Treatment Options


TURP

Transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) is an established operation to treat blockage of bladder emptying due to BPH. It can be performed under a general or spinal anaesthetic. An instrument on the end of a telescope passed down the water pipe removes up to half of the prostate from the inside, relieving obstruction caused by prostatic enlargement. The patient stays in hospital for two or three days.

Risks that many patients may be concerned about include sexual problems and incontinence. In considering risks and potential problems after the procedure, it is important not to confuse this operation with radical prostatectomy (RP) which can be an open, laparoscopic or robotic procedure. This is a very different operation which involves removing the whole prostate and some of the surrounding tissue to treat prostate cancer. In TURP, for men with previously good sexual function, problems with erections can occur in 10 to 20%, and retrograde ejaculation (dry ejaculation) occurs in 80%, but incontinence is very rare. In RP, all men have dry ejaculation, most have some degree of erectile dysfunction and around 10% have persistent troublesome urinary leakage.

TURP remains the standard operation against which other procedures for BPH must be compared and judged. Over the years, many alternatives to TURP have come and gone, including microwave treatment, cryosurgery, and a variety of different laser operations. Problems have included persistent discomfort on passing urine, higher rates of incontinence, inadequate relief of symptoms or short duration of effect.

Rezum (steam treatment – water vapour therapy)

Rezum is a minimally invasive treatment which uses steam precisely delivered to specific areas of the prostate to destroy prostate tissue to relieve blockage caused by BPH. The procedure only takes a few minutes and men can go home the same day. A catheter is put in the bladder for a few days and symptoms gradually improve over the next couple of weeks. In the UK it has been approved by NICE as a safe and effective treatment for BPH. It does not affect sexual function and men can return quickly to normal activities. It is even suitable for men whose urinary symptoms are effectively treated with medication but would prefer not to continue taking tablets indefinitely. Click here for more information on our Rezum Treatments

Click here for Suffolk Urology Rezum Leaflet

Click here for link to NICE Website

LASER prostate surgery

Over the years, several different laser prostate operations have been introduced to complete with TURP. Some have been left by the wayside because of side effects such as dysuria (pain on passing urine), or short-lived effect and requirement for repeat surgery after only a few years. Others have established advantages such as lower blood loss and short duration of hospital stay but at the expense of higher rates of early urinary incontinence.

Rather than LASER prostate surgery, Mr Yardy uses and recommends the TURis system as this has the advantages of lower blood loss and quicker recovery but without the increased risks of early urinary incontinence..

Pearly penile papules

Pearly penile papules (PPP) are tiny nodules on the head of the penis. They are quite frequently found and sometimes very prominent. People are often concerned that they may be caused by sexually transmitted infections but this is not the case. Mr Yardy is experienced in safe removal of PPP. This can be performed under local anaesthetic in his treatment room – you do not have to go to the operating theatre.

For more information:wikipedia.org/wiki/Hirsuties_coronae_glandis