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.