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Prostate Surgery Options for Enlarged Prostate (BPH)

Treatments for Enlarged Prostate (BPH)

Are you exploring prostate surgery options? When medications for an enlarged prostate (Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia or BPH) are ineffective or cause bothersome side effects, prostate surgery may be the next step. This guide outlines various surgical treatments for BPH, including minimally invasive procedures. Doctors continuously refine techniques, offering patients more choices for prostate surgery.

Types of Prostate Surgery

There are three main categories of prostate surgery that your urologist might recommend:

  • Minimally Invasive Surgical Therapies (MISTs): These prostate surgery techniques aim to reduce side effects and recovery time.
  • Transurethral Surgeries: These prostate surgery procedures are performed through the urethra.
  • Prostatectomy: This prostate surgery involves the surgical removal of all or part of the prostate gland.

Specific Prostate Surgery Procedures

1. TURP (Transurethral Resection of the Prostate): This common prostate surgery uses a resectoscope to remove excess prostate tissue.

  • Details: A heated wire loop cuts away tissue blocking urine flow.
  • Duration: Typically a one-hour prostate surgery in a hospital.
  • Post-Op: Catheter, several weeks of recovery, avoid heavy activity.
  • Side Effects: “Dry ejaculation,” possible erectile dysfunction, urinary control issues.

2. TUIP (Transurethral Incision of the Prostate): This prostate surgery makes small cuts to improve urine flow.

  • Details: Uses similar tools to TURP but makes incisions instead of removing tissue.
  • Best For: Mild BPH, men wanting to preserve fertility.
  • Advantage: Fewer sexual side effects than TURP prostate surgery.

3. Laser Prostate Surgery Procedures:

  • PVP (Photoselective Vaporization of the Prostate): Laser vaporizes prostate tissue.
  • HoLEP (Holmium Laser Enucleation of the Prostate): Laser cuts and removes prostate tissue; suitable for most sizes of prostates.

4. Aquablation Prostate Surgery:  A newer prostate surgery method using a water jet for precise tissue removal.

  • Setting: Hospital or surgery center procedure.
  • Advantage: Potentially fewer side effects than TURP prostate surgery.

5. Prostate Artery Embolization (PAE): This prostate surgery shrinks the prostate by blocking its blood supply.

  • Details: A small tube is inserted into an artery in the groin.
  • Advantage: Rarely causes sexual side effects after prostate surgery.

6. Minimally Invasive Surgical Therapies (MISTs) for Prostate Surgery: Less invasive prostate surgery options with fewer side effects than TURP.

  • PUL (Prostatic Urethral Lift) Prostate Surgery: Implants pull back the prostate.
  • Water Vapor Thermal Therapy Prostate Surgery: Steam destroys prostate tissue.

7. Robotic-Assisted Laparoscopic Simple Prostatectomy (RALP): This prostate surgery removes the inner part of the prostate using a robot.

  • Effects: Long-lasting results; may cause temporary urinary incontinence after prostate surgery.

Choosing the right prostate surgery for BPH depends on individual circumstances. Discuss all prostate surgery options with your doctor to determine the best course of action for your BPH. Contact Summit IR to learn more.

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