What treatments are available to relieve your symptoms?
Urologist Toowoomba
It’s fair to say that BPH is a normal part of ageing men: nearly all men will have it at some stage in their lives. In Australia, around 5 in 10 males older than 50 and more than 8 in 10 men older than 80 have symptoms of BPH.
Poor urine flow is often the main symptom and a reason to book an appointment with a urologist. Some men, however, don’t have symptoms or have other symptoms.
Here are some common symptoms associated with BPH:
Urologist Toowoomba
We will also take a medical history, may perform a physical examination and do some blood and urine tests. Sometimes a biopsy is taken or an ultrasound is done. The purpose is to rule out other types of prostate disease, such as prostatitis or prostate cancer.
Prostatic urethral lift is typically performed as a day procedure. We will insert a scope through the obstructed urethra to visualise the enlarged prostate. Then, small implants are permanently placed into the prostate tissue to lift and hold it out of the way of the urethra (like pulling the curtains open). This increases the opening of the urethra.
The implants are intended to be permanent. They are made of a nitinol capsular tab, a stainless steel urethral tab and a polyethylene terephthalate suture that holds the two tabs together. Clinical studies have proven durability out to five years. Around this time the prostate can grow around the implants and may cause recurrence of symptoms. See “What can I expect after the urethral lift procedure?”.
Most patients do not need a catheter after having the UroLift System procedure. The most common side-effects resolve within two to four weeks They include:
Most patients will have a lasting symptom relief from the procedure while maintaining their erections and ejaculatory function. Some may need a second procedure in the future if the prostate grows around the implant.
It is possible to have another procedure later down the track, including another UroLift, water vapour ablation, TURP or laser procedure.
Essentially, water vapour therapy is steam treatment for large prostates. There are no implants and ‘cutting’ is not necessary.
Typically, this procedure is performed under general anaesthesia. We will insert a scope or thin tube with a camera through the urethra to access the prostate and determine where to inject the steam to treat the extra tissue. We then use a special device, called the Rezūm System, to pass a needle into the enlarged prostate tissue. Then the system delivers controlled bursts of heated water vapour directly into the tissue, allowing it to be absorbed by the prostate cells. If your prostate is large, you will need more steam. The more steam you need, the more your prostate will swell after treatment. The water vapour procedure only takes around 15-30 minutes and most patients usually go home the same day.
Initially, the swelling makes your symptoms worse which is perfectly normal. But as your body starts to heal, your symptoms will improve. It takes around 3 months to fully heal.
A catheter will be inserted into your bladder to enhance your comfort. The catheter may be connected to a drainage bag or equipped with a valve that allows you to open and close it when using the toilet. The catheter is typically left in for a week.
It is common to experience some discomfort in the bladder and at the tip of the penis due to the presence of the catheter. Over-the-counter pain medications can be used to alleviate this discomfort.
When you return to have the catheter removed, a week after the procedure, the nurse will ensure that you are able to urinate on your own before you are discharged. In case you are unable to urinate independently at that time, the catheter will need to be reinserted until the swelling settles down.
Once the catheter is removed, your symptoms usually get slightly worse. It’s important to be patient as your body is healing naturally and this can take time. By six weeks, most men notice relief of their symptoms.
We will give you some tips and tricks to ease your symptoms but it is important to drink plenty of water. Avoid caffeinated coffee/tea and alcohol for the first few weeks, as these drinks may make your symptoms worse.
Photoselective vapourisation of the prostate is typically performed under general anaesthesia. Once you’re asleep, we will insert a small scope into your urethra. This scope, which is a thin tube with a camera on the end, allows us to see the inner surfaces of the urethra, prostate and bladder.
Once the scope is positioned, we will insert the laser device through the scope to the location of the enlarged prostate tissue.
We will then vaporise the prostate tissue that is obstructing urine flow. Dead tissue that is not immediately vapourised will naturally pass through your urine in the initial days following the procedure.
A temporary urinary catheter may be placed at the end of the procedure to let urine drain from your bladder.
Most patients go home the next day. A urinary catheter is placed in your bladder at the end of the procedure, it will typically be removed within 24 hours. In some cases, it may take longer than 24 hours.
Most patients experience rapid relief of symptoms and a significant improvement in urine flow, often within 24 – 72 hours of the procedure. However, individual experiences may vary.
Some patients may experience mild discomfort, such as a slight burning sensation during urination, and notice small amounts of blood in their urine for about a week. These symptoms should gradually resolve.
Depending on the condition of your bladder, you may experience greater frequency and urgency to urinate initially. However, this is expected to improve over time as your bladder adjusts.
Clinical studies show that GreenLight laser treatment offers lasting symptom relief for at least 10 years and even longer.
Transurethral resection of the prostate is performed under general anaesthesia. Once you’re asleep, a small scope will be inserted into your urethra to visualise the inner surfaces of the urethra, prostate, and bladder.
After positioning the scope, a resectoscope, rather than a laser device, will be inserted through the scope to reach the location of the enlarged prostate tissue.
During the TURP procedure, the obstructing prostate tissue will be resected (cut out) and removed using a resectoscope. The tissue that is resected will be sent for further examination. Any residual dead tissue or small blood vessels may be cauterised to control bleeding.
A temporary urinary catheter is inserted at the end of the procedure to allow urine to drain from the bladder.
