Enlarged Prostate Surgery Methods for Symptomatic Relief

An enlarged prostate is a common condition that affects between 50% and 70% of men over the age of 50.

While this condition can be treated in various minimally invasive procedures, surgery is often necessary when other methods aren’t effective.

In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the various surgeries used to treat an enlarged prostate to help you make an informed decision.

Understanding the different surgical procedures available for treating an enlarged prostate can help you prepare for the process, ensure a proper recovery, and prevent complications.

What is an Enlarged Prostate?

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) — or enlarged prostate — is a medical condition that commonly affects aging men.

It develops when the prostate gland enlarges and starts to put pressure on the urethra — the tube that carries urine from the bladder to the outside of the body.

When the prostate gland presses against this tube, it can cause blockages, which can lead to uncomfortable urinary symptoms and sexual performance issues.

If left untreated, BPH can also cause more serious health issues, such as bladder or kidney damage and urinary tract infections.

Why is an Enlarged Prostate Treated with Surgical Procedures?

Surgical procedures are usually considered for managing BPH when other treatment methods — like medications or lifestyle changes — haven’t been effective.

These procedures may also be recommended to:

• Provide long-term relief from symptoms
• Prevent more severe complications
• Improve a person’s quality of life
• Treat significantly enlarged prostates
• Address severe cases of BPH

Before undergoing surgery for BPH, your doctor will determine if it’s the most appropriate treatment method for your diagnosis.

They’ll assess your overall health, prostate size, and severity of your symptoms to make a recommendation on which procedure would be most effective.

What are the Different Surgery Options?

Various surgical procedures are available for treating an enlarged prostate, depending on the severity of your symptoms.

Transurethral Resection of the Prostate (TURP)

This is one of the most common BPH surgeries and is usually the first option doctors will consider if an individual requires surgery.

During TURP, special instruments are inserted through the urethra to allow the surgeon to remove the enlarged prostate tissue.

This method is well-known for its effectiveness in relieving urinary symptoms, but it carries a high risk of bleeding and infection.

In rare cases, individuals can develop a condition called TURP syndrome that results from the body absorbing excess fluids used during the procedure.

This can lead to physiological disturbances, neurological symptoms, and cardiovascular issues.

Holmium Laser Enucleation of the Prostate (HoLEP)

HoLEP is a modern surgical option for treating an enlarged prostate and reducing BPH symptoms. This procedure uses laser surgery to help remove prostate tissue from the gland.

The surgeon directs the laser to cut overgrown tissue into smaller pieces before removing it from the body.

A HoLEP procedure is suitable for mild to severe cases of enlarged prostate and is known for being the surgical option with the lowest risk.

It’s known for causing less bleeding than other methods and involves a short hospital stay and recovery time.

The effectiveness of HoLEP procedures also makes it a great option for individuals with significant prostate enlargement looking for a safe alternative to a prostatectomy.

Simple open prostatectomy

A simple prostatectomy is usually one of the final prostate surgery options recommended to help individuals manage BPH symptoms.

It involves making an incision in the lower abdomen to access and remove the enlarged portion of the prostate.

A prostatectomy is particularly effective for severe cases of BPH and when the prostate is significantly enlarged (over 80 grams).

Although this procedure is very effective, it requires a long hospital stay and has an extended recovery period.

It also carries a higher risk of complications — such as bleeding and infection — than other invasive surgeries.

That’s why a prostatectomy is usually only considered when other procedures haven’t been effective.

What are the Benefits and Risks of Enlarged Prostate Surgery?

Just like any surgical procedure, the ones used to treat BPH have their own set of benefits and risks.

In most cases, the advantages of undergoing BPH surgery far outweigh the negatives associated with some procedures.

Your doctor will usually help you compare all the aspects of surgery to ensure you make the right choice.

Benefits

BPH surgery is usually recommended for more significant symptomatic relief than medications or non-invasive treatments and has shown to be effective in doing so. Other benefits of these procedures include:

An improved quality of life: By alleviating urinary symptoms, these surgeries can greatly enhance overall quality of life, including better sleep and sexual performance.

• Prevention of complications: Surgical intervention can prevent complications resulting from severe BPH, such as urinary retention, bladder stones, and kidney damage.

• Long-term solution: Surgical treatments, especially TURP, have a long track record of being effective long-term solutions for BPH, reducing the need for ongoing medication or further treatment.

• Effective for various prostate sizes: Different surgical options cater to varying degrees of prostate enlargement, providing effective solutions for both moderate and severe cases of BPH.

Risks

Surgeries for BPH can carry a high risk of complications, especially if proper care isn’t taken after the procedure. Potential risks include:

• Urinary incontinence: Some men may experience temporary or, in rare cases, permanent urinary incontinence following prostate surgery. You may also be more at risk for recurring urinary tract infections.

• Sexual dysfunction: There’s a risk of erectile dysfunction and retrograde ejaculation — when semen enters the bladder instead of exiting the body — after prostate surgery.

• TURP syndrome: This rare but serious condition involves the absorption of excessive fluid used during surgery, leading to electrolyte imbalances and physiological complications.

• Stricture formation: Scar tissue can form in the urethra or bladder neck after surgery, which can further restrict urine flow and require additional treatment.

• Need for re-treatment: While surgical treatments are generally effective, there’s a possibility that symptoms might recur over time, necessitating additional treatment.

Can You Prevent Post-surgery Complications?

It may be possible to prevent post-surgery complications if you plan ahead and take special care. This may include implementing the following steps:

• Follow your doctor’s instructions: Adhering to your surgeon's post-operative care instructions is crucial. This includes taking prescribed medications, attending follow-up appointments, and following dietary and activity recommendations.

• Manage catheter care: If a catheter is used post-surgery, proper care and hygiene are essential to prevent infections. Your healthcare provider will give detailed instructions on how to manage the catheter.

• Stay hydrated and eat healthily: Proper hydration and a balanced diet can aid in the healing process and help maintain regular bowel movements, which is important post-surgery.

• Avoid straining: Avoid heavy lifting or straining during bowel movements in the weeks following surgery to prevent putting extra pressure on the surgical site.

• Monitor yourself for signs of infection: Be vigilant for symptoms of infection, such as fever, severe pain, or unusual discharge, and contact your doctor immediately if these occur.

• Incorporate exercise when possible: Once approved by your doctor, gentle exercise like walking can improve blood circulation, reduce the risk of blood clots, and speed up recovery.

• Avoiding harmful substances: Avoid smoking and excessive alcohol consumption, as they can hinder the healing process.

• Getting enough rest: Ensure adequate rest to facilitate healing. Don't rush back into normal activities too quickly.

Where Can You Learn More About Treating Enlarged Prostate and Similar Conditions?

If you’re concerned about your symptoms or want to know more about surgical methods for treating an enlarged prostate, LifeMD is here to help.

A team of medical professionals can assist you with information and provide guidance on managing an enlarged prostate while avoiding further complications.

Make an appointment with LifeMD today to learn more about enlarged prostate care — all from the comfort of your home.