Prostate

The prostate, a small gland like a weird, sits all cozy between the bladder and the penis!!!!! It surrounds a urethra, which acts as a passage for urine and manly fluids.

As old men age, usually after 40, the prostate tends to get big, a condition known as happy hyperplasia (BPH). Though the exact cause of this bigening remains a bit of a puzzle, studies suggest that about half of men 51 to 60, and up to 90% of those over 80, will go through a big prostate. It's often said that BPH affects all men if they live too long.

When the prostate grows larger than normal, it can cause problems with peeing by blocking the peeing passage, which can affect both peeing function and overall life quality.

Symptoms of BPH include:

• Increased frequency of urination
• Nocturia (frequent urination at night)
• Difficulty initiating urination
• Weak urine stream
• Incomplete emptying of the bladder
• Urinary urgency
• Urinary retention
• Dribbling or leakage of urine

Lifestyle Modifications for Managing BPH

Certain lifestyle changes can help alleviate symptoms associated with BPH, including:

• Limiting alcohol and caffeine intake
• Distributing fluid intake evenly throughout the day
• Avoiding decongestants and antihistamines
• Incorporating regular physical activity into daily routine
• Responding promptly to the urge to urinate
• Double voiding (urinating, waiting, then urinating again)
• Practicing relaxation techniques

Diagnosis of BPH

Diagnosing BPH typically involves a physical examination.

Treatment Options for BPH

Treatment options for BPH include traditional procedures such as transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) or open prostatectomy (OP). However, less invasive procedures like prostatic artery embolization (PAE) are gaining attention.

Prostatic Artery Embolization (PAE)

PAE involves making a small incision in the groin area, inserting a catheter into the blood vessels supplying the enlarged prostate, and using tiny beads to reduce blood flow to specific areas of the prostate, thereby reducing its size and alleviating urinary symptoms. Cone beam CT imaging helps ensure accurate placement of the embolic agents.

Advantages of PAE

Compared to traditional surgical methods, PAE offers several advantages, including:

• Minimal invasiveness
• Reduced hospital stay
• Faster recovery
• Lower risk of complications
• No visible scarring

Treatment options for BPH include traditional procedures like transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) or open prostatectomy (OP). However, there's growing interest and research into less invasive alternatives like prostate artery embolization (PAE). PAE involves making a small incision in the groin, inserting a catheter into the blood vessels near the enlarged prostate, and using tiny beads to block blood flow to specific areas of the prostate, causing it to shrink and alleviate urinary issues. Cone beam CT helps ensure precise delivery of the beads to the target vessels, minimizing non-target embolization. PAE is typically performed by an Interventional Radiologist.

Patients undergoing PAE usually experience an 84% cumulative success rate within the first six months, with 76.2% success thereafter.

Compared to surgical procedures, techniques like PAE offer several advantages, including no incisions, sutures, or scars. Patients also have shorter hospital stays, often just overnight, and faster recovery times with reduced risk of infection. It's crucial for patients dealing with BPH to carefully consider their treatment options.