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About BPH (Enlarged Prostate)

There are several effective treatments for prostate gland enlargement, including medications, minimally invasive therapies and surgery. To choose the best option, you and your doctor will consider your symptoms, the size of your prostate, other health conditions you might have and your preferences.

IMG Healthcare offers advanced surgery for BPH in India with a very high success rate at affordable costs .

Enlarged prostate can cause immense discomfort and lifestyle problems.

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What is Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia

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Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) — also called prostate gland enlargement — is a common condition as men get older. An enlarged prostate gland can cause uncomfortable urinary symptoms, such as blocking the flow of urine out of the bladder. It can also cause bladder, urinary tract or kidney problems.

However, people with an enlarged prostate find it difficult to empty their bladder properly due to the narrowing of the urethra. This results in the frequent urge to urinate, especially at night. It is estimated that more than 70% of men are likely to have an enlarged prostate over 50 years, out of which 25% require surgical procedures. 

The condition is referred to as benign, suggesting it is not cancerous. The term ‘prostatic’ is associated with the prostate gland, and ‘Hyperplasia’ refers to the enlargement of the gland.

Pristyn Care provides advanced surgical procedures for the treatment of enlarged prostates with a very high success rate. Contact Pristyn Care to book an appointment with some of the best urologists in India. 

How does BPH occur?

The leading cause of BPH or enlarged prostate is still under debate. However, prostate gland enlargement mainly occurs due to hormone changes that trigger prostate cell growth. Some studies have revealed that high levels of dihydrotestosterone (DHT), which is found mostly in men older than 50 years supports prostate development. Other reasons for BPH can be lifestyle, eating disorders, obesity, heredity, etc.

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Causes

Symptoms

  • Urinary tract infection

  • Inflammation of the prostate (prostatitis)

  • Narrowing of the urethra (urethral stricture)

  • Scarring in the bladder neck as a result of previous surgery

  • Bladder or kidney stones

  • Problems with nerves that control the bladder

  • Cancer of the prostate or bladder

The severity of symptoms in people who have prostate gland enlargement varies, but symptoms tend to gradually worsen over time. Common signs and symptoms of BPH include:

  • Frequent or urgent need to urinate

  • Increased frequency of urination at night (nocturia)

  • Difficulty starting urination

  • Weak urine stream or a stream that stops and starts

  • Dribbling at the end of urination

  • Inability to completely empty the bladder

  • Less common signs and symptoms include:

  • Urinary tract infection

  • Inability to urinate

  • Blood in the urine

DIAGNOSIS

The doctor will recommend the following tests to rule out the possibility of enlarged prostate due to other conditions. Some of the diagnostic tests include – 

  • Ultrasound – Doctors generally recommend an ultrasound of the prostate gland to detect any abnormal growth within the prostate using 3D imaging. This test helps determine the amount of enlargement around the prostate. 

  • Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test – Doctors usually recommend a PSA blood test to check for any increased PSA levels in an enlarged prostate. This helps the urologists to detect signs of prostate cancer. 

  • Urinary flow test – This test is done to measure the strength and amount of your urine flow and determine if the condition is stable or getting worse with time. 

  • Postvoid residual volume test – Sometimes, when the patient is unable to empty the bladder completely, this test is recommended to measure the amount of urine left in your bladder after the urination. This is done via ultrasound or inserting a catheter into your bladder. 

  • 24-hour voiding diary – The doctors recommend this test to record the frequency and amount of urine expelled, especially if more than one-third of your daily urinary output occurs at night.

  • Urine test – The doctor analyzes a sample of your urine to rule out any signs of infection or other conditions that can lead to similar symptoms. 

  • Blood tests – Blood tests indicate any infections in the kidneys and indicate abnormal functioning. 

Complications of an enlarged prostate:

  • Sudden inability to urinate (urinary retention). You might need to have a tube (catheter) inserted into your bladder to drain the urine. Some men with an enlarged prostate need surgery to relieve urinary retention.

  • Urinary tract infections (UTIs). Inability to fully empty the bladder can increase the risk of infection in your urinary tract. If UTIs occur frequently, you might need surgery to remove part of the prostate.

  • Bladder stones. These are generally caused by an inability to completely empty the bladder. Bladder stones can cause infection, bladder irritation, blood in the urine and obstruction of urine flow.

  • Bladder damage. A bladder that hasn't emptied completely can stretch and weaken over time. As a result, the muscular wall of the bladder no longer contracts properly, making it harder to fully empty your bladder.

  • Kidney damage. Pressure in the bladder from urinary retention can directly damage the kidneys or allow bladder infections to reach the kidneys.

How to prevent it?

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There are several lifestyle changes that can help you prevent BPH and keep your prostate healthy. These include several lifestyle changes and dietary restrictions. Here are some measures that can prevent BPH – 

  • Avoid supplements

  • Keep a healthy body weight

  • Avoid red meat and processed meat

  • Encourage consumption of fruits and vegetables

PILES SPECIALISTS DOCTORS

Dr. ABCD
MBBS,
10 yrs of experience

Dr. ABCD
MBBS,
10 yrs of experience

Dr. ABCD
MBBS,
10 yrs of experience

Surgery

The surgical procedures for an enlarged prostate include minimally invasive techniques and laser surgery. However, the choice of surgery depends on the size of your prostate, the severity of the condition, your medical health, and the age factor. Surgical procedure is usually recommended when medications are ineffective that can progress the condition. The urologist inserts an instrument through your urethra and into the prostate gland to shrink the tissues around the prostate gland and reduce the size back to normal. The procedure is done under the influence of anesthesia for a painless experience. 

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Laser Treatment

Laser surgeries – These are advanced surgeries that use high-energy lasers to destroy or remove the enlarged prostate. Patients who undergo laser therapy procedures often feel relieved from discomfort right away, along with lower risks of side effects than minimally invasive surgeries. Some of the advanced laser techniques for laser BPH procedures are-

  • Photoselective Vaporization (PVP) – PVP is an advanced method to vapourize prostate tissues using a high-powered laser. It is an outpatient procedure which means the patient can go home on the same day of surgery after consulting with the doctor. This method causes minimal blood loss and the patient can recover quickly to do his daily activities.

 

  • Holmium Laser Enucleation of Prostate (HOLEP) – In this procedure, the urologist inserts a thin, tube-like instrument called a resectoscope through the penis and into the urethra. The surgeon inserts a laser into the resectoscope that destroys the excess prostate tissue without the need for any incision or cuts. The patient is administered with general anesthesia for a painless procedure. The surgeon may choose to use a catheter which is usually removed the next day of the surgery. The cost of HOLEP can range anywhere between Rs. 1 lakh – Rs. 1.5 lakhs. However, the actual cost can vary depending on the severity of the condition and the expertise of the surgeon. 

 

  • Thulium Laser Enucleation of the Prostate (ThuLEP) – This is a similar procedure to HOLEP, except for the difference in the type of laser used. The surgeon inserts a resectoscope through the penis and into the urethra. A laser inserted into the resectoscope destroys the enlarged prostate to reduce the pressure on the urethra. There are no incisions and the patient is administered with general anesthesia before the surgery for a painless procedure. 

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