Common Surgical Treatments for Benign Prostatic Enlargement (BPE)
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When Is Surgery for BPE Needed?
Benign Prostatic Enlargement (BPE), also known as Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH), is a common condition affecting aging men. In most cases, symptoms such as weak urine flow, frequent urination, and nighttime urination can be managed with lifestyle changes or medication.
However, surgical treatment may become necessary when:
- Symptoms become severe or persistent
- Medications are no longer effective or well tolerated
- Complications such as bladder stones, urinary retention, or kidney damage occur
- The enlarged prostate causes a complete blockage of urine flow
At MedicalPoint Hospital, our experienced urology team will guide you through the best treatment options based on:
- Your symptom severity and personal comfort
- Prostate size and overall urinary function
- Tolerance to current medications
- Presence of other health conditions
- Your lifestyle, age, and treatment preferences
All surgical procedures aim to relieve obstruction, improve urine flow, and enhance quality of life.
Transurethral Resection of the Prostate (TURP)
TURP remains the most commonly performed and time-tested surgical option for BPE.
How It Works:
- The procedure is done under general or spinal anesthesia.
- A resectoscope (a thin tube with a camera and wire loop) is inserted through the urethra.
- Using high-frequency electric current, the surgeon trims away excess prostate tissue that is blocking urine flow.
- No external incisions are needed — this is a minimally invasive endoscopic procedure.
What Happens After Surgery:
- A urinary catheter is inserted into the bladder through the penis.
- This catheter:
- Allows urine to drain
- Enables bladder irrigation to prevent clots
- The catheter typically remains in place for 1–3 days.
Recovery Insights:
- Hospital stay: usually 1–2 nights
- You may experience temporary:
- Burning sensation while urinating
- Increased frequency or urgency
- Avoid sexual activity for at least 2–3 weeks
Possible Side Effects:
- Retrograde ejaculation (dry orgasm): semen travels into the bladder instead of exiting the penis
- Temporary urinary incontinence (in some cases)
- Very rare: infection, bleeding, or scarring of the urethra
TURP is most suitable for moderate to large prostates and offers long-term relief for most men.
Transurethral Incision of the Prostate (TUIP)
TUIP is a less invasive alternative to TURP and is suitable for men with smaller prostates (typically less than 30 grams) and mild to moderate symptoms.
How It Works:
- The surgeon uses a resectoscope to make one or two small incisions at the bladder neck and prostate.
- These incisions widen the urethral channel, improving urine flow without removing tissue.
Procedure Details:
- Performed under general or spinal anesthesia
- Involves no tissue removal, reducing the risk of complications
- A temporary catheter is used after surgery for drainage and monitoring
Benefits of TUIP:
- Shorter operating time than TURP
- Minimal bleeding
- Faster recovery
- Lower risk of retrograde ejaculation
TUIP is ideal for younger men or those concerned about sexual side effects.
Choosing the Right Surgical Option for BPE
At MedicalPoint’s Urology Department, we understand that no two patients are the same. That’s why our treatment philosophy is centered around personalized care — taking into account the size of the prostate, the severity of symptoms, overall health status, underlying conditions, and each patient’s treatment preferences. Whether you’re dealing with mild discomfort or significant urinary obstruction, our goal is to recommend the safest and most effective surgical option tailored to your individual needs.
Below is a closer look at the surgical procedures we offer for Benign Prostatic Enlargement (BPE):
TURP (Transurethral Resection of the Prostate)
- Often referred to as the “gold standard” for surgical BPE treatment.
- Best suited for men with moderate to large prostates and significant urinary symptoms.
- Uses a resectoscope to remove excess prostate tissue via the urethra, improving urine flow without external incisions.
- Typically requires a short hospital stay and catheterization, with recovery within a few weeks.
TUIP (Transurethral Incision of the Prostate)
- Recommended for smaller prostates with mild to moderate symptoms.
- Instead of removing tissue, the surgeon makes small incisions in the bladder neck and prostate to widen the urinary passage.
- This minimally invasive option often offers a quicker recovery and fewer side effects.
HoLEP (Holmium Laser Enucleation of the Prostate)
- A highly advanced laser procedure ideal for very large prostates or for patients on blood thinners.
- Utilizes a holmium laser to precisely enucleate the overgrown prostate tissue and remove it through morcellation.
- Known for excellent bleeding control, minimal complications, and long-term durability.
- Often chosen when patients want a less invasive alternative to open surgery.
Thulium Laser Enucleation (ThuLEP)
- A next-generation laser treatment that offers high precision with minimal thermal damage.
- Ideal for patients with large prostates or those with cardiovascular conditions.
- Provides quicker healing, reduced catheter time, and lower risk of retrograde ejaculation.
- Performed with advanced systems like Revolix HTL for superior safety and outcomes.
Open Prostatectomy
- Reserved for very large glands (typically over 100 mL) or complex cases involving bladder stones, diverticula, or structural abnormalities.
- Involves a small abdominal incision to remove the obstructive tissue manually.
- Though more invasive, this method provides complete removal and is highly effective in selected patients.
- Recovery may be longer, but outcomes are durable with significant symptom relief.
Minimally Invasive Surgical Therapies (MIST)
For select patients, especially those with moderate symptoms who wish to avoid major surgery or preserve sexual function, we offer newer, FDA-approved procedures, including:
- UroLift® – tiny implants lift and hold the prostate lobes apart, relieving compression on the urethra without removing tissue.
- Rezum™ – uses water vapor (steam) therapy to shrink prostate tissue over time.
These options are outpatient procedures, typically done under local anesthesia with minimal downtime. Ideal for men who prioritize a quick recovery and fewer side effects.
Your Care, Your Choice
Our board-certified urologists at MedicalPoint will guide you through a comprehensive evaluation and help you choose the treatment that aligns with your health goals, preferences, and lifestyle. We believe in shared decision-making and providing you with all the information needed to make a confident, informed choice.
Book a consultation today to discuss your best surgical path toward relief and renewed quality of life.
When to Seek Surgical Advice
You should consider seeing a urologist if you experience:
- Incomplete emptying or weak stream
- Frequent urination (especially at night)
- Sudden urge to urinate or incontinence
- Recurrent urinary tract infections
- Blood in urine
- Bladder stones or history of urinary retention
Supporting You Through Every Step
Surgical treatment for BPE is highly effective and generally safe. At MedicalPoint, our team ensures:
- Clear explanation of all options and risks
- Supportive pre- and post-surgical care
- Use of advanced technology for precise outcomes
- Short hospital stays and faster recovery plans
Book a consultation today with our expert urologists to explore your options and get back to living comfortably and confidently.
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