Modern Treatment Options for Enlarged Prostate (BPH)
An enlarged prostate, also known as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), affects millions of men as they age. While the condition is not cancerous, it can significantly impact your quality of life by causing frequent urination, interrupted sleep, weak urine flow, and the constant feeling that your bladder never completely empties.
For years, many men believed surgery was their only long-term treatment option. Today, advances in urologic care have made it possible to treat BPH with less invasive procedures that can relieve symptoms while helping preserve quality of life.
At Kansas City Urology Care (KCUC), our experienced urologists offer advanced treatment options, including Aquablation Therapy and the UroLift, to help patients find lasting relief from bothersome urinary symptoms. If medications are no longer working or you’re ready to explore alternatives, understanding your options is the first step.
What Is Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)?
The prostate is a small gland located below the bladder that surrounds the urethra, the tube that carries urine out of the body.
As men age, the prostate commonly grows larger. When it enlarges enough to press against the urethra, it can make urination more difficult. This condition is called benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).
Although BPH is extremely common, it should not be considered something you simply have to live with.
Common Symptoms of an Enlarged Prostate
Men with BPH may notice symptoms that gradually worsen over time, including:
- Frequent urination, especially at night
- Sudden urgency to urinate
- Weak urine stream
- Difficulty starting urination
- Stopping and starting while urinating
- Dribbling after urination
- Feeling like the bladder never fully empties
- Needing to strain while urinating
If these symptoms are interfering with your sleep, work, travel, or daily routine, it’s time to talk with a urologist. Request an appointment with KCUC.
When Should You Consider More Than Medication?
Many men begin treatment with medication to help relax the prostate or reduce its size. While medications can be effective, they don’t work for everyone.
You may benefit from discussing additional treatment options if:
- Your symptoms continue despite medication.
- You’re experiencing medication side effects.
- Your symptoms are worsening.
- You’re having repeated urinary retention.
- Frequent bathroom trips are affecting your daily life.
- You want a long-term treatment option without ongoing medication.
Fortunately, several minimally invasive procedures are now available.
What Is Aquablation® Therapy?
Aquablation Therapy is an advanced, minimally invasive treatment for enlarged prostate that uses robotic technology combined with a high-pressure stream of water to remove excess prostate tissue.
Unlike traditional procedures that use heat or lasers, Aquablation uses water to precisely remove the tissue blocking urine flow while helping preserve surrounding structures.
The procedure combines real-time ultrasound imaging with robotic guidance, allowing your surgeon to create a customized treatment plan based on your anatomy.
Benefits of Aquablation Therapy
- No surgical incision
- Robotic precision
- Designed to preserve important structures
- Effective symptom relief
- Improved urinary flow
- Suitable for many men with larger prostates
- Short hospital stay for many patients
Aquablation has become an important treatment option for men seeking long-lasting symptom relief with modern technology.
What Is the UroLift®?
The UroLift® System, offered at Kansas City Urology Care (KCUC), is another minimally invasive treatment option for men with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), or an enlarged prostate. Unlike Aquablation® Therapy, UroLift® does not remove prostate tissue.
Instead, the procedure uses tiny, permanent implants to gently lift and hold the enlarged prostate tissue away from the urethra. By opening the urinary channel, UroLift® helps restore urine flow and relieve common BPH symptoms such as a weak stream, frequent urination, and difficulty emptying the bladder.
During the procedure, the UroLift® device is inserted through the urethra to reach the enlarged prostate. The device then compresses the obstructing prostate tissue and places small implants that hold the tissue away from the urethra, similar to how tiebacks hold curtains open. Once the implants are in place, the device is removed, leaving the urethra open so urine can flow more freely.
Because no prostate tissue is removed, many patients appreciate UroLift® for its minimally invasive approach, quick recovery, and minimal downtime.
Benefits of the UroLift® System
- Minimally invasive outpatient procedure
- No cutting or removal of prostate tissue
- Rapid symptom relief for many patients
- Little to no catheter time for many patients
- Quick return to normal activities
- Designed to preserve sexual function in appropriate candidates
Not every patient is a candidate, which is why a thorough evaluation is important.
Learn more about UroLift® with KCUC.
Aquablation® Therapy vs. UroLift®: What’s the Difference?
