If you have been diagnosed with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), you may be wondering if surgery is the right treatment for you. This is a decision that should not be made lightly, as there are several factors to consider before making a decision. In this blog post, we will discuss how to know if surgery is right for you and the different types of surgical treatments available for BPH.

Is Surgery Needed for BPH?

Some cases of BPH can be treated with non-surgical methods such as medication, watchful waiting, or lifestyle changes. However, surgery may be recommended if:

• your symptoms are severe and are impacting your quality of life
• you have developed complications from BPH such as urinary retention or kidney damage
• medications are not providing relief from your symptoms

Types of Surgical Procedures for an Enlarged Prostate

Transurethral Resection of the Prostate (TURP):

TURP is a minimally-invasive surgery performed under general anesthesia that removes pieces of the prostate using a scope placed through the penis. No incisions are necessary, however you will still have a brief hospital stay and a urinary catheter.

Prostatic Artery Embolization (PAE):

PAE is an outpatient procedure that does not require general anesthesia. PAE uses a catheter to inject embolic material into the blood vessels around the prostate. This decreases blood flow to the prostate, causing it to shrink.

Transurethral Microwave Thermotherapy (TUMT):

TUMT is a minimally invasive treatment for an enlarged prostate. This procedure uses microwave energy to heat the prostate tissue and kill excess cells. The heat from the microwaves also dilates (widens) the urethra, which relieves urinary symptoms caused by an enlarged prostate.

Urolift Procedure:

The Urolift procedure is a minimally-invasive treatment that involves inserting tiny implants through the urethra in order to open the urethra and prevent the blockage of urine. The procedure can easily be completed in less than an hour.

Rezūm™ Therapy:

Rezūm™ Therapy is a minimally invasive treatment for enlarged prostates. Unlike other types of prostate treatments, Rezūm™ therapy actually reduces the size of the prostate to alleviate symptoms. This procedure is performed in-office and only takes about 30 minutes to complete. There is no need for anesthesia or sedation, and you can return home the same day.

Radical Prostatectomy:

The prostatectomy procedure, also known as a radical prostatectomy, is typically performed under general anesthesia. This means that you will be asleep during the surgery. The surgeon will make an incision in either your lower abdomen or your perineum (between the scrotum and rectum). They will then remove the prostate gland. The entire surgery usually takes about two hours.

Which Treatment is Right for Me?

When deciding what surgical treatment is right for you, there are a few questions you should ask your doctor to help you decide. These include:

• How likely is it that my condition will improve?
• How much of an improvement can I expect?
• What are the side effects of the procedure and how likely am I to experience them?
• How long will the effects of the treatment last?
• Does this treatment need to be repeated in the future and how often?

In Conclusion

In this blog, we have discussed surgical treatments for BPH. We have also gone over how to know if surgery is right for you and the different types of surgical treatments available. If you are considering surgery for your BPH, be sure to ask your doctor these questions to help you make the best decision for your individual case.