, it may help prevent re-growth of prostate tissue and have continued benefits for general prostatic health. Consult your doctor to discuss in detail whether continued use of saw palmetto might be of benefit for you.
References
- National Kidney and Urologic Diseases Information Clearinghouse: Prostate Enlargement: Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia
- ProstateDisease.org: Post-Prostate Surgery Management
- "Minerva Urologica e Nefrologica"; Serenoa Repens (Permixon) Reduces Intra- and Postoperative Complications of Surgical Treatments of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia; R. Aneschi, et al.; September 2010
- Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center: Saw Palmetto
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Saw Palmetto
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