Minimally Invasive Treatment for Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH), Enlarged Prostate
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:
-
Laser (e.g., non-contact, contact, interstitial)
- AquaTherm™ System
- Prostiva™ RF Therapy, previously known as TUNA
- TUVP
- HIFU
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.
Physician-developed and -monitored.
Original Date of Publication: 10 Jun 1998
Reviewed by: Stanley J. Swierzewski, III, M.D.
Last Reviewed:
© 1998-2010 Healthcommunities.com, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
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