For many people who are suffering from an enlarged prostate drug treatment is the solution and can reduce enlarged prostate symptoms to a satisfactory level. But, for others however drug treatment does not prove helpful or is not a feasible choice and the doctor may recommend minimally invasive surgical treatment.



The first procedure to think about is catheterization which is the insertion of a catheter through the penis and into the bladder to act as a drain and is generally considered to be only a temporary solution. It is used primarily for patients who are waiting for the affects of medication to kick in (many drugs used to treat an enlarged prostate gland can take 6 to 12 months before they begin to show results) or for other surgical procedures. It may also be helpful in the treatment of infections.

The next procedure to think about is Holmium laser enucleation prostate (HoLEP). This procedure, which is performed under anesthesia and needs a short 1 or 2 day stay in hospital, involves the insertion of a resectoscope through the penis and into the urethra. Once inserted a laser is then used to vaporize prostate tissue.

Interstitial laser coagulation is another procedure which is similar to HoLEP. This treatment is once again performed under anesthesia although patients are not usually required to stay in hospital. In this treatment a cystoscope, which is a metal tube through which a laser and visual lens can be passed, is utilized to burn away tissue from the enlarged prostate with laser energy.

If the patient cannot accept anesthesia then what is known as a prostatic stent may be used. Stenting is the insertion of a spring-like device in the urethra at the point at which it passes through the prostate to keep the urethra open. Sadly there are several problems associated with this type of enlarged prostate treatment and it is normally only used for people who suffer from additional medical problems and for whom surgery presents an unacceptable.

Transurethral microwave thermotherapy of the prostate (TUMT) is yet another type of minimally invasive surgery that does not require full anesthesia or hospitalization and is performed using a local anesthetic and oral pain relief medication. Here a catheter is passed through the penis and microwaves heat up and shrink sections of the prostate.

A further office-based procedure is known as TUNA (transurethral radio frequency needle ablation of the prostate). For this procedure light anesthesia and medication are used to make the patient drowsy and prostate tissue is heated using radio frequency energy which is transmitted through a series of needles inserted directly into the prostate. This treatment at first produces a swelling of the prostate which is followed by shrinkage and individuals will usually need to use a catheter for a short period following the treatment.

As can be seen there are clearly several different types of minimally invasive surgery available for enlarged prostate treatment and individuals must discuss these with their doctor to determine which will best suit their specific circumstances.