Oswegourology.net

Treating An Enlarged
Prostate:
BPH: Benign Prostatic Hypertrophy
treatment Options For Prostate Enlargement:
The type of treatment needed for prostate enlargement depends on the severity of thesigns and symptoms being experienced. Bleeding from the urinary system, serious orfrequent urine infections that can cause more lasting damage, discomfort or lifestyleproblems may all indicate that active medical intervention is required. Treatment optionsinclude medication; minimally invasive therapies (MIT) such as Microwave or TUNA;or surgical procedures such as TURP or laser prostatectomy.
Medication:
There are two types of medication that help to control the symptoms of an enlargedprostate: alpha blockers and finasteride or dutasteride. Alpha blockers are effective inabout 75% of men. They work by relaxing the muscles at the neck of the bladder makingurination easier. The FDA has approved several types: doxazosin (Cardura); tamsulosin(Flomax); alfuzosin (Uroxatrol) and terazosin (Hytrin). You should see improvementswithin a couple of days. Side effects can include dizziness, tiredness, and in somepatients, a low blood pressure when you stand up and impotence. Finasteride ordutasteride actually shrink the prostate gland and is found to be most effective in menwhose prostate is significantly enlarged. It can take a long time for the drug to showimprovement in symptoms - up to a year for complete results. Side effects can include areduced libido, impotence and a reduced semen release during ejaculation. Finasteride isalso used for treating male pattern baldness.
Transurethral Microwave Thermotherapy (TUMT):
This type of surgery uses microwave energy to heat the prostate gland and make itsmaller. With this minimally invasive treatment, a small catheter is inserted through theurethra to reduce the amount of prostate tissue with microwave heat. The most commonside effect of TUMT is the need for patients to wear a catheter for up to several weeks inorder to drain urine from the bladder. Erection problems and blood in the urine are alsopossible side effects.
Transurethral Needle Ablation Therapy (TUNA) :
This surgery uses radio-wave heated needles to destroy tissue and make the prostatesmaller. A small needle is attached to the end of a rigid catheter. The needle is heated toreduce prostate tissue. During the procedure, medication is given for pain management.
Side effects are minimal. The most common are the need to wear a catheter after theprocedure and brief pain while urinating.
Laser Prostatectomy:
Laser surgeries are a new option for relieving enlarged prostate symptoms. Laser surgeryis often performed when other treatments have not worked well and the patient does notwant to undergo traditional surgery because of the need for months of recovery andhealing. Laser surgeries are for men with moderate to severe BPH symptoms. During thetreatment, the inner portion of the prostate gland is evaporated with laser energy. Thisprocedure may include the Greenlight or the Evolve 980W Laser.
Pre-Treatment Instructions:
Ÿ If you develop symptoms of fever, cold, or sore throat before your treatment; please Ÿ Do not drink any alcohol for 24 hours prior to your treatment.
Ÿ Please DO NOT TAKE any aspirin or anti-arthritic medications for ONE WEEK
In addition, those taking Perstantine, Coumadin and Plavix must notify us so that special arrangements can be made with your medical doctor regarding this medication.
Medications for heart, blood pressure and anti-reflux should be taken with a small amount of water on day of treatment. Diabetic medications should be held on the day oftreatment - please talk with your primary MD so he is aware and can adjust your dosage ifnecessary. If you test your blood sugar, please do so before your appointment. You mayalso need to use a fleets enema the night before your procedure to clear the rectum ofstool. Please follow the instructions included in the prep kit which we provide. If youhave any questions, please call the office and we will be happy to answer them.
What Happens After The Treatment?
After having the prostate treated, you may experience blood in your stool, urine and/or semen for a few weeks or up to three months afterwards. You will also need to have acatheter in place for several days to a couple of weeks. This catheter will allow urine todrain from the bladder while healing occurs and the swelling subsides. While the catheteris in place, you may notice urine leaking around the catheter and out the end of yourpenis. This is caused by bladder spasms and can be treated with medication. If thisoccurs, please call the office so we can call in a prescription for you. Some doctorsrecommend having someone drive the patient home to avoid unpleasantness or soreness.
Patients may return to normal activities as soon as they feel able.
When To Call The Doctor Or
Go To The Emergency Room:
Ÿ If you develop a fever above 100* (38*C) Ÿ Are passing large blood clots in your urine Ÿ Your urine is bloody and doesn’t clear after drinking extra fluids

Source: http://oswegourology.net/brochures/MIT.PDF