Benign prostate enlargement, which is the enlargement of the prostate without cancer cells, can block the bladder outlet and the urethra. In urology, benign prostate enlargement is called BPH (Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia). The decision on the surgical treatment of the disease depends on the size of the prostate and the patient’s overall health condition (whether they are using blood-thinning medications).
Known Classical Surgical Treatment Methods:
-Monopolar TUR-P: Removal of the enlarged inner part of the prostate through the penis using a scraping method.
-Bipolar TUR-P: Similar to Monopolar TUR-P, but the difference is that the electric energy used affects only the prostate and does not spread elsewhere.
-Open Prostatectomy: Removal of the enlarged prostate tissue by opening the bladder in cases where the prostate is over 80 grams.
Current Preferred Methods:
Today, endoscopic techniques such as Holmium (HoLep) and Thulium (ThuLep) laser prostatectomy, which are performed by entering through the penis with a camera, are preferred. HoLep and ThuLep laser prostatectomy techniques have become the first choice for benign prostate enlargement.
ThuLep is the latest technology after HoLep and causes much less damage to cells and tissues compared to HoLep.
Advantages of ThuLep Over HoLep:
– ThuLep cuts much better than HoLep, reducing the likelihood of temporary urinary incontinence after surgery.
– Due to better cutting and causing less bleeding, recovery is much faster with the ThuLep method.
– An important advantage of ThuLep is its excellent control of bleeding, making it unnecessary to stop blood-thinning medications (anticoagulants) before surgery, unlike other techniques.
– It can be easily applied to large prostates (over 80 grams) without the need for open surgery.