A new minimally invasive outpatient laser treatment for enlarged benign prostate is now being performed at Northwest Hospital Center. The landmark treatment offers immediate relief with virtually no blood loss and a limited recovery time.
The Randallstown hospital is one of the only facilities in the Baltimore metropolitan area to offer the new procedure to treat Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH). BPH is the nonmalignant, growth of cells in the prostate gland that ultimately can constrict the urethra and obstruct urine flow. The bladder is unable to empty completely, creating an environment where infections, stones, and chronic prostatitis may develop. If untreated, chronic obstruction can lead to a compromise in kidney function.
Photo-Selective Vaporization of the Prostate (PVP) uses a high power laser and fiber optics to vaporize the excess prostate tissue and immediately seal the surrounding area to prevent bleeding. The procedure, performed under light general anesthesia, lasts approximately 30 minutes, significantly less time than previous methods. Patients experience relief almost instantly, endure a minimum recovery with little or no discomfort, and half do not even require catheterization.
PVP provides another alternative to the invasive transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP), which can produce significant bleeding and discomfort, a need for catheterization and an overnight hospital stay following surgery. It also expands on other minimally invasive
methods like transurethral needle ablation (TUNA) and transurethral microwave thermotherapy (TUMT) by virtually eliminating swelling and producing immediate and long-term symptom relief. Medication therapy, also an option, requires daily dosing for life with side effects and less significant symptom relief.
"In many cases, this new procedure surpasses the efficacy of TURP without its side effects or potential risks," says Michael H. Kane, M.D., a urologist affiliated with Northwest Hospital. "It takes the gold standard a step further."
According to the American Urological Association, BPH effects more than 50 million men in the United States. More than half of all men between the ages of 51 and 60 develop an enlarged prostate, and the incidence increases to 90 percent in men over age 80.
Northwest Hospital Center is a member of LifeBridge Health, a regional health organization, which includes Sinai Hospital, Levindale Hebrew Geriatric Center and Hospital, Jewish Convalescent & Nursing Home, and related subsidiaries and affiliates.
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