Treatment
Options
Minimally
Invasive
___________________________________________________
Minimally invasive treatment options include lasers, microwave
and radio frequency treatments. Improvement in urine flow and symptom
relief will vary, as will side effects and complications. Understanding
the level of risk and desired outcomes that you are hoping to achieve
will help guide you to the right treatment choice.
GreenLight
PV® laser system
The
PVP (Photoselective Vaporization of the Prostate) procedure
using the GreenLight laser system offers a unique and
simple solution to
BPH because it combines the effectiveness of TURP,
the surgical "gold
standard" with the safety, comfort and ease of a minimally invasive
treatment.
The
GreenLight laser system uses a very high powered "green laser" which
immediately vaporize and precisely removes enlarged prostate
tissue..
Most
patients return home a few short hours after the PVP procedure and
can return to normal, non-strenuous activities within days. The GreenLight
laser system delivers the ultimate BPH solution - free from urinary
symptoms, free from compromise, free to go
Heat Therapies
Common
heat treatments include: transurethral microwave thermal
therapy(TUMT), transurethral
needle ablation(TUNA®) and interstitial laser coagulation(ILC).
Heat therapies are minimally invasive procedures that are usually performed
in a physician’s office under local anesthesia. Heat treatments
rely on different energy sources (i.e. microwave, radio
frequency) to heat and destroy prostate tissue. The destroyed
tissue remains in the
prostate and will shed over time. During this shedding
process, you may experience an increase in urinary symptoms
such as pain, burning
and discomfort, which should gradually subside over the
course of one to three months. A catheter is sometimes
required for a few days or
several weeks and your physician will likely prescribe
pain medication to ease any pain or discomfort during
the healing process.
Heat treatments are relatively safe. Side effects of heat therapies
may include pain and irritation during urination, urinary tract infections,
incontinence, urinary retention, impotence and retrograde ejaculation.
Consult your physician regarding the durability of heat treatments as
re-treatment rates can vary.
Medication
Surgical