Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)

DEFINITION: Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a very common condition in which the prostate gland enlarges and causes bothersome urinary symptoms in middle-aged and older men. While such symptoms as increased frequency of urination, decreased force of urinary stream, urgency, nighttime urination, and loss of control of urination (incontinence) may begin in some men as early as 40 years of age, most men do not begin to experience symptoms until their 50s and 60s. By the time a man reaches the age of 80, it is highly likely that he will have at least some degree of bother from prostatic enlargement.

TREATMENTS For those patients with moderate symptoms that are bothersome despite medical therapy and who would like to avoid surgery, there are several new minimally-invasive options available. These treatments include TUNA (transurethral needle ablation), microwave thermotherapy, and laser ablation, with several other treatments undergoing clinical trials at the present time.

BENEFITS These treatments are often done on an outpatient basis - sometimes in the office - and offer success rates similar to those of traditional surgery with fewer side effects. While the long-term success rates may not equal those of TURP or open prostatectomy, many patients may wish to try one of these minimally-invasive alternatives prior to undergoing more
invasive procedures.

FIND A DOCTOR This surgery is performed by the following physician(s). Click on a name for a complete profile and contact information.

Michael J. Droller, MD
Thomas Grimaldi, MD
Simon Hall, MD
Johnathan M. Vapnek, MD

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