Best Enlarged Prostate Surgery in Delhi, India

The prostate is an important reproductive gland in men that produces seminal fluids and helps transport semen. The urethra is surrounded by the prostate, hence enlargement of this gland may cause urinary obstruction over time. It usually occurs in older men and is not necessarily associated with prostate cancer. Enlarged prostate surgery can offer relief from urinary symptoms and improve overall quality of life.

Procedure Type -Surgical and minimally invasive.

Speciality - Urology

Types of Enlarged Prostate Surgery

There Are Many Types Of Enlarged Prostate Surgery. Some Of Them Are:

• Transurethral Resection of the Prostate (TURP): A major part of prostate tissue is removed using an instrument called a resectoscope.
• Transurethral Incision of the Prostate (TUIP): Small incisions are made at the prostate gland to relieve some pressure and allow urine to pass more freely.
• Holmium laser enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP): It is used to enucleate a very large prostate with minimal blood loss. 
• Transurethral Microwave Thermotherapy (TUMT): Where microwaves destroy excess prostate tissue.
• Prostatic Urethral Lift (Urolift): In this procedure, prostate tissue is moved away from the urethra with the help of transurethral stapling devices.
• Rezum: In this procedure water vapours are used to destroy the prostatic tissue.

Why is Enlarged Prostate Surgery Performed?

Enlarged prostate surgery is performed for several reasons. They include:

• Symptom relief: Enlarged prostate surgery aims to relieve urinary symptoms associated with BPH, such as frequent urination, weak urine flow, difficulty starting or stopping urination, incomplete emptying of the bladder, and nocturia (frequent urination at night). By removing or reducing the obstructing tissue in the prostate, surgery can help restore normal urine flow and alleviate these symptoms.
• Urinary retention: If medication and other non-surgical treatments fail to relieve urinary retention caused by an enlarged prostate, surgery may be necessary. Urinary retention refers to the inability to empty the bladder, leading to discomfort, urinary tract infections, bladder stones, and other complications. Prostate surgery helps eliminate the obstruction and restore normal bladder function.
• Medication intolerance or ineffectiveness: In some cases, men with BPH may experience side effects from medications prescribed to manage the condition or find that the medication is not effectively controlling their symptoms. In such instances, surgery may be considered as an alternative treatment option.
• Recurrent urinary tract infections or bladder stones: When an enlarged prostate obstructs urine flow, it may cause urinary tract infections (UTIs) and bladder stones. If these conditions persist despite conservative treatments, surgical intervention might be required to address the underlying cause by removing the obstructive prostate tissue.
• Quality of life improvement: Enlarged prostate surgery can significantly improve a patient's quality of life by reducing bothersome urinary symptoms. Surgery can enhance a person's overall well-being and daily functioning by relieving the discomfort, frequent trips to the bathroom, and interrupted sleep associated with BPH.

Body location– 

Prostate Preparation

• The doctor will ask the patient about their personal and family medical history and conduct a physical exam.
• The patient must mention the medications they are currently taking, chronic diseases and any allergies.
• The doctor recommends lab, imaging and diagnostic tests like blood tests, PSA level tests, urinalysis, cystoscopy and an ultrasound of the prostate to ensure the patient is ready for the procedure. 

Treatment

The treatment approach for an enlarged prostate is making lifestyle changes like eating a nutritious diet, avoiding tea and coffee, exercising regularly, taking medications and being mindful of urinary needs. When these do not bring relief, surgery may be an option, depending on the symptoms.

Risks

Some risks of enlarged prostate surgery include:

• Urinary tract infection
• Urinary stones
• Urethral stricture
• Urinary incontinence
• Urge to urinate
• Bladder damage
• Kidney related complications

It is necessary to note that BPH can regrow in some patients in the long run despite surgery especially in younger patients. 

Alternate names- Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Prostate Surgery A Major Surgery?

Removal of your prostate is considered major surgery. You will need to take a break from work or any strenuous activity to allow time for recovery.

Which Surgery Is Best For An Enlarged Prostate?

Transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) is considered to be the standard surgical method. In this procedure, the doctor removes portions of the prostate that are affecting the urine flow and a scope is inserted through the urethra to remove excess tissue. As a result, no cutting and no external scars are seen.

Is Prostate Removal Surgery Risky?

Prostate removal surgery carries some risks, such as bleeding, infection, urinary incontinence, and erectile dysfunction. The extent of risk depends on factors like the patient's health and the type of surgery performed. However, these risks can be reduced with careful consideration of experienced surgical teams and adherence to pre and post-operative guidelines.

At What Age Is Prostate Surgery Not Recommended?

Although a 10-year life expectancy or a maximum age of 70 years are both reasonable guidelines for selecting surgical candidates, the patient's overall medical condition and the aggressiveness of the cancer should also be considered.

Can I Live Without Prostate Surgery?

Whether you can live without prostate surgery depends on several factors, including the reason for considering surgery and your overall health condition. In many cases, prostate surgery is not necessary, especially if the condition being treated is not life-threatening or causing severe symptoms. Treatment options such as active surveillance, medication, radiation therapy, or other minimally invasive procedures may be viable alternatives. However, discussing your situation with a healthcare provider is crucial to determine the best course of action.

What Is The Success Rate Of Prostate Surgery?

People who undergo this surgery for early prostate cancer have an excellent outcome. However, the success rate usually depends upon the stage of prostate cancer at the time of diagnosis.

Review

Reviewed By Dr Tushar Aditya Narain Senior Consultant Robotic Surgery, Uro-Oncology, Cancer Care / Oncology, Surgical Oncology, Urology on 13 June  2024.