Defining the right treatment choice for your patient
While water vapor therapy and laser therapy have the potential to be highly effective in benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) patients, they may not be the right fit for everyone. There are plenty of options for your patients.
This type of medication helps to relax the muscles in the bladder and prostate, allowing urine to flow more freely.1 Most men see improvements in a couple of days, but some may experience side effects such as dizziness or a decrease in ejaculation.1
5-alpha reductase inhibitors
These drugs work by lowering the production of dihydrotestosterone (DHT), aiming to stop prostate growth or shrink it in size.1 However, adverse events include a reduction in sex drive and erectile dysfunction,1 and they are not suitable for short-term use due to their slow onset of action.1
Implantable nitinol device
An implantable nitinol device, which aims to deliver rapid relief from BPH symptoms through minimally invasive treatment.2
Prostatic urethral lift (PUL)
This procedure utilises permanent implants to lift and hold the enlarged prostate tissue out of the way, increasing the opening of the urethra.3
Transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP)
TURP is often recommended to treat an enlarged prostate. The procedure involves use of a heated wire to cut tissue from the prostate, followed by insertion of a catheter to flush away the pieces of prostate that have been removed.4
Transurethral incision of the prostate (TUIP)
This technique is used to widen the urethra through small cuts to the bladder neck, making it easier for urine to pass through.5
Transurethral microwave thermotherapy (TUMT)
Microwave energy is used to destroy enlarged prostate tissue, easing urine flow.5
Transurethral needle ablation (TUNA)
This technique utilises radio waves to cause selective necrosis of the prostate tissue, whilst preserving the urethra and adjacent structures.6
This procedure involves the removal of the inner part of the prostate through incisions made in the abdomen.7
Aquablation therapy is a robotic resective procedure that uses a heat-free waterjet to remove prostate tissue.8
