BPH

Treatment | FAQs | Pain Management | Pre-Procedure | Post-Procedure

What is BPH?

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate, the gland that transports sperm during ejaculation. An enlarged prostate can affect urinary function, leading to frequent trips to the bathroom and disrupted sleep. But you don’t have to live with BPH. Start exploring your treatment options.

What is the Treatment for BPH

There are many treatments for BPH, and choosing the right one depends on several factors. Talk to your health care provider about whether our minimally invasive approach is the right solution for you.

BPH Laser Therapy

This treatment option provides rapid relief of symptoms caused by BPH. And in many cases, BPH Laser Therapy also offers a shorter hospital stay, less catheterization time, less bleeding, and a faster recovery than traditional surgical options.

How it Works

During the procedure, your doctor uses a laser to rapidly heat and vaporize the excess prostate tissue, resulting in a larger channel for urine to pass through. Removing the excess tissue rapidly restores natural urine flow in most patients.

The Procedure

The BPH Laser procedure is typically performed on an outpatient basis under general anesthesia. Most patients experience rapid relief of BPH symptoms and improvement in urine flow after the procedure. Your doctor can tell you more about what to expect during the surgical procedure.

Recovery

Every patient’s experience is different and you should talk to your physician about what to expect.

Patients typically go home within a few hours after the procedure. If a urinary catheter was placed in the bladder at the end of the procedure, it will typically be removed within 24 hours. However, some patients may require a catheter for a longer time. Patients can usually return to everyday activities within a short time.

As with any medical procedure, complications can occur. Side effects include, but are not limited to:

• Blood in the urine
• Irritation of the bladder, resulting in frequent and/or urgent need to urinate
• Irritation of the urethra, resulting in frequent urination and/or a burning sensation
• Retrograde ejaculation (during sexual climax, semen travels backward to the bladder rather than exiting through the penis)

FAQs

Pain Management

With the size of your prostate gland, age and overall health in mind, your physician will work with you to determine the best course of treatment for your BPH. Some of the recommendations he or she may make in lieu of surgical or minimally invasive treatments include:

Medication

There are several effective FDA-approved medications to relieve common symptoms of BPH. Each works differently so your doctor will recommend the right medication for your specific symptoms.

Changing or discontinuing current medications

BPH symptoms may be worsened by certain medications, including both prescription and over the counter drugs. Discuss any medications you are taking with your health care professional to curb any potential adverse effects.

Diet

Though research hasn’t found a direct link between diet and nutrition and BPH, your health care provider may have recommendations about what diet or dietary changes may be beneficial for your condition.

Pre-Procedure Instructions

Three to five days before your procedure with United Shockwave Services, a nurse will contact you to confirm the date and time of your appointment, review your medical history and cover pre-procedure instructions.

If you do not hear from a member of the nursing staff within 24 hours of your procedure, please call the center at which your procedure is scheduled immediately. Find your center’s contact information here.

To prepare for this call and your procedure, we request that you:

• Check with your physician to review your prescription and non-prescription use and whether any medications should be stopped or avoided prior to the procedure.
• Do not take any Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory medicines (NSAIDS) like Ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil), Naprosyn, Aleve or Toradol or any Aspirin or Aspirin products for seven (7) days prior to your procedure, unless otherwise instructed by your physician. Please stop taking herbal medications or dietary supplements at this time as such medications may increase the risk of bleeding during the procedure.
• Please stop taking herbal medications or dietary supplements at this time. Such mediations may increase the risk of bleeding during the procedure.
• Address any of your questions or concerns with your physician.
• Make arrangements for transportation to and from the Center with a responsible family member or friend. You will not be allowed to drive yourself home or be discharged without a responsible adult.
• The procedure takes approximately one hour and you will spend about one hour in the recovery room prior to discharge.

Prior to the procedure:

• Do not eat or drink anything after midnight prior to your procedure
• Take your regularly scheduled medicine the night before the procedure. Medications for high blood pressure, heart, seizures and asthma (please bring your inhaler to the procedure) should be taken early morning with a small sip of water. The nurse will verify this with you during the pre-op phone call.
• Shower or bathe the morning of the procedure. Wear loose comfortable clothing and leave your jewelry and valuables at home.

As always, our staff is here to assist you before, during and after your procedure. Please contact us if you have any questions.

Post-Procedure Instructions

After your BPH procedure:

• Do not drive a vehicle for 24 hours (driving limitations may be longer depending on your procedure).
• Do not drink alcoholic beverages, take sleeping pills or tranquilizers (unless approved by your physicians), use any machinery or electrical appliances or make any important decisions for 24 hours.
• Limit your activities on the day of your procedure. No heavy lifting or strenuous exertion until cleared by your doctor.
• Start with a light meal and advance as tolerated. However, caffeine and spicy foods may overstimulate the bladder. Avoid alcohol for 24 hours.
• Drink extra fluids. This will help keep your urinary system strong while aiding in clearing the urine.
• You may resume your medications, unless advised otherwise by your doctor. Continue your prostate medication as prescribed by your physician.
• Avoid non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications (i.e., Ibuprofen, Advil, Motrin) unless prescribed by your physician.
• You may experience some stinging, burning or irritation in the urinary tract. This will pass with time. You may notice some blood in your urine/ semen, but this is temporary and minor in nature.
• You will have an increase in urinary frequency that may last for several weeks.
• If a Foley catheter was inserted, you will receive instructions regarding the duration and details of your catheter use at the time of your procedure.
• Call your physician if you have any of the following symptoms:
  – Abdominal discomfort or swelling
  – A temperature of 101 degrees F or higher
  – Significant blood in your urine
  – Unexplained symptoms or problems
  – Urine no longer flows into the drainage bag or you have severe bladder pain