BPH (Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia)

It is a non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate gland. The prostate gland is a walnut-sized gland that is located below the bladder in men, and it produces a fluid that is a component of semen.

As men age, the prostate gland can grow larger and may cause symptoms by the enlarged prostate putting pressure on the urethra and obstructing the flow of urine.

Symptoms:

1. Frequent urination
2. Difficulty starting urination
3. Weak urine flow or a urine flow that stops and starts
4. Urge to urinate frequently at night
5. Inability to completely empty the bladder
6. Blood in the urine
7. Inability to urinate

Treatment

1. medications to help shrink the prostate or relax the muscles around the prostate such as Tamsulosin, Silodosin, Dutasteride.
2. Minimally invasive procedures done via urethra without any cut on body such as

1. Transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP), which involves removing parts of the prostate through the urethra with help of endoscope & cautery.
2. Laser Enucleation of prostate (HOLEP/ ThuFLEP), involves removing parts of the prostate through the urethra with help of endoscope & LASER.
3. Open surgery- in rare scenarios may be necessary.

patient usually has urethral catheter after surgery for 2-5 days. Patient can go to home after 48 hours after surgery. Top of Form

Prostate cancer

It is a type of cancer that develops in the prostate gland. Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men worldwide and usually develops slowly, often without causing any symptoms in the early stages.

As the cancer grows, some common symptoms may include:

1. Urinary problems, such as frequent urination, a weak urine stream, or difficulty urinating
2. Blood in the urine or semen
3. Pain or discomfort in the pelvic area or lower back

Prostate cancer is usually detected through a combination of a digital rectal exam and a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test. If prostate cancer is suspected, a biopsy of the prostate gland may be done to confirm the diagnosis and determine the aggressiveness of the cancer.

Treatment options for prostate cancer depend on the stage and aggressiveness of the cancer, as well as the patient’s overall health and medical history. If in early stage, cancer can be cured by surgery to remove prostate gland(Radical Prostatectomy). This can be done by robotic surgery or open surgery. Other options are radiation therapy, hormone therapy, chemotherapy. Patient may be advised bilateral orchidectomy (surgery to remove both testis) as part of treatment for advanced disease.

Though most common cancer in men, treatment of prostate cancer has undergone significant advancement over last decade & even most aggressive disease can be treated to have good quality of life.