What Is the Prostate?
The prostate is a small gland located below the urinary bladder in men. The urethra, which carries urine from the bladder to outside the body, passes through the prostate. As men age, the prostate may gradually increase in size. This condition is known as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) or an enlarged prostate. Although BPH is not cancer, an enlarged prostate can compress the urethra and interfere with normal urine flow.
Prostate problems become increasingly common as men get older. An enlarged prostate can gradually cause urinary symptoms such as frequent urination, weak urine flow, difficulty starting urination and a feeling that the bladder has not emptied completely. While mild symptoms may sometimes be managed with medicines and lifestyle changes, some patients may eventually require a surgical procedure.
Prostate surgery in Guwahati is performed to treat specific prostate conditions when symptoms are significant, complications develop, or other treatments do not provide adequate relief. The appropriate procedure depends on the patient’s age, symptoms, prostate size, overall health and the underlying condition.
At Hayat Hospital, patients can consult specialists in the Department of Urology for evaluation of prostate-related urinary problems and guidance regarding appropriate treatment.
Urology Specialists at Hayat Hospital
Dr. Dipankar Sarma
MBBS, DNB (General Surgery), DrNB Urology
Dept Of Urology
Dr. Hiralal Adhikari
MBBS, MS (Surgery), M.Ch (Urology & Genito Urinary Surgery)
Dept Of Urology
When Is Prostate Surgery Needed?
Not every man with an enlarged prostate requires surgery. Treatment is usually selected according to the severity of symptoms and the patient’s overall condition.
Surgery may be considered when:
- Urinary symptoms significantly affect daily life.
- Medicines do not provide sufficient relief.
- There is recurrent urinary retention.
- Repeated urinary tract infections occur.
- Bladder stones develop.
- There is significant bleeding associated with the prostate.
- Kidney function is affected because of urinary obstruction.
- The bladder does not empty adequately.
- The prostate is causing persistent obstruction despite medical treatment.
The urologist evaluates the individual situation before recommending surgery.
Common Symptoms of an Enlarged Prostate
An enlarged prostate can produce lower urinary tract symptoms. These may develop gradually and become more noticeable over time.
Common symptoms include:
- Difficulty starting urination
- Weak or interrupted urine stream
- Frequent urination
- Increased need to urinate at night
- Sudden or urgent need to urinate
- Dribbling after urination
- Feeling that the bladder has not completely emptied
- Difficulty maintaining a normal urinary flow
These symptoms can also occur because of other urinary or prostate conditions. Therefore, they should not automatically be assumed to be caused by an enlarged prostate.
Types of Prostate Surgery
The type of prostate procedure recommended depends on the underlying condition, prostate size, symptoms and the patient’s overall health.
TURP – Transurethral Resection of the Prostate
TURP is a commonly used surgical procedure for treating urinary obstruction caused by an enlarged prostate.
During the procedure, the surgeon passes an instrument through the urethra and removes prostate tissue that is obstructing urine flow. Since the procedure is performed through the urinary passage, there is no large external incision.
TURP may help improve urinary flow and reduce symptoms in appropriately selected patients.
Laser Prostate Surgery
Laser techniques can be used to remove or vaporize obstructing prostate tissue. Depending on the specific procedure, laser surgery may offer advantages such as reduced bleeding in selected patients.
The most suitable laser technique depends on factors including prostate size, the patient’s health and the surgeon’s assessment.
Prostatectomy for Prostate Cancer
Surgery for prostate cancer is different from surgery performed for benign prostate enlargement.
In selected patients with localized prostate cancer, radical prostatectomy may be considered. This involves removing the prostate gland and may involve removal of surrounding tissues and seminal vesicles.
The treatment decision depends on the stage and characteristics of the cancer, the patient’s age, general health and other factors.
How Is a Prostate Problem Diagnosed?
Before recommending prostate surgery, the urologist performs a detailed evaluation. The assessment may include a medical history, physical examination and appropriate investigations.
Depending on the patient’s symptoms, tests may include:
Urine tests: These can help identify urinary infections or other abnormalities.
PSA blood test: Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) testing may be advised as part of prostate evaluation. PSA levels can be affected by several conditions, so the result needs to be interpreted in the appropriate clinical context.
Ultrasound: Ultrasound can help assess the prostate, bladder and urinary system and may also help determine whether significant urine remains in the bladder after urination.
Uroflowmetry: This test measures the rate and pattern of urine flow and can provide useful information about possible urinary obstruction.
Digital rectal examination: In appropriate patients, the doctor may perform a physical examination of the prostate.
Additional investigations may be recommended depending on the findings and suspected diagnosis.
What Happens Before Prostate Surgery?
Before surgery, the urologist discusses the patient’s symptoms, test results, prostate condition and available treatment options.
The doctor may also review:
- Existing medical conditions
- Current medications
- Previous surgeries
- Blood-thinning medicines
- Kidney and bladder function
- Urinary symptoms
- Prostate size
- Relevant laboratory and imaging findings
Patients should inform their doctor about all medicines and supplements they are taking. Blood thinners or other medicines may require special instructions before surgery.
Is Prostate Surgery Safe?
Like any surgical procedure, prostate surgery has potential risks and complications. These vary according to the procedure and the patient’s individual health.
Possible complications can include bleeding, infection, temporary urinary symptoms, urinary retention and other urinary or sexual-function-related problems. Some complications are uncommon, but patients should discuss the potential benefits and risks with their urologist before making a treatment decision.
The goal is to choose the treatment that provides the best balance between symptom relief, safety and the patient’s individual circumstances.
When Should You Consult a Urologist?
Men should not ignore persistent urinary symptoms, particularly when they gradually become more frequent or interfere with sleep and daily activities.
You should consider consulting a urologist if you experience:
- Persistent difficulty passing urine
- Weak or interrupted urine flow
- Frequent nighttime urination
- Repeated urinary infections
- Blood in the urine
- Difficulty emptying the bladder
- An episode of complete inability to urinate
- Persistent urinary symptoms despite medicines
Complete inability to pass urine can be an emergency and requires prompt medical attention.
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
Prostate surgery may be used to relieve urinary obstruction caused by an enlarged prostate or, in selected cases, to treat prostate cancer.
No. Many men with mild or moderate symptoms can initially be managed with monitoring, lifestyle measures or medicines. Surgery may be recommended when symptoms are severe, persistent or associated with complications.
A urologist evaluates your symptoms, prostate size, urine flow, bladder emptying and other test results before recommending surgery. The decision is individualized.
Recovery varies depending on the surgical technique, prostate condition and individual health. Your urologist will provide specific instructions regarding catheter use, activity and follow-up.
No. Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate. However, prostate symptoms should still be evaluated because different prostate conditions can produce similar symptoms.
