Prostate Princess

Minimally-Invasive Procedures for Enlarged Prostate or BPH

Today’s topic is about what mainstream, western medical practice calls “minimally-invasive” procedures. Hold on, cause this is gonna hurt….

Minimally-invasive Treatments

Catheterization – is used to temporarily drain the bladder of urine bringing immediate relief of urine retention. Prior to any other treatment, a catheter is placed through the penis and into the bladder. Catheters can be placed every six hours, a process known as clean intermittent catheterization; or left in place for one to three months, known as indwelling catheterization.

Holmium Laser Enucleation of Prostate (HoLEP) - After receiving anesthesia, the surgeon inserts an instrument called a resectoscope (an instrument consisting of a tubular fenestrated sheath with a sliding knife inside that is used for surgery within cavities such as the prostate through the urethra) through the penis into the urethra. A visual lens and laser are passed through the hollow center of the instrument. The prostate tissue is vaporized using the holium: YAG laser. There is minimal bleeding and recovery time is cut significantly.

Interstitial Laser Coagulation – Anesthesia is usually required for this procedure however; this is usually performed on an outpatient basis. The technology involves placing a cystoscope, an instrument equipped with a light for the visual examination of the urinary bladder and the passage of instruments for use under visual control. A laser is used to pierce through into the prostate; the laser energy burns the tissue. Complications and the need for further treatment have been minimal so far.

Prostatic Stent (stenting) – This procedure is used on patients who cannot tolerate anesthesia. This procedure involves placing a spring-like device inside the prostatic part of the urethra to hold it open. There are many different types of stents. This is best suited for patients who have many medical problems or who are at high-risk for surgery.

Serious complications include urinary incontinence, dislodgement of stent position, stone formation on the stent with blockage and difficulty removing the stent. Minor complications include urinary urgency and frequency, dribbling of urine, discomfort and light bleeding.

Transurethral Microwave Thermotherapy of the Prostate (TUMT) – This office-based outpatient procedure is performed with topical and oral pain medication and does not require anesthesia. Computer-regulated microwaves are sent through a catheter to heat portions of the prostate. A cooling system works simultaneously to protect the urinary tract during the procedure.

Traditionally, the best use for this procedure has been for patients who have too many medical problems for more invasive surgery or for patients who truly wish to avoid any type of anesthesia. Benefits associated with this procedure are no need for anesthesia and there is no blood loss or fluid absorption, which is good for heart patients.
Transurethral Radio Frequency Needle Ablation of the Prostate (TUNA) - This procedure requires anesthesia and medications to make the patient sleepy. The procedure involves heating tissue using radio frequency energy transmitted by needles inserted directly into the prostate. High frequency radio waves heat the prostate up to very high temperatures. The heated prostate tissue is destroyed. Initially swelling occurs, and then the tissue shrinks.

Most men require a catheter for a period of time after this procedure. Advantages of TUNA include the limited anesthesia requirement and the ability to perform the procedure on an out patient basis.

Transurethral Resection of the Prostate (TURP) – This is the most common surgical procedure in which the prostate’s innermost core is removed. This procedure is used to relieve urinary retention symptoms by eliminating pressure on the urethra, which is being pinched by the enlargement of the surrounding prostate.

TURP is performed under a spinal or general anesthesia. The urologist inserts an instrument with a wire-cutting loop into the urethra. No external incision is necessary. The doctor then cuts and removes pieces of prostate tissue. After TURP, a catheter is usually needed for one to three days. This procedure requires a stay in the hospital for one to three days.

Transurethral Incision of the Prostate (TUIP) – In this procedure, an instrument is passed through the urethra to make cuts in the prostate instead of removing prostate tissue. These cuts reduce prostate pressure on the urethra, making urination easier. This procedure requires a hospital stay of one to three days.

Open Prostatectomy – In cases where the prostate is particularly large, an open prostatectomy may be necessary. In this procedure, an incision is made in the skin of the lower abdomen so that the doctor can reach and remove the inner core of the prostate. Postoperative pain is mild to moderate. Patients usually stay in the hospital for several days and go home with a urinary catheter.

Isn’t that rather enlightening? I’m a woman and I’m feeling the pain…

The point of listing the various drugs and procedures that your typical urologist or general practitioner will choose from is to make sure, that you (hopefully currently not actively dealing with any prostate issues) are young enough in years to begin alternative methods of delaying the natural onset of age-related prostate issues.

As in all health matters, an ounce of prevention truly is worth a pound of cure, take the initiative, be proactive in your health care, not reactive. Don’t wait until you absolutely must use a minimally-invasive option in conjunction with proper supplementation.

Natural Supplements

In study after study, regardless of country of origination, the documented benefits of life-based beta-sitosterol supplements do reduce the urinary symptoms associated with enlarged prostate or BPH. It is also documented that life-based prostate supplements have no adverse side effects, especially with respect to sexual function and satisfaction.

Most of the men I know blow off their health until one of two things happen, your condition begins to impact your sex life and/or it hurts to pee. Until then, most of you won’t pay two seconds attention to what someone is trying to tell you to avoid just such an outcome.

In researching BPH symptoms, all of the treatment methods, images and all, I remarked to one of the men in the office. “Gee, isn’t this a pleasant thought, ignore your prostate health until you must undergo one of these treatments, in which incontinence and the inability to achieve or maintain an erection are the guaranteed results and what do you have? An otherwise healthy male running around in man-diapers either never being able to get a hard-on or not being able to keep or use it if he does.”

Something to think about while you’re procrastinating your health care options….guys if this applies to any of you and you have a partner in your life that is encouraging (ok let’s get it right, nagging) you to see the doctor, blah, blah….DO IT, this impacts them and their quality of life too!

However, the very next phone call you make, or get online, should be to locate a reputable natural supplement provider. When starting a supplement for your prostate that includes the beta-sitosterol components, not only do you begin the help your prostate function better, you also begin providing your cardio system with much needed supplementation. Beta-sitosterol also has documented proof of lowering bad cholesterol and raising good cholesterol, in addition, beta-sitosterol also helps your body regulate blood sugars, or helping to prevent diabetes. Just think, a trifecta of benefits of taking life-based beta-sitosterol, or prostate supplements.

By life-based supplements, I mean supplements that are 100% plant based, not synthetic compounds made in a laboratory. Hopefully, I’ve given you a few things to think about. Actually, if you are on line and already reading this, you are already seriously considering your options and I sincerely hope these posts provide useful and timely information to aid you in your search.

As always, I welcome your comments…..

Prostate Princess