What is the prostate?
The prostate is an organ with a very important role in reproduction. Its function is to produce the seminal fluid that transports the sperm.The enlargement of the prostate is known as benign prostatic hypertrophy or BPH. This causes compression of the urethra and difficulty in urinating. The bladder starts to suffer and becomes more sensitive and irritable and there is a need to urinate urgently and more often.
These problems are common in men over 50. Symptoms get progressively worse over time and can lead to serious health problems. When the urinary system is unbalanced, it can cause urine infections, bleeding, acute urinary retention, the inability to urinate and even the need to insert catheter in the bladder.
Symptoms of prostate enlargement
- Increased frequency in the need to urinate both during the day and night.
- Weakening of the normal flow of urine.
- Dribbling at the end of urinating. Sensation of not having emptied the bladder completely.
- A strong and sudden urge to urinate. Some incontinence.
- Straining from the abdomen to start and keep urinating.
- Interrupted urine stream.
- Sensation of not having emptied the bladder completely.
Treatment of prostate enlargement or BHP
The treatment is carried out depending on the severity of the symptoms. In the first stage of symptoms most patients do not require treatment. When the symptoms are moderate, medical treatment is started using different types of drug. If symptoms worsen despite treatment or complications come up, surgical treatment is required.Green Light Laser – this is an innovative and revolutionary technique – a definitive answer for symptoms caused by benign prostate enlargement. It is a minimally invasive surgical treatment. This treatment is recommended for any patient with an enlarged prostate and is particularly indicated in older patients or those suffering from concomitant diseases (diabetes, heart disease, etc.) or using blood-thinning medication. The procedure is carried out in a suitably equipped operating room and in a hospital environment. The duration of the operation depends on a variety of factors, the main ones being the size of the prostate and the patient’s general condition. It is usually done under epidural or local anesthetic.The procedure is carried out through the urinary tract with no incisions or damage to the skin.The technique allows the patient to get back to his/her routine quickly, with rapid relief of the symptoms brought about by an enlarged prostate and with a much less aggressive technique than conventional surgery.