Minimally Invasive Surgical Methods To Treat An Enlarged Prostate Gland

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For a lot of men who are suffering from an enlarged prostate drug treatment is the solution and can reduce enlarged prostate symptoms to a reasonable level. However, for others however drug treatment does not prove effective or is not a workable option and the doctor will recommend one of a number of minimally invasive surgical procedures.

The first procedure to look at is catheterization which is the use of a catheter inserted into the penis and bladder to act as a drain and is generally considered only as a temporary solution. It is largely used for patients who are waiting for the affects of drug treatment to kick in (several drugs used in enlarged prostate treatment take anywhere from 6 to 12 months before they show results) or for other surgical treatments. It may also be of assistance in treating prostate infections.

The second procedure to examine is known as Holmium laser enucleation prostate (HoLEP). This procedure, which is performed under anesthetic and requires a short 1 to 2 days in hospital, involves the insertion of a resectoscope through the penis and into the urethra. Once positioned a laser is then used to vaporize prostate tissue.

A similar treatment to HoLEP is that of interstitial laser coagulation. This treatment is once again performed under anesthetic although patients are not usually required to remain in hospital overnight. For this treatment a cystoscope, which consists of a metal tube through which a laser and optical lens can be passed, is used to burn away tissue from the enlarged prostate with laser energy.

Where a patient is unable to tolerate anesthetic then a prostatic stent may be used. Stenting is the insertion of a spring-like device in the urethra where it passes through the prostate in order to keep the urethra open. Unfortunately there are several difficulties associated with this form of treatment and it is commonly only used for people who are suffering from added medical problems which mean that surgery presents too much of a risk.

TUMT (transurethral microwave thermotherapy of the prostate) is another form of minimally invasive surgery that does not need full anesthesia or hospitalization and can be performed with a local anesthetic and oral pain medication. In this instance a catheter is inserted through the penis and microwaves heat and shrink parts of the prostate gland.

Yet another procedure is known as the transurethral radio frequency needle ablation of the prostate (TUNA). For this procedure light anesthesia and medication are used to make the patient drowsy and prostate tissue is heated using radio frequency energy that is transmitted through a number of needles inserted directly into the prostate gland. This treatment at first results in a swelling of the prostate gland which is followed by shrinkage and individuals will commonly have to use a catheter for a short time after this treatment.

As you can see there are clearly various different forms of minimally invasive surgery available for the treatment of an enlarged prostate gland and individuals will have to discuss these with their doctor to determine which treatment would best suit their own particular circumstances.

Article Source: http://depositarticles.com/

ProstateProblemCenter.com provides a wealth of information about prostate problems including enlarged prostate treatment medications

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