“We have the first Center of Excellence in San Diego for the UroLift® system, a revolutionary approach to treating Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia, or BPH, symptoms in men,” said Aaron Boonjindasup, MD, MPH, co-founder of Urology San Diego and a board-certified urologist on staff at Tri-City Medical Center. “Our practice is at the forefront of urological technology, offering services and techniques not available at many other offices in North County.”
The prostate is a small gland, about the size of a walnut, that is part of the male reproductive system and is located below the bladder and surrounds the urethra. BPH is a common condition in which the prostate becomes enlarged due to abnormal cell growth (hyperplasia) and blocks the flow of urine from the bladder through the urethra and out of the body.
Lower urinary tract symptoms, such as a weak stream, urgency, and daytime or nighttime frequency can be disruptive and may cause a decreased quality of life, depression, and loss of productivity and sleep. BPH is not cancerous (benign) and does not increase the risk of getting prostate cancer; however, the symptoms for BPH and prostate cancer are similar.
Men with BPