Men's Health: Minimally Invasive Surgical Methods In The Treatment Of An Enlarged Prostate -

Minimally Invasive Surgical Methods In The Treatment Of An Enlarged Prostate

Men's Health:

For most men who are suffering from an enlarged prostate gland medication is the answer and can lower prostate symptoms to a satisfactory level. But, for others however medication is not effective or is not a workable choice and the doctor will recommend one of several minimally invasive surgical procedures.

The first option to consider is catheterization which is the use of a catheter inserted into the penis and bladder to act as a drain and is usually considered only as a temporary solution. Catheterization is mainly used for individuals who are waiting for the affects of medication to kick in (a number of drugs used in enlarged prostate gland treatment can take anywhere from 6 to 12 months before they show results) or for other surgical treatments. Catheterization can also be of assistance in the treatment of prostate infections.

The second option to look at is known as Holmium laser enucleation prostate (HoLEP). This procedure, which is performed under anesthesia and involves a short 1 to 2 day stay in hospital, uses a resectoscope which is inserted through the penis and into the urethra. Once inserted a laser beam is then used to vaporize tissue from the prostate gland.

Interstitial laser coagulation is another treatment which is similar to HoLEP. This procedure is again performed under anesthesia but patients are not usually required to remain in hospital overnight. In this procedure a cystoscope, which is a metal tube through which a optical lens and laser can be passed, is used and tissue is burnt away from the prostate gland using laser energy.

Where a patient is not able to tolerate anesthesia what is known as a prostatic stent may be used. Stenting is the insertion of a spring-like device within the urethra at the point at which it passes through the prostate gland to keep the urethra open. Regrettably there are several problems associated with this type of treatment and it is commonly only used for individuals who suffer from added medical problems and for whom surgery would present too much of a risk.

Transurethral microwave thermotherapy of the prostate (TUMT) is another form of minimally invasive surgery which does not involve full anesthesia or hospitalization and is performed using a local anesthetic and oral pain relief medication. Here a catheter is passed through the penis and microwaves heat up and shrink areas of the prostate gland.

Yet another procedure is known as the transurethral radio frequency needle ablation of the prostate (TUNA). Here medication and light anesthesia are employed to make the patient drowsy and prostate gland tissue is heated using radio frequency energy transmitted through several needles placed directly into the prostate gland. This procedure at first results in a swelling of the prostate gland which is followed by shrinkage and patients will normally have to use a catheter for a short time after this procedure.

As can be seen there are clearly various different forms of minimally invasive surgery available for enlarged prostate gland treatment and patients must discuss these with their doctor to decide which treatment will best suit their specific circumstances.

ProstateProblemCenter.com provides a wealth of information about prostate problems including enlarged prostate gland treatment