Benign Prostatic Enlargement
BPE can present a variety of urinary symptoms
For emergencies call 041 404 0400
For emergencies call 041 404 0400
Older men usually develop enlargement of their prostate glands and can present with a variety of urinary symptoms. Do the IPSS questionnaire to determine the severity of your symptoms.
The Urologist will start with a focused urological history, clinical examination (likely including a digital rectal examination), renal tract ultrasound, examination of your urine and urinary flow. You may need further lab tests and possible further diagnostic procedures.
Medication: There is a choice between Alpha-blockers, 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors, or a combination of these drugs, which are determined by multiple factors during your consultation
Failed medical therapy, urinary retention, renal impairment, recurrent UTI’s, bladder stones and visible hematuria.
A cystoscope is placed via your urethra to the bladder. A resectoscope is used to resect the obstructing lobes of the prostate until a wide-open channel is created. The chips are removed from your bladder and a 3-way catheter is placed to administer continuous irrigation. The catheter will be removed when your urine is clear.
3 days on average, depending on how soon your urine clears up
Normally within a week
Endoscopic: HOLEP, THULEP (Holmium / Thulium laser enucleation of prostate)
A cystoscope is placed via your urethra to the bladder. A combination of the laser and scope manipulation is used to remove the entire obstructing prostate tissue within the prostate. The tissue is removed via a morcellator and a catheter is inserted for continuous irrigation. The catheter is removed as soon as the urine is clear (usually on day 1 post-op).
1 day on average, depending how soon your urine clears up
Normally within a week
- Reserved for very large prostates >100cc
- A 10cm lower abdominal incision is made to incise the capsule of your prostate to remove the large obstructing prostate tissue. The defect is closed and a catheter inserted with continuous irrigation. The catheter is removed once the urine has cleared (usually on day 3-5 post-op).
3 to 5 days on average, depending how soon your urine clears up
Normally within 2 weeks
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