Urology
Frequent trips to the bathroom, a weak urine stream or difficulty emptying your bladder can be signs of an enlarged prostate. Men experiencing these symptoms now have access to advanced laser treatment at Mediclinic Pietermaritzburg.
Understanding an enlarged prostate
If you find yourself waking frequently during the night to pass urine, struggling to get your urine stream started or feeling that your bladder never quite empties, an enlarged prostate could be the cause.
The prostate is a small gland located below the bladder in men. As men get older, the prostate can grow in size. This is often due to a common, non-cancerous condition called benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).
As the prostate enlarges, it can press against the tube that carries urine out of the bladder, restricting the flow of urine.
Common symptoms include:
- Needing to pass urine more frequently, particularly at night.
- A weak or interrupted urine stream.
- Difficulty starting to urinate.
- Feeling that your bladder has not emptied completely.
- A sudden or urgent need to urinate.
- Discomfort or burning when passing urine.
These symptoms can affect sleep, daily activities and quality of life. Although an enlarged prostate is common, urinary symptoms should not simply be dismissed as a normal part of ageing.
Importantly, an enlarged prostate does not necessarily mean you have prostate cancer. However, prostate enlargement, prostate cancer and other urinary conditions can cause similar symptoms, so it is important to consult a healthcare professional for an appropriate assessment.
If left untreated, significant prostate enlargement can lead to complications such as urinary tract infections, bladder stones, urinary retention and, in severe cases, kidney damage.
What treatment options are available?
Treatment depends on the severity of your symptoms, the size of your prostate and your overall health.
For some men, medication can help relax the muscles around the prostate or reduce its size. However, medication may cause side-effects, requires ongoing use and may not provide sufficient relief for everyone.
When symptoms are more severe, medication is no longer effective or complications develop, surgery may be recommended to remove the tissue that is blocking the flow of urine.
How does laser surgery help?
Mediclinic Pietermaritzburg has upgraded its theatre facilities to support advanced, high-powered laser surgery for men with an enlarged prostate.
One of the procedures now available is called Holmium Laser Enucleation of the Prostate (HoLEP). It uses a specialised laser to separate and remove the excess prostate tissue responsible for obstructing urine flow.
Unlike traditional open surgery, HoLEP is performed through the natural urinary passage, without external surgical incisions. It can be used to treat prostates of different sizes, including larger glands that may previously have required open surgery.
Potential benefits include:
- Effective removal of obstructing prostate tissue.
- Less bleeding than traditional open surgery.
- A shorter hospital stay, with many patients able to go home after an overnight stay.
- A shorter period with a urinary catheter in many cases.
HoLEP is an internationally recognised, guideline-recommended surgical option for treating benign prostate enlargement. As with any procedure, the suitability of the treatment and the potential risks and benefits should be discussed with your urologist.
The laser technology can also be used to treat kidney and bladder stones, offering another minimally invasive treatment option for patients with stone disease.
Specialist expertise, closer to home
The service at Mediclinic Pietermaritzburg is supported by urologists Dr AK Dada and Dr Lucio Frittella, who have received specialised training in HoLEP under the supervision of Dr Santosh Bugwandin, one of South Africa's most experienced surgeons in this procedure.
This combination of specialist expertise and advanced technology means patients in Pietermaritzburg and the wider Midlands region can access modern surgical treatment for prostate enlargement and urinary stones closer to home.
When should you see a doctor?
If urinary symptoms are affecting your sleep, comfort or daily routine, speak to your doctor or consult a urologist. An assessment can help identify the cause of your symptoms and determine which treatment options may be appropriate.
Men experiencing troublesome urinary symptoms, as well as patients with kidney or bladder stones, can consult Dr Dada or Dr Frittella to discuss their treatment options. Dr Bugwandin is also available for selected complex or higher-risk HoLEP cases.
Do not ignore persistent urinary symptoms. Early assessment can help identify the cause, prevent complications and ensure you receive the most appropriate care.
If you are unable to pass urine at all, seek urgent medical attention. Blood in your urine, fever or severe pain should also be assessed promptly.