The Least Invasive Way to Treat a Large Prostate: HOLEP

As men get older, Benign Prostate Hyperplasia (BPH) is a commonly experienced condition – something 90% of men will experience by 85 years old.

As the name suggests, BPH is not cancer – nor does it lead to cancer – but it affects quality of life in approximately a third of men over the age of 50. While the symptoms of BPH can be quite daunting, medical advancements have made for simplified, minimally invasive treatment and relief for many men.

As a national expert in Holmium Laser Enucleation of the Prostate (HOLEP), Dr Bugwandin is the only urologist offering routinely scheduled HOLEP day surgery in the KZN Midlands and one of a handful offering this service in South Africa.

Let’s take a closer look at the causes and symptoms of BHP and the benefits of HOLEP.

What are the causes of prostate enlargement?

The exact cause of benign prostate enlargement in men is unknown. However, it is largely attributed to hormonal changes as men age. The prostate undergoes two primary growth stages – one during puberty and one that begins at 25 and continues for the remainder of a man’s life.

What are the symptoms of an enlarged prostate?

BPH symptoms may vary in intensity and prevalence from person to person, but the main symptoms include:

–          Regular or urgent need to urinate

–          Increased need to urinate at night

–          Difficulty to commence urination

–          Straining during urination

–          Weak urine flow or intermittent urination stream

–          Not being able to empty the bladder completely

–          BPH also gets worse with age, leading to bladder infections and damage, blood in the urine, and damage to the kidneys.

How to prevent BHP?

A family history of BHP, ageing, and erectile dysfunction increase the chances of BHP as a man gets older. While there are no airtight prevention methods, a healthy lifestyle does play a role. Eating a healthy, fruit and vegetable rich diet and living an active lifestyle can reduce your chances of contracting BHP.

BPH and prostate cancer

As mentioned above, the presence of BPH does not have any bearing on the development of prostate cancer. Prostate cancer can develop as an independent condition and it is possible that this can be identified during the process of treating BHP. Should this occur, prostate cancer can be treated following the HOLEP procedure.

BPH TREATMENT: HOLMIUM LASER ENUCLEATION OF THE PROSTATE

BPH Diagnosis

The type of treatment for BPH depends on the individual. A number of different treatment options exist, and your urologist will be able to advise the best treatment option or combination to suit your needs. Dr Bugwandin conducts a proper urology assessment to determine whether his patients require medicinal or surgical intervention.

What is HOLEP?

HOLEP is Dr Bugwandin’s surgical preference for his patients. Urologists require specialist training to perform this procedure, which involves the “shelling out” or enucleation of the enlarged part of the prostate gland. This tissue is broken down and removed from the bladder to provide relief.

The procedure causes minimal bleeding and is more often than not done as a day procedure. Using the latest technology (a 100-watt, high-powered laser), HoLEP has reliably replaced older forms of prostate surgery such as TURP and open prostatectomy.

What are the benefits of Holmium Laser Enucleation of the Prostate?

–          It requires no incisions

–          It offers faster recovery than other surgical options

–          HoLEP is a long-lasting solution for men suffering with BHP

–          Re-treatment is rarely required

What are the risks of HoLEP?

As with any medical procedure, there are a few risks and complications associated with HoLEP. These include:

–          Injury to the urethra, prostate capsule, bladder, or ureteral orifices

–          The development of scar tissue

–          Kidney, testicular, or bladder infections

–          Return of urinary obstruction requiring re-treatment (only occurs in one to two percent of cases)

Why you should consult with specialist urologist, Dr Bugwandin

Dr Bugwandin is a national expert in HoLEP and offers this specialist service to his patients as a day procedure in his rooms. He also trains other urologists around the country in the treatment. This combination of the theoretical and practical means he combines the latest advancements with ever-evolving experience to offer a leading urological service. As a urologist in KZN, he consults with men from around the province – and his patients travel from the major centres, as well as outlying areas, for his understanding and expertise.

Looking for a HOLEP proctor?

If you are a urologist in South Africa and would like to expand your service offering to your patients to include HoLEP, please get in touch to find out more about instruction in this treatment technique.

GET RELIEF FOR BHP TODAY

BHP can have a severe impact on a man’s quality of life. Addressing your symptoms is the fastest path to relief – and modern treatments like HoLEP mean this is achieved with minimal disruption to your life. Contact Dr Bugwandin today to arrange a consultation.