The well succeeded experience of the Reference Center for Men’s Health (Centro de Referência da Saúde do Homem) on the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia

Abstract

The non-cancerous growth of the prostate, known as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), is extremely common and commits between 50% e 80% of the
men. The most usual symptoms include weakness of urinary stream, urinary hesitancy, getting up at night to void, high urinary frequency, a feeling of incomplete bladder emptying, urgency and urinary retention. Renal insufficiency, infection and bladder collapse are also possible. Although the initial symptoms are discreet, there is a severe impact on the quality of life. In the United States, 38 million of men seek for BPH treatment and 1.5 million of surgeries are carried out annually. Traditionally, the endoscopic resection of prostate required a four-day hospitalization, with significant bleeding, that could cause renal insufficiency, with the need of ICU and hemodialysis. Presently, we carry out in the Center for Men´s Health the photoablation with diode laser of 250 W (UrobeamDornier) that brings excellent results, even in very large prostates or in patients with urinary retention. The Urobeam laser surgery is conducted with no bleeding, no risk of renal insufficiency and no need of hospitalization, with a saving from US$ 800.00 to US$ 4,000.00, depending on the institution and the clinical condition of the patient.