When Is Surgery Advised for Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia/ BPH?: Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH), commonly referred to as an enlarged prostate, is a prevalent condition among aging men. As the prostate gland grows larger over time, it can lead to various urinary symptoms that significantly affect a man’s quality of life. While BPH can often be managed through conservative treatments, there are instances when surgery becomes a recommended option. In this article, we delve into the factors that influence the decision for surgery in BPH cases, the types of surgeries available, and what patients can expect during the surgical process.
BPH is a non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate gland that typically occurs in older men. The
prostate surrounds the urethra, which carries urine from the bladder out of the body. As the prostate
enlarges, it can squeeze the urethra, leading to a range of urinary symptoms, including:
Frequent urination
Difficulty starting urination
Weak urine flow
Incomplete emptying of the bladder
Nocturia (waking up at night to urinate)
Urgency to urinate
Is Prostate Enlargement itself an indication for surgery?
Prostate enlargement (Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia or BPH) itself is not always an indication for
surgery. In fact, many cases of BPH can be effectively managed without surgery using a variety of
non-surgical treatments. The decision to undergo surgery for BPH is typically based on several
factors, including the severity of symptoms, the impact of symptoms on the patient’s quality of life,
the response to conservative treatments, the presence of complications, and the individual’s overall
health.
Surgery for BPH is generally considered when:
Severe Symptoms and Impaired Quality of Life: If the symptoms of BPH are significantly affecting
a person’s daily life, causing discomfort, disrupting sleep, and hindering normal activities, surgery
may be recommended to provide more immediate and lasting relief.
Ineffectiveness of Conservative Treatments: Prior to considering surgery, doctors often recommend
conservative approaches such as lifestyle modifications, medications, and minimally invasive
procedures. If these treatments do not adequately control symptoms or if the symptoms worsen over
time, surgery may be considered.
Urinary Retention: In cases of acute urinary retention, where a person is unable to urinate,
immediate intervention may be necessary to relieve the obstruction and prevent further
complications.
Recurrent Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs) or Kidney Damage: If BPH leads to complications such
as frequent urinary tract infections or kidney damage, surgery may be indicated to address the
underlying cause and prevent further health issues.
Bladder Stones: Obstruction caused by an enlarged prostate can lead to the formation of bladder
stones. Surgery may be necessary to remove the stones and address the underlying issue.
Medication Intolerance or Side Effects: Some individuals may not tolerate BPH medications well or
may experience undesirable side effects, making surgery a more suitable option for symptom relief.
Prostate Size: While the size of the prostate is a consideration, it’s not the sole determining factor
for surgery. Various surgical techniques are available to address prostates of different sizes, and the
choice of surgery depends on other factors as well.
It’s important to emphasize that the decision to undergo surgery is a collaborative one between the
patient and their urologist. The urologist will conduct a thorough assessment, taking into account
the individual’s medical history, symptoms, preferences, and overall health. They will then discuss
the available treatment options, including surgery, and help the patient make an informed decision
that aligns with their needs and goals.
For many individuals with BPH, surgery may not be necessary, and effective symptom management
can be achieved through non-surgical approaches. It’s important to explore all available options and
work closely with an expert urologist to determine the most appropriate course of action.
Best Hospital for Prostate Enlargement Treatment in Jaipur – Institute of Urology, C Scheme,
Jaipur
BPH is a condition that affects most of the men in the 45+ age group. So it is important for us to be
aware of all the possibilities and latest available modalities of treatments. In our hospital, we
emphasise the fact that one should not do surgery unless it is the only option available. Therefore, in
this article, we tried to shed light on the fact that yes, we treat hundreds of men suffering from BPH
or prostatic enlargement with medicines only. As long as their symptoms improve and medicines
are working, our patients take regular medicines and lead a very normal and happy life. Our Super
Speciality hospital – Institute of Urology, Jaipur has been the pioneer for specialised treatment plans
for BPH or prostatic enlargement cases.
However, at the same time, it is equally important to emphasise on the fact that when conservative
measures fail, or when the patient’s symptoms are not coming under control despite the best medical
treatments, then one must think of Surgical options as well. At Institute of Urology, Jaipur we are
equipped with state of the art and latest technology for Surgical management of Prostatic Enlargements when required. With our advance laser equipments and expert urologists, we are able to perform some of the best surgeries with highest patient satisfaction rates in the state of Rajasthan.
Prior appointment for visit and consultation to hospital can be booked on 9829013468. Online video consultation is available with prior appointment with the consultants. You can discuss your query from the comfort of your home with Dr. Rajan Bansal ( 8601539297 ) or Dr. M. Roychowdhury ( 9929513468 ) between 10 AM to 5 PM (Monday to Saturday).
