Server: Netscape-Enterprise/2.01 Date: Tue, 16 Dec 1997 21:58:10 GMT Accept-ranges: bytes Last-modified: Sat, 05 Apr 1997 01:26:07 GMT Content-length: 5987 Content-type: text/html Patient Information

Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia
Patient Education Information


This brochure is meant to help you understand Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) and the treatment option known as the TransUrethral Needle Ablation, or TUNA Procedure. While this material will attempt to answer some of your questions, remaining concerns can be best answered by your physician. We encourage you to discuss those questions with your urologist.


What is BPH?

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) or enlarged prostate is a very common condition among older men. It is estimated that more than 30 million men suffer from urinary tract problems associated with BPH. The incidence of BPH for men in their fifties is 30% which rises to 75% by the age of 80 years. The prostate is a fibromuscular gland in the male which lies immediately below the bladder. The normal prostate is approximately the size of a walnut. Usually in the fourth decade of life, the prostate begins to enlarge. Benign nodules grow around the tube-like urethra that empties the bladder and passes through the center of the prostate. This growth obstructs the flow of urine through the urethra. As a result of this obstruction, men begin to experience voiding problems including frequency (the need to void frequently), urgency (the sudden sensation that you will wet yourself if you don't find a toilet), nocturia (the need to get up to pass urine during the night), a weak stream, a sensation of incomplete emptying of the bladder, or dripping after completing urination.

A delay in treatment can have serious consequences, including complete obstruction (acute retention), loss of bladder function, and in extreme cases, kidney failure. Yet with medical attention, your symptoms may be reduced to satisfactory levels.

A simple procedure called a digital rectal examination allows your doctor to determine whether the prostate is enlarged. Blood tests, urine tests and other diagnostic procedures may be done to find out more about your condition. If the tests suggest that you need treatment, the TUNA Procedure is an option.



The TUNA Procedure.

The TUNA procedure is a minimally invasive treatment performed typically in less than forty minutes in a day surgery or outpatient setting. The procedure may be performed using a local anesthetic. A general or spinal anesthesia may be used at the discretion of your doctor. During the procedure a catheter is inserted through the penis to the level of the prostate. Two very small needles are inserted into the prostate and low levels of energy shrink the prostatic tissue that is obstructing the flow of urine. The tissue shrinkage is confined to a well-defined area. Many patients either read or watch TV during the time of treatment. Some patients may require catheterization (a tube to draw urine) for a short period of time. Most patients are able to return to their normal lifestyle within one day of treatment and some patients return to their regular activities the same day.

Difficulty urinating and discomfort from BPH can be treated. To learn more about the TUNA Procedure as a treatment option, consult your urologist.


GLOSSARY

Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)

Prostate

Digital Rectal Examination (DRE)

Urethra

Urologist

Voiding


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