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Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)/Enlarged Prostate


Minimally Invasive Therapy

Physician developed and monitored.

Original source: www.urologychannel.com
Original Date of Publication: 10 Jun 1998
Reviewed by: Stanley J. Swierzewski, III, M.D.

Important Facts

  • Minimally invasive BPH treatments may be performed in a doctor's office
  • Advantages of these therapies include less pain and faster recovery
  • Heat can be used to destroy excess prostate tissue in some cases
  • Minimally invasive treatments for BPH include lasers and microwave energy

Home » Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)/Enlarged Prostate » Minimally Invasive Therapy

Minimally Invasive Treatment



Minimally invasive BPH treatments use state-of-the-art tools and techniques to reduce or eliminate symptoms. Men are treated on an outpatient basis in a urologist's office or the hospital.

Other advantages of minimally invasive treatments are

  • less pain,
  • faster recovery,
  • lower costs, and
  • local anesthesia and mild sedative.

Usually, heat is used to destroy excess prostate tissue. Techniques differ in heat source, heat delivery method, side effects, and number of treatments. Delivery methods include:

Patients who want to stop taking medication or whose medication no longer improves symptoms may elect to have one of these procedures. However, patients with severely enlarged prostates and whose bladders do not work properly may not be good candidates.

Prior to diagnosis and treatment of BPH, a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test and digital rectal examination (DRE) are performed to rule out prostate cancer. A transrectal ultrasound and cystoscopy also may be performed to determine if prostatectomy or TURP is indicated.



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