Prostate Surgery Options

The prostate gland is an important part of the male sexual health. The gland stores what is known as semen, a fluid (milky or white). So the main function of the prostate gland is to release this liquid which helps in neutralizing the acidity of the vaginal tract, which otherwise, would prove detrimental to the survival of the sperm. In other words, the prostate gland provides a protective shell for the sperm that gets ejaculated in the vaginal tract, and make their way to the egg in the reproduction process. During infancy the prostate gland is of the size of a pea. And at the age of 25, it takes on the size of a walnut. Most men have continued growth of their prostate gland. In some cases, this growth may cause the gland to enlarge so much that it starts interfering with normal urine flow, and gives rise to bouts of urinary symptoms. Also known as Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH), the medical disorder, of enlarged prostate, happens to be common in older men. So, to deal with this disorder, surgery is one of the options, apart from the use of medications. Even in case of prostate cancer, surgery is one of the options doctors opt for, when conservative treatment methods come of no help.

Surgery Options

For Enlarged Prostate
First let us go through the surgical procedures which are employed in the treatment to fix the problem of prostate enlargement. Surgery options are many, however, the appropriateness of a surgery for an individual depends upon the magnitude of the enlargement, the nature of symptoms and availability of the treatment in the area where the patient resides.

To begin with the first enlarged prostate treatment options, it is what is known as the Transurethral Resection of the Prostate (TURP). This method involves the use of a lighted scope and small cutting tools. This scope is placed in the urethra and with the help of the tools, the surgeon gets rid of all the diseased tissue, except the outer part of the gland.

Then comes a procedure which is known as Transurethral Incision of the Prostate (TUIP or TIP). As the name suggests, the procedure involves making incisions in the gland, so as to open up a channel in the urethra. This helps in managing the symptom of difficult urination. This method is suitable for small, or moderately enlarged prostate gland. It is also an option for people who are not suitable for other surgical procedures.

People with extremely large prostate gland, usually go for open prostatectomy. It is known to be the most effective treatment methods for severe cases of enlarged prostate. However, as effective it is, it also carries a high possibility of side effects and complications.

There are some other surgical methods which are less invasive than the ones that have been cited above. These include:

• Laser prostate surgery, it uses high-energy lasers to destroy the enlarged tissue
• Transurethral Microwave Therapy (TUMT), this uses microwave energy and destroys the inner portion of the enlarged gland. This helps in shrinking the gland thus, easing urine flow
• Transurethral Needle Ablation (TUNA), this uses radio waves using needles as medium, to destroy excess prostate tissue

For Prostate Cancer
When the prostate gland is affected by cancer, the procedures may include orchiectomy, and removal of the gland altogether. Orchiectomy deals with removing the testicles from the body. The other procedure of prostate cancer treatment, involving the removal of the gland is again of different types. In one type, the prostate gland is removed by making an incision in the abdominal area (this is called retropubic surgery), while in another procedure, the incision made in the part that lies between your anus and scrotum (this is known as perineal surgery). The other methods which could also be opted by surgeons include laparoscopic prostatectomy and robotic prostate surgery (using a mechanical device).

As you can infer, surgical treatment methods for prostate problems are many. However, there are several factors associated with the patient's condition, which eventually decide the kind of surgery which would be appropriate for his case.