What is prostate enlargement/BPH (benign prostatic hyperplasia)?
BPH is a non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate gland, the gland surrounding the urethra (the duct that carries urine from the bladder). It is thought to be the result of cell growth and hormone changes that are part of the aging process. In fact, about half of all men age 75-plus have some BPH symptoms, including:
Problems getting a urine stream started or stopped completely
- A weak urine stream
- Feeling a frequent need to urinate, even causing one to wake at night
- The sensation that the bladder has not emptied, even after urination
While uncommon, BPH may cause the bladder to become blocked or urine to back up. The latter can lead to bladder infections, stones or kidney damage.
When prostate enlargement is confirmed—usually through a urine test and/or digital rectal exam—a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test may be advised to rule out prostate cancer. While prostate cancer and BPH are not connected, they can cause similar symptoms.
A wide range of treatments are now available for BPH, including medication, minimally invasive therapies (including laser and microwave therapies) and—if the symptoms are severe—surgery. One’s age, overall health and prostate size are all factors in determining the best course of action.
CommonSpirit has some of the first hospitals in the mountain region to offer the only image-guided, heat-free automated robotic therapy for BPH.
The procedure is covered by most insurances and Medicare.
Potential benefits of robotic assisted therapy for BPH treatment include:
- Real-time imaging guidance using ultrasound combined with cystoscopy visualization provides a multidimensional view of the treatment area
- Personalized treatment using advanced planning software allows the urologist to identify and map tissue to preserve and resect
- Heat-free waterjet resection precisely removes prostate tissue and minimizes thermal damage to surrounding tissue
- Superior safety compared to transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) due to low irreversible complications
- Greatly improves flow of urine
- High rate of continence and erection preservation
- Most men preserve ejaculation
- Significant, long-lasting relief with low rates of complications
Our experienced surgeons and patient care providers are highly trained in automated robotic therapy. Our team’s unique knowledge of what patients need before, during, and after a procedure helps to ensure quality care, peace of mind and the utmost courtesy, professionalism, and competency.
Many men experience no early symptoms of prostate cancer and first learn of its presence during a routine physical. When symptoms do occur, they often include:
- The need to urinate frequently, especially at night
- Problems starting the urine flow or holding it back
- A urine flow that is weak or interrupted
- Pain or burning during urination
- Recurring stiffness
- Difficulty achieving erection
- Pain when ejaculating
- Blood in the semen or urine
Consult with your primary care physician or a urologist if you experience any of these symptoms.
Today, a man’s course of treatment for prostate cancer can be highly individualized to obtain the best outcome with the least side effects. Options available include:
- Active surveillance (also known as “watchful waiting”)
- Surgery, which can often be performed with minimally invasive techniques
- Radiation therapy
- Cryotherapy or cryosurgery
- Hormone therapy
- Chemotherapy
Find a Urologist
CommonSpirit Health gives you access to some of the most experienced prostate specialists around Colorado, Utah and western Kansas. Find a doctor near you.
