Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia

The prostate gland sits beneath the bladder around the first part of the urethra and is roughly the size of a walnut.

Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia occurs when the central part of the prostate enlarges and compresses the urethra. This obstructs the flow of urine and causes various, including a weak flow of urine, urgency and the need to get up from sleep to urinate.

More importantly, benign prostatic hyperplasia is not cancer and typically does not turn cancerous at any point. It is considered a normal part of ageing in men. However, the growth and severity of symptoms vary from man to man, and treatment depends on how much it bothers the patient.

Sometimes the condition can lead to urine retention in the bladder or obstruction in urine output, causing more concerning symptoms like bladder stones, recurrent urinary tract infections and impaired kidney function.

Many men have minor symptoms that are of no concern to them, so treatment is not required. However, several highly effective treatment options, such as surgery or medication, are available for those whose quality of life is being affected.

Treatment options for benign prostatic hyperplasia

The most commonly performed operation for Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia is the TURP procedure (trans-urethral resection of the prostate), in which a telescope is passed through the urethra to the prostate, which is then shaved away from the inside. This procedure helps to relieve symptoms of obstruction and takes between 40 minutes and 1 hour.

Alternatively, the Rezum procedure is a minimally invasive transurethral water vapour therapy for benign prostatic enlargement that uses thermal energy for treatment. The Rezum device is inserted, a needle is deployed, and vapour is injected into the prostate for nine seconds. This vapour disperses between cells, cools, releases heat, and gently disrupts the prostate's cells. The procedure is quick and straightforward, taking only a one- to two-hour office visit. Depending on the size of the prostate, the procedure consists of two to seven injections, each nine seconds long.

Another long-lasting solution for Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia is the Holmium laser prostate surgery. Also known as holmium laser enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP), this minimally-invasive procedure uses a laser to remove tissue blocking urine flow. The prostate tissue is then cut into easily removable pieces.

HoLEP requires no incisions and can remove the entire portion of the prostate blocking urine flow.

To learn more about your treatment options for Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia, schedule a consultation with Dr Vlok.