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Enlarged Prostate Solutions - Is A TURP Surgical Procedure Right For You?
Under the knife: A brief overview of transurethral resection.
A healthy prostate is something to be devoutly wished for. Prostate health problems can occasionally be life threatening. The issues that aren't actually life threatening can definitely decrease your quality of life.
One of the more common prostate problems seen by urologists is an issue know as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). In BPH the prostate swells up, and this can choke off the urethra. Although urine can still pass through, the decreased size of the urethra means more trips to the bathroom, decrease flow when you're there and can also result in an extremely urgent desire to urinate.
There are several treatments available for BPH, including drugs and herbal remedies. However, one of the most common enlarged prostate treatments is an invasive surgical procedure known as transurethral resection of the prostate. This procedure is more commonly known, at least to urologists, as TURP.
Performing a TURP procedure involves going into the prostate through the urethra and removing tissue, thereby allowing urine to flow more easily. This tissue is usually removed by either sharp dissection or with electrocautery. Electrocautery is a fairly common medical technique that uses electricity to destroy tissue. It is frequently used to cut through soft tissue, and to stop bleeding of small vessels.
The procedure can be done with either general or spinal anesthetic. After the excess tissue is removed, a large triple lumen catheter is inserted through the urethra. The purpose is to irrigate and drain the bladder.
Many urologists consider TURP to be the most effective treatment for BPH. While there is no doubt that the procedure is effective in helping men with BPH, it should be noted that the urologist is not the one going under the knife.
There are risks associated with every surgical procedure, and TURP is no different. First off, if you fit the profile for BPH in the first place (male, 50 plus) then there is a pretty good chance that you're taking a blood thinner or anticoagulant such as warfarin or aspirin. These may have to be discontinued before surgery.
Complications after surgery can include bleeding and/or clotting, and a condition called hyponatremia. The danger of hyponatremia arises as a side effect of the bladder irrigation mentioned previously.
Hyponatremia is an electrolyte disturbance. It occurs when the sodium concentration in plasma falls below a certain level. At lower levels, it can even cause water intoxication, an urgently dangerous condition, the surface effects of which are very much like being drunk (Kids! Don't try this at home. Although we cannot recommend drinking alcohol to excess, it would probably be safer than deliberately giving yourself water intoxication).
When faced with an invasive medical procedure, it's important to remember that other prostate health treatments are available. As with any course of treatment, consultation with your physician is essential.
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Source: www.articlealley.com