BPH: Treatments, Complications, and Surgical Options for Aging Men
Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH), a common condition in aging men, can cause significant discomfort and health risks. While medications like alpha-blockers and 5-alpha reductase inhibitors are often recommended, surgical options like Transurethral Resection of the Prostate (TURP) and newer minimally invasive procedures are available for more severe cases.
BPH occurs when the prostate gland enlarges, blocking the urethra and causing urinary issues. Medications can help manage symptoms, but combination therapy using an alpha blocker, like doxazosin, and a 5-alpha reductase inhibitor, such as dutasteride, has shown better results than either drug alone, as supported by clinical studies.
For more complicated cases, surgical procedures may be necessary. Transurethral Resection of the Prostate (TURP) is a common method, involving the removal of prostate tissue obstructing the urethra. However, newer minimally invasive techniques are also available. Transurethral microwave thermotherapy (TUMT) and water-induced thermotherapy use heat to destroy problematic prostate tissue, while Transurethral needle ablation (TUNA) employs high-frequency radio waves. Open simple prostatectomy is reserved for severe cases, where only the blocking portion of the prostate is removed.
BPH, if left untreated, can lead to urinary tract infections, acute urinary retention, and kidney and bladder stones. Medical professionals often recommend a combination of alpha-blockers and 5-alpha reductase inhibitors as a first line of treatment. However, for more severe cases, surgical options such as TURP, TUMT, water-induced thermotherapy, TUNA, and open simple prostatectomy may be considered to effectively manage symptoms and prevent complications.
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