Laser Treatment for Enlarged Prostate
What is a prostate?
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| The prostate is a gland found in males located at the base of the
bladder. The urethra, carrying urine from the
bladder, runs through the prostate.
When the prostate enlarges, it can put pressure on the urethra and block
urine flow. |
The following symptoms may
indicate an enlarged prostate:
When does a prostate change?
Medically, a non-cancerous enlarged prostate
is referred to as Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH). Symptoms can appear as early as age 40 but
become more noticeable after 55, and it is estimated that one in every four
men will suffer from signs of an enlarged prostate by
the age of 80.
What options are available for the treatment of an enlarged prostate?
Your doctor will discuss the different treatment
options with you upon diagnosis, but these
methods can vary from drugs, traditional
surgical resection of the prostate, or the
innovative surgical method using a laser.
How does the
laser treatment work?
Laser treatment is safe and effective. A hollow
tube, called a cystoscope is placed through
the urethra (urine channel). A laser fiber is
then passed through the cystoscope and
positioned near the tissue blocking the
urethra.
Laser energy is then applied and prostate
tissue is resected utilizing this laser energy. The cystoscope
is also equipped with a tiny camera so that
your surgeon is able to view the entire procedure.
What are the
benefits
of laser surgery?
Compared to conventional surgical methods
this procedure has the following advantages:
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Creates very little blood loss, which means
less discomfort for the patient.
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A faster and less invasive surgical procedure.
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A shorter hospital stay. Traditional surgical procedures can require
hospitalization up to 5 days, but with laser treatment, you are usually home
within two.
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Each method requires that a urinary catheter be inserted following surgery,
however with laser treatment this catheter is removed
earlier.
If you are experiencing symptoms or have
questions regarding this information, please
consult your doctor. Your urologist will help
you determine which treatment is best for you.
Further information and
credentialed physicians
Determining if laser surgery is right for you
takes the judgment and knowledge of a physician regarding your particular problem.
If you have concerns about prostate problems
and wish to find out if laser treatment will
benefit your situation, contact one of the
physicians below to make an appointment.
Write any questions you have so you can
discuss them with your doctor. If you need
further assistance, please contact the Laser
Center at (218) 733-2333.
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Dr. Jeff Engelsgjerd
Dr. Gerald Engelsgjerd
Dr. Dennis Soukup
Dr. Martin Grune
Duluth Clinic - Urology Department
(218) 722-8364, ext. 4234
Dr. David Brenner
Duluth Clinic - Virginia
(218) 741-0150
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This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical
advice. Only your doctor can diagnose and treat a medical problem.
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