An enlarged prostate (also called Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia or BPH) is a benign (non-cancerous) condition that typically affects men over 40. About one-third of men experience moderate to severe symptoms by age 60, and about half do so by age 80. Because the prostate gland surrounds the urethra, when it grows larger, it interferes with urinary function. It is one of the most common problems we treat. At KCUC, we offer the best and latest care for enlarged prostate.
Signs of an Enlarged Prostate
There are quite a few symptoms of an enlarged prostate. Frequent or urgent need to urinate, trouble urinating, starting and stopping, dribbling, and inability to empty the bladder are all common complaints we hear from our patients. But don’t worry. We have many ways to treat BPH. We always start with medication, but not all men find relief. When that is the case, we turn to other treatment options.
Fear of Losing Sexual Function Keeps Men from Seeking Help
Fear of losing urinary or sexual function keeps many men from getting the help they need. We get it. It’s a big deal. But surgery is not your only option when it comes to the treatment of an enlarged prostate gland. We offer the best and latest care for enlarged prostate including minimally invasive options designed to restore urinary function and preserve sexual function. Here are some of the latest surgical and non-surgical procedures we offer:
Non-Surgical Procedures for Enlarged Prostate
Aquablation Therapy
Aquablation therapy is an advanced, minimally invasive surgical treatment for enlarged prostate that uses imaging, robotics, and a heat-free water jet. Aquablation therapy has a very low rate of irreversible complications (incontinence, ejaculatory dysfunction, erectile dysfunction). It is the only procedure that gives surgeons the ability to view the entire prostate so they can create a map that avoids the parts of the prostate that cause irreversible complications. Plus, it is the only procedure that uses a heat-free water jet to remove prostate tissue. Technologies that use heat to remove prostate tissue may be damaging to the parts of the prostate that control erectile and ejaculatory functions.
Rezūm
Rezūm is a minimally invasive procedure that uses hot steam to reduce the prostate, causing it to shrink away from the urethra and relieve the blockage. This treatment minimizes the negative effect on surrounding tissue so it preserves sexual and urinary functions.
UroLift
UroLift is another minimally invasive treatment. UroLift uses permanent implants to physically hold the prostate tissue away from the urethra so urine can flow freely. The UroLift procedure requires no cutting, heating, or tissue removal. It’s a simple mechanical answer to a mechanical problem that helps restore urinary function while avoiding erectile and ejaculatory dysfunction.
Surgical Options for Enlarged Prostate
Prostatectomy
A prostatectomy is an open procedure to remove the obstructing prostate. This procedure is rarely done and is reserved for those with very large prostates.
Transurethral Incision of the Prostate (TUIP)
Transurethral Incision of the Prostate (TUIP) is an endoscopic procedure in which a resectoscope is inserted through the urinary channel and the doctor cuts one or two small grooves in the area where the prostate and bladder are connected to widen the urinary channel.
Transurethral Resection of the Prostate (TURP)
Transurethral Resection of the Prostate or TURP is a procedure to enlarge the urinary channel through the prostate by removing obstructing prostate tissue adjacent to the urethra. an endoscopic (performed with a scope) procedure in which the urinary channel through the prostate is enlarged by removing obstructing prostate tissue adjacent to the urethra. There are generally two types of TURPs performed. Both are endoscopic (done with a scope):
Traditional TURP: the obstructing prostatic tissue is removed with an electric cutting instrument.
LASER TURP: the obstructing prostatic tissue is removed (ablated) with a LASER.
All of these procedures are performed with the patient under anesthesia in the hospital operating room. They are well established with an overall up to 80% rate of improvement in urinary symptoms.
KCUC Is a Leader in Robotic Surgery
The da Vinci robot is an interface between the surgeon and the patient that allows the surgeon to do more precise surgery. That’s a big advantage for both the surgeon and the patient. In 2019, KCUC surgeons pioneered the first daVinci Single Port system in Kansas City after pioneering the first multi-port daVinci robot beginning in 2003. KCUC physicians have performed over 2,500 successful robotic surgeries. KCUC has more robotic-trained surgeons than any other group in town. You’re in good hands when you choose to have surgery with the surgeons at KCUC.
Urinary Symptoms of BPH Won’t Improve on Their Own
Unfortunately, the prostate gland continues to grow, so the older you get, typically, the worse your urinary problems become. If you’re living with an enlarged prostate and you’re tired of dealing with the symptoms, come see one of our urologists and find out what your options are. If left untreated, an enlarged prostate gland can lead to your urethra becoming blocked. Your symptoms will become more severe, and in time, you may develop serious conditions that require immediate medical attention, including complete blockage of your urethra or damage to your kidneys. See a urologist before symptoms become too severe.