Surgery to Correct Prostate Problems

If your prostate is too large, your doctor may recommend surgical treatment. Surgery can be done through the urethra tube or done with open surgery. Open surgery requires a cutting through the skin above the base of the penis. The most often used surgery is called TURP, transurethral resection of the prostate. During this surgery the doctor inserts a thin tube through the urethra and uses a loop to cut pieces of the prostate. A wire loop is used and is directed by direct vision by using a cystoscope. These surgeries will need a stay in the hospital and general anesthesia.

Transurethral resection of the prostate is not the same as removing the prostate. It is used to only remove enough tissue to correct any urinary blockage. There are a few cases where the prostate will continue to grow and cause problems again later. The prostate should continue to be checked yearly for any signs of the problem returning. Prostate removal is normally done only if the prostate is cancerous. Prostatectomy or prostate removal is done to prevent the cancer from spreading.

There are side effects to some prostate treatments. You may experience problems with your sexual function after prostate treatment. You should recover completely within on year of the treatment. Occasionally there are patients that never recover sexual function and many times it depends on how long the man had the symptoms before he surgery. After some types of surgeries a man might find his semen will not go out of the penis during intercourse but will back up into the bladder. This condition can be treated with medication that keeps the bladder closed. If you and your wife are trying to get pregnant a doctor who specializes in fertility can treat backward ejaculation.

Other side effects can include bladder control problems or problems having an erection. These conditions can be treated after talking to your doctor or nurse about the problem. Usually the patient can be helped with these symptoms.

If the prostate has been removed because of cancer, the side effects and trouble with sexual function may have long lasting effects. Bladder control problems and trouble having an erection. Most men can be treated with medical treatments or the doctor may choose to leave the nerves around the prostate in place. This will help especially with bladder control problems such as dribbling or leaking.

Scientists and researchers are searching to find alternative treatments for urinary disorders, including prostatitis and BPH. Thousands of men who have been treated for BPH and studying the results of the therapy each one to gather information about any side effects of medications used to treat prostate problems. New approaches to prostate surgery are also being looked at that would allow the patient to have treatment on an outpatient basis. They are assessing the value of using saw palmetto and other herbal remedies for prostate problems. Prostate research will continue to help fight problems caused by this walnut-sized gland.

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