Enlarged prostate

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BPH	Male reproductive anatomy

(Page 3)

• Radiofrequency energy -- transurethral needle ablation (TUNA)
• Microwave energy -- transurethral microwave thermotherapy (TUMT)
• Electrical current -- transurethral electrovaporization (TUVP)
• Hot water -- water-induced thermotherapy (WIT)
• Laser -- interstitial laser coagulation (ILC) and holmium laser enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP)

None of these techniques have been proven to be better than TURP. Patients who receive these less-invasive procedures are more likely to need surgery again after 5 or 10 years. However, these procedures may be a choice for:

• Younger men (many of the less-invasive procedures carry a lower risk for impotence and incontinence than TURP, although the risk with TURP is not very high)
• Elderly patients
• Patients with severe medical conditions, including uncontrolled diabetes, cirrhosis, alcoholism, psychosis, and serious lung, kidney, or heart disease
• Men who are taking blood-thinning drugs

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Robot-guided prostatectomy is another newer technique. However, the technology is not widely available, and surgeon experience should be taken into consideration. In addition, there are no long-term studies of this surgery.

Another form of treatment is prostatic stents.

For more information, see prostate surgery.

See: BPH support groups

Men who have had long-standing BPH with a gradual increase in symptoms may develop:

• Sudden inability to urinate
• Urinary tract infections
• Urinary stones
• Damage to the kidneys
• Blood in the urine

Even after surgical treatment, a recurrence of BPH may develop over time.

Call your doctor right away if you have:

• Less urine than usual
• Fever or chills
• Back, side, or abdominal pain
• Blood or pus in your urine

Also call your doctor if:

• Your bladder does not feel completely empty after you urinate
• You take medications that may cause urinary problems, like diuretics, antihistamines, antidepressants, or sedatives. Do NOT stop or adjust your medications on your own without talking to your doctor
• You have taken self-care measures for 2 months without relief

Review Date: 08/10/2009
Reviewed By: Reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc. Also reviewed by Scott Miller, MD, Urologist, private practice, Atlanta, Georgia.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org).