Both Aquablation® Therapy and the UroLift® System are minimally invasive treatments designed to relieve urinary symptoms caused by benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). While both aim to improve urine flow, they achieve this in different ways.
| Aquablation® Therapy | UroLift® System |
| Removes excess prostate tissue using a heat-free waterjet | Lifts and repositions enlarged prostate tissue without removing it |
| Combines robotic technology with real-time ultrasound guidance for precision | Uses small, permanent implants to hold prostate tissue away from the urethra |
| Can treat a wide range of prostate sizes and anatomies | Best suited for certain prostate sizes and anatomies |
| Typically performed under anesthesia in a hospital or ambulatory surgical center | Commonly performed as an outpatient procedure |
| Relieves obstruction by removing the tissue causing blockage | Relieves obstruction by opening the urethra without removing tissue |
The right treatment depends on several factors, including the size and shape of your prostate, the severity of your symptoms, your overall health, and your personal treatment goals.
At Kansas City Urology Care (KCUC), our experienced urologists perform a comprehensive evaluation to determine which treatment option is best for your individual needs. During your consultation, we’ll discuss the benefits, considerations, and expected outcomes of each procedure so you can make an informed decision with confidence.
This version is more in line with current clinical guidance and avoids making broad claims while still clearly distinguishing the two procedures.
Ready to speak with a KCUC specialist? Schedule an appointment today.
How Does Kansas City Urology Care Determine the Right Treatment?
Every patient is different.
Before recommending treatment, your KCUC provider will perform a comprehensive evaluation that may include:
- Medical history review
- Discussion of urinary symptoms
- Physical examination
- PSA testing when appropriate
- Urinalysis
- Bladder ultrasound
- Post-void residual (PVR) testing
- Cystoscopy
- Imaging or additional diagnostic testing when needed
This evaluation helps determine the cause of your symptoms and whether Aquablation® Therapy, UroLift®, medication, or another treatment is the most appropriate option.
Why Choose Kansas City Urology Care?
Choosing the right provider is just as important as choosing the right procedure.
At Kansas City Urology Care, our experienced urologists are committed to helping men find effective, personalized treatment for enlarged prostate.
Patients choose KCUC because we offer:
- Comprehensive BPH evaluations
- Advanced minimally invasive treatment options
- Experienced urologists
- Personalized treatment recommendations
- Multiple convenient Kansas and Missouri locations
- Compassionate, patient-centered care
Rather than recommending a one-size-fits-all solution, we work with each patient to develop a treatment plan based on their symptoms, lifestyle, and long-term goals.
Don’t Let an Enlarged Prostate Control Your Life
Frequent trips to the bathroom, interrupted sleep, and difficulty urinating don’t have to become your “new normal.”
If you’re experiencing symptoms of an enlarged prostate, early evaluation can help identify the cause and determine which treatment options may be right for you.
At Kansas City Urology Care, we’re proud to care for patients throughout Kansas City and surrounding communities.
Whether you’re just beginning treatment or looking for alternatives to medication, our team is here to help.
Schedule an Appointment with KCUC
Ready to learn more about your treatment options?
Schedule an appointment with Kansas City Urology Care to discuss your symptoms and find the right treatment for your enlarged prostate.
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Frequently Asked Questions BPH
What is benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)?
BPH is the non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate gland that commonly occurs as men age. It can restrict urine flow and cause bothersome urinary symptoms.
What’s the difference between Aquablation Therapy and UroLift?
Aquablation removes excess prostate tissue using robotic-guided water technology, while UroLift repositions enlarged prostate tissue with small implants to improve urine flow. Your provider will recommend the option that best fits your condition.
Is Aquablation considered surgery?
Aquablation is a minimally invasive surgical procedure performed using robotic guidance and a high-pressure water jet. It does not involve traditional surgical incisions.
How do I know if I’m a candidate for UroLift?
A comprehensive evaluation, including your symptoms, prostate size, anatomy, and overall health will help determine whether UroLift is an appropriate treatment option.
Will I need to stay in the hospital?
Recovery depends on the procedure and your individual health. Some treatments are performed on an outpatient basis, while others may require a short hospital stay. Your provider will discuss what to expect before treatment.
When should I see a urologist for BPH?
If you’re experiencing frequent urination, a weak urine stream, difficulty emptying your bladder, nighttime urination, or urinary symptoms that interfere with your daily life, it’s time to schedule an evaluation.