Treatment options for an enlarged prostate range from conservative to surgical.

Treatment options for enlarged prostate are generally determined by the patient’s overall health, the severity of their symptoms, and personal preference. Fortunately, there are several proven treatment options which can help to alleviate symptoms or correct the problem.

Conservative treatment options

Watchful waiting – This is a method of simply observing the patient, without any specific treatment. It is a reasonable consideration for patients who have minimal symptoms or other medical conditions that could make treatment risky. Over the course of watchful waiting, the urologist continues to assess symptoms to ensure that no kidney or bladder problems develop.

Medications – There are a variety of effective medications to choose from. Patients may be good candidates for drug therapy under the following conditions:

The patient is having more bothersome symptoms.
The patient’s bladder is still emptying fairly well.
Kidney function is good.
The patient does not want to undergo any procedures or surgery.

Alpha blockers are drugs that help relax the muscles in and around the prostate gland while relieving mild to moderate symptoms. Drugs such as Flomax and Uroxatralare are commonly prescribed. Another category of drugs includes Proscar and Avodart. These drugs help relieve symptoms by shrinking the prostate.

Minimally invasive treatment options

For patients who do not want to take medication long-term, or have tried medication without success, there are minimally invasive procedures a that may provide an effective alternative to surgery.

Rezum Water Vapor Therapy – This treatment option uses the thermal energy in water vapor (super-heated steam) to eliminate excess prostate tissue. During this in-office procedure, a transurethral scope is fed through the urethra to the areas of excess tissue where super-heated steam is released to destroy it.

UroLift – During this procedure, a delivery device is fed through the urethra to the area of excess tissue. Rather than using a steam or heating method, tiny implants are placed into the tissue to pull it back. This method creates a channel for urine to flow more naturally.

Clinical trials

Clinical Trial Participation – BPH is one of the fastest changing areas of urology with constant innovation and new, cutting edge, procedures available. We are proud to offer these treatments as part of a clinical trial. Ask your provider if you qualify and what options exist to participate in this exciting opportunity.

Surgical treatment options

Some men choose surgical treatment based on the severity of their symptoms, or their desire for a more permanent solution. Surgical options are performed in a hospital or surgical center under general anesthesia. These options include:

Aquablation – Robotically controlled waterjet ablation of overgrown prostate tissue.

Green Light Laser – This is a newer technology in which a tiny camera is passed through the urethra, as the surgeon directs a laser to vaporize the excess prostate tissue. This laser removes the same amount of prostate tissue as the TURP method with less pain and virtually no bleeding. Unless there are co-morbidity concerns, patients are able to return home the same day. The Green Light Laser is a consideration for patients with severe symptoms, who have failed more conservative therapy, or who want quick relief without taking medicine.

HoLEP Laser – Holmium laser enucleation (HoLEP) is a minimally invasive treatment option for an enlarged prostate. HoLEP uses a laser to remove prostate tissue overgrown to restore urine flow. This tissue is then cut down and suctioned out. The instruments used during this procedure are inserted into the patient through the urethra which eliminates the need for incisions.

Simple Prostatectomy – This option removes the inside part of the prostate gland through a surgical cut in the lower belly.

TURP – A transurethral resection of the prostate takes place by inserting a scope through the urethra to the excess prostate tissue. The tissue is then carefully cut away with a small wire loop or laser in order to open up urine flow. TURP has been a long-term, effective standard of care. However, it can have disadvantages such as pain, and blood loss.

TUVP – A surgical instrument is inserted through the urethra to the overgrown tissue. A ball or special wire loop, located at the tip of the instrument, heats the prostate tissue and vaporizes it.

Although BPH is a common problem for men, it is one that can be managed. With medication, minimally invasive therapies, or surgical options, men can be on their way to improved urinary health. If you would like to be evaluated by a urologist for enlarged prostate, contact Urology Austin to schedule an appointment.