HOlEP is best treatment for prostate patients
September is World Prostate Awareness month and an excellent opportunity to highlight prostate health and raise awareness about this highly treatable disease. September was first designated World Prostate Health Month by the American Foundation for Urological Disease (AFUD) in 1999. AFUD is now known as the American Urological Association Foundation. Originally the aims of observing NPHM were more prescribed, concentrating on making the public better informed about prostate health issues.
Dr. Bhim Sen Bansal, Chairman and Managing Director RG Stone Urology and laparoscopy Hospital (Also known as Father of lithotripsy in India) said, “The prostate is a gland that helps in making semen, the fluid that contains sperm. The prostate surrounds the tube that carries urine away from the bladder and out of the body. A young man's prostate is about the size of a walnut. It slowly grows larger with age. If it gets too large, it can cause problems. This is very common after age 50. The older men get, the more likely they are to have prostate trouble. Some common problems are Prostatitis (an infection, usually caused by bacteria), Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia or BPH (an enlarged prostate, which may cause dribbling after urination or a need to go often, especially at night) and Prostate cancer (a common cancer that responds best to treatment when detected early).”
Prostate cancer is the most common type of cancer for males; nearly a quarter-million men are diagnosed yearly in America. However, it is also among the most easily-treatable varieties of the disease. As with other cancers, early detection may be key to successfully combating prostate cancer. The cause of prostate cancer is unknown, but hormonal, genetic, environmental, and dietary factors are thought to play roles. The following risk factors have been linked with development of this condition such as Age, Obesity, Diet, Family History, Ethnicity and Inflammation.
Speaking on symptoms Dr. Bansal says, “Enlarged Prostate: Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) is mistaken to be simply a case of too many prostate cells. But, in fact, there is no cure for BPH and once prostate growth starts, it often continues, unless medical therapy is started. The prostate gland grows in two different ways. In the first type of growth, the cells multiply around the urethra and squeeze it, much like you can squeeze a straw. The second type of growth is the middle-lobe prostate growth, in which the cells grow into the urethra and the bladder outlet area. This type of growth typically requires surgery. Symptoms of enlarged prostate are Blood in the urine (i.e. hematuria), caused by straining to void, Dribbling after voiding, Feeling that the bladder has not emptied completely even after urination, Frequent urination, particularly at night, Hesitant, interrupted or weak urine stream caused by decreased force, leakage of urine, Pushing or straining to begin urination and Recurrent, sudden, urgent need to urinate.”
Holmium laser Enucleation of Prostate (HolEP) is the latest modality used in the management of Enlarged Prostate. In this procedure, a 550 Micron Fiber attached to a 100-Watts Holmium laser machine is used to remove obstructive prostatic tissue and seal blood vessels. The enucleated gland is then pushed into the bladder, which is later sucked out with the help of equipment called Morcellator. The whole procedure takes around 45-90 minutes, depending on the size of the gland. This procedure is nearly bloodless as the laser beam when cuts the gland also seals the blood vessels. In most of the cases there is no need for blood transfusion. At the end of surgery, a catheter is inserted to keep the bladder in place. It continuously drains the urine into a sterile collection bag. The catheter is usually kept for 24 to 48 hrs and the patient is discharged without catheter after giving a catheter free trial.
According to Dr. Bansal, “Diet plays an essential role in maintaining prostate health as well as is helpful in warding off cancer. Vegetables such as broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower that comprises isothiocyanates is beneficial for prostate patients. Besides, fish and vegetable oils high in omega-3 fats also helpful in decreasing the risk of prostate cancer. Soy products can also be like a boon for prostate patients as they can help in preventing prostate enlargement and may slow tumor growth. This effect is credited to be flavones, plant chemicals that help lower dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a male hormone that stimulates the overgrowth of prostate tissue. Apart from this, 4 cup’s coffee a day and a apple keeps prostate away. However, Vitamin E is known to reduce prostate inflammation and may protect against cancer. Good sources include margarine, vegetable oils, nuts and seeds, wheat germ and whole grains. Apart from that, tomatoes could ease night-times for prostate patients by relieving pressure on the bladder. Prostate patients are advised to drink plenty of fluids. Anyone with an enlarged prostate should drink plenty of water and other non-alcoholic fluids to flush the bladder. Caffeine and beer should be reduced to a minimum. Prostate patients should also avoid spicy foods as well as alcohol, caffeine and other substances that irritate the urinary tract.