Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), commonly called an enlarged prostate, is a common condition in men that can make it harder to urinate comfortably. Symptoms may include a weak or slow urine stream, difficulty getting started, frequent or urgent urination, waking during the night to use the bathroom, or feeling like your bladder has not completely emptied.
Medication and minimally invasive treatments can help many men manage BPH symptoms. For some men, however, surgery may be a better option, particularly when symptoms are significantly affecting daily life, the prostate is very enlarged, or other treatments have not provided enough relief.
At Conrad Pearson Clinic, our urologists offer surgical treatments for BPH, including transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) and robotic simple prostatectomy for appropriately selected men. We consider your symptoms, prostate size and shape, overall health, previous treatments, and treatment goals when determining which approach may be right for you.
When Is BPH Surgery Considered?
Surgery is not the first treatment for every man with BPH. Your urologist may recommend or discuss surgery when an enlarged prostate is causing significant urinary symptoms or making it difficult to empty your bladder.
BPH surgery may be considered when:
- Medication or other treatments have not provided enough relief
- Urinary symptoms are interfering with your daily life or sleep
- An enlarged prostate is significantly blocking the flow of urine
- Your prostate is too large for certain minimally invasive treatments
- You have developed problems related to BPH
- You prefer a surgical approach after discussing your options
Your urologist will consider more than just your symptoms when recommending treatment. The size and shape of your prostate, how well your bladder is emptying, your overall health, and treatments you have already tried can all help determine which approach may be appropriate.
Surgical BPH Treatment Options
Conrad Pearson Clinic offers surgical treatment options for men whose BPH symptoms may benefit from a more definitive approach, including TURP and robotic simple prostatectomy for appropriately selected men.
Transurethral Resection of the Prostate (TURP)
Transurethral resection of the prostate, commonly called TURP, is a well-established surgical treatment for BPH. It has been used for many years to relieve urinary problems caused by an enlarged prostate.
During TURP, the surgeon uses a small instrument that is passed through the urethra to reach the prostate. The surgeon then removes the portion of prostate tissue that is blocking the flow of urine. Because the procedure is performed through the urethra, there is no incision through the skin of the abdomen.
TURP may be considered when BPH symptoms are significantly affecting your quality of life, when an enlarged prostate is causing significant blockage of urine flow, or when other treatments have not provided enough relief. It may also be an option for men who prefer a surgical approach to treating their BPH.
Your urologist will consider your prostate size and shape, symptoms, bladder function, overall health, and previous treatments when determining whether TURP may be appropriate. If TURP is recommended, your urologist can explain what the procedure involves, what you can expect during recovery, and how it compares with other BPH treatment options.
Robotic Simple Prostatectomy for Larger Prostates
For men with significantly enlarged prostates, a more extensive surgical approach may sometimes be appropriate.
Robotic simple prostatectomy is an advanced minimally invasive approach that allows the surgeon to perform the procedure through a single small incision. The single-port robotic system provides enhanced visualization and precise instrument control during the procedure.
For appropriately selected men with larger prostates, robotic simple prostatectomy may be an option when other BPH treatments may not be appropriate.
Your urologist will consider the size and shape of your prostate, your symptoms, overall health, previous treatments, and treatment goals when determining whether this approach may be right for you.
How Do I Know Which BPH Surgery Is Right for Me?
There is no single BPH surgery that is right for every man. The best approach depends on your prostate, symptoms, overall health, and what you want from treatment.
Your urologist may consider:
- The size and shape of your prostate
- How severe your urinary symptoms are
- How well you are emptying your bladder
- Your overall health and other medical conditions
- Medications you currently take
- Treatments you have already tried
- Your treatment goals and preferences
Depending on your symptoms and medical history, you may need testing to better understand your urinary function and prostate. Your urologist will use this information to explain which treatments may be appropriate and help you compare your options.
What to Expect Before BPH Surgery
Before surgery, your urologist will review your symptoms, medical history, previous BPH treatments, and treatment goals. You may also have testing to evaluate your prostate and how well you are emptying your bladder.
If surgery is recommended, your care team will explain how the procedure is performed, how to prepare, what type of anesthesia to expect, and what recovery may involve. Your urologist will also discuss potential risks and side effects so you can make an informed decision about treatment.
BPH Surgery Recovery
Recovery after BPH surgery depends on the type of procedure you have and your overall health. Your urologist will provide instructions about medications, activity, follow-up appointments, and when you can return to your normal routine.
You may notice some changes in urination during the early part of recovery as your body heals. Your care team will explain what to expect, when your symptoms should begin improving, and when to contact the office if you have concerns.
Your urologist will also let you know what follow-up care you will need after surgery and what to expect as you continue to recover.
What Are the Benefits and Risks of BPH Surgery?
The goal of BPH surgery is to remove or relieve the prostate tissue that is interfering with urine flow and improve bothersome urinary symptoms.
As with any surgical procedure, BPH surgery can have potential risks and side effects. These vary depending on the procedure, your health, and other individual factors. Your urologist will explain the potential benefits and risks of your recommended treatment, including what you can expect during recovery.
It is important to ask questions about how a procedure may affect urination, sexual function, recovery time, and your long-term results before deciding on treatment.
Explore Your BPH Treatment Options
Surgery is one of several ways to treat an enlarged prostate. Depending on your symptoms, prostate size, overall health, and treatment goals, medication or a minimally invasive procedure may be another option.
At Conrad Pearson Clinic, our urologists offer a comprehensive range of BPH treatments and can help you compare your options.
Explore Comprehensive BPH Treatment
Personalized BPH Care at Conrad Pearson Clinic
Choosing a treatment for BPH is a personal decision. The right approach depends on your symptoms, your prostate, your overall health, and what you want from treatment.
At Conrad Pearson Clinic, our urologists take the time to listen to your concerns and explain your options in a way that is easy to understand. Whether medication, a minimally invasive procedure, TURP or robotic simple prostatectomy may be appropriate, we can help you understand your choices and determine the next step in your care.
