Over 50% of men over 50 years present an enlarged prostate
Recent studies support that Histological findings after steam ablation are similar to the RFA and EVLA
Over 50% of men over 50 years present an enlarged prostate, known as BHP (Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia). The Prostate Cancer Foundation states: “Benjamin Franklin reportedly suffered from it, as did Thomas Jefferson. So will most men, if they live long enough.”
Leaving anecdotes aside, when complications such as urine retention, blood in the urine, recurrent urine infections, bladder stones or deficient urination appear, it is necessary to perform surgery to reduce the prostate adenoma, so the patient can empty the bladder without problems.
There used to be two traditional surgical procedures: transurethral resection of the prostate and adenoidectomy.Adenoidectomy is the most effective, as it removes the obstructing tissue, the prostatic adenoma.
Nowadays, there are several techniques that use lasers to perform surgery. The best regarded is enucleation with Holmium laser; which obtains the same results as an open surgery minimizing the complications.
Some instruments have been created to make prostatic procedures quicker and less aggressive:
- Urolift: some staples are placed in the prostate to compress it so there is a smaller obstruction in the urine release.
- I-tind: a spring opens the prostatic urethra to facilitate the urine release.
The Journal of Urology published a compilation of 197 patients with prostatic sizes between 30 and 80cc explaining the results of these techniques. To them, they are not excellent but acceptable in terms of urinary flow improvement.
Here are some thoughts about new therapies: they are not for everyone, neither for every prostate. It has not been proven if the results are satisfactory on the long run or if the condition may reappear after 2 or 3 years, being necessary to perform surgery.
Taking these facts into account, we welcome a new option about which we will have to get more experience by testing the results on the long term, based on patients’ evolution.