After the procedure, most patients are discharged within a few days, although the exact duration of hospital stay may vary. It is important to arrange for someone to pick you up after the procedure. If a urinary catheter was inserted, it is typically removed within 48 hours, but it may take longer in some cases.
Most patients experience fairly quick relief of symptoms, often within a few days of the procedure.
Immediately after the procedure, you will spend a few hours in the recovery area. A urinary catheter is inserted during the procedure and remains in place for a short period to allow urine drainage.
The first few days after the procedure it is not uncommon to experience some mild discomfort, such as a burning sensation during urination. You may also notice small amounts of blood in the urine. We may prescribe some pain medications and antibiotics, if necessary, to manage any discomfort and prevent infection.
Once you’re at home, typically after 2 days, we advise you to drink plenty of water, take your ural sachets three times a day for 48 hours, and use a stool softener to avoid constipation.
You will see your urologist again in our rooms two to three weeks after surgery. Make sure you have a full bladder for a flow rate on arrival.
If you worry about an enlarged prostate, it is important to see a urologist. Even though it is a benign condition, you may experience discomforting symptoms that affect your daily life. The good news is there are many treatment options to help you.
At Toowoomba Specialists, our team of experienced urologists, specialise in the diagnosis and treatment of enlarged prostate. We offer advanced medical interventions, including minimally invasive procedures and surgical options. Ask your GP for a referral and contact Toowoomba Specialists today to schedule a consultation.
*
AUA BPH Guidelines 2003,
McVary, J Urol 2016;
Roehrborn et al. Can J Urol 2017;
**
https://www.bostonscientific.com/content/dam/bph/images/promo/URO-1232504-AA-rezum-5-year-Clinical-Summary.pdf
Abi and Chloe are Toowoomba Specialists’ practice managers.
They will be happy to arrange an appointment over the phone.
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We endeavor to offer our patients a holistic approach to medical care. Our doctors believe that empathy is an important attribute, along with experience and expertise. The idea is to bring together specialists to ensure complete and smooth medical care to our community to move towards a better and healthy society in the future.
Apply now and enjoy the benefits of working in Toowoomba’s health sector, enjoy job satisfaction, and the opportunity to make a difference in a rural community with an organisation that values your professional and personal contribution.
We endeavor to offer our patients a holistic approach to medical care. Our doctors believe that empathy is an important attribute, along with experience and expertise. The idea is to bring together specialists to ensure complete and smooth medical care to our community to move towards a better and healthy society in the future.
Apply now and enjoy the benefits of working in Toowoomba’s health sector, enjoy job satisfaction, and the opportunity to make a difference in a rural community with an organisation that values your professional and personal contribution.
We endeavor to offer our patients a holistic approach to medical care. Our doctors believe that empathy is an important attribute, along with experience and expertise. The idea is to bring together specialists to ensure complete and smooth medical care to our community to move towards a better and healthy society in the future.
Apply now and enjoy the benefits of working in Toowoomba’s health sector, enjoy job satisfaction, and the opportunity to make a difference in a rural community with an organisation that values your professional and personal contribution.
We endeavor to offer our patients a holistic approach to medical care. Our doctors believe that empathy is an important attribute, along with experience and expertise. The idea is to bring together specialists to ensure complete and smooth medical care to our community to move towards a better and healthy society in the future.
Apply now and enjoy the benefits of working in Toowoomba’s health sector, enjoy job satisfaction, and the opportunity to make a difference in a rural community with an organisation that values your professional and personal contribution.
We endeavor to offer our patients a holistic approach to medical care. Our doctors believe that empathy is an important attribute, along with experience and expertise. The idea is to bring together specialists to ensure complete and smooth medical care to our community to move towards a better and healthy society in the future.
Apply now and enjoy the benefits of working in Toowoomba’s health sector, enjoy job satisfaction, and the opportunity to make a difference in a rural community with an organisation that values your professional and personal contribution.
We endeavor to offer our patients a holistic approach to medical care. Our doctors believe that empathy is an important attribute, along with experience and expertise. The idea is to bring together specialists to ensure complete and smooth medical care to our community to move towards a better and healthy society in the future.
Apply now and enjoy the benefits of working in Toowoomba’s health sector, enjoy job satisfaction, and the opportunity to make a difference in a rural community with an organisation that values your professional and personal contribution.
We endeavor to offer our patients a holistic approach to medical care. Our doctors believe that empathy is an important attribute, along with experience and expertise. The idea is to bring together specialists to ensure complete and smooth medical care to our community to move towards a better and healthy society in the future.
Apply now and enjoy the benefits of working in Toowoomba’s health sector, enjoy job satisfaction, and the opportunity to make a difference in a rural community with an organisation that values your professional and personal contribution.
We endeavor to offer our patients a holistic approach to medical care. Our doctors believe that empathy is an important attribute, along with experience and expertise. The idea is to bring together specialists to ensure complete and smooth medical care to our community to move towards a better and healthy society in the future.
Apply now and enjoy the benefits of working in Toowoomba’s health sector, enjoy job satisfaction, and the opportunity to make a difference in a rural community with an organisation that values your professional and personal contribution.
We endeavor to offer our patients a holistic approach to medical care. Our doctors believe that empathy is an important attribute, along with experience and expertise. The idea is to bring together specialists to ensure complete and smooth medical care to our community to move towards a better and healthy society in the future.
Apply now and enjoy the benefits of working in Toowoomba’s health sector, enjoy job satisfaction, and the opportunity to make a difference in a rural community with an organisation that values your professional and personal contribution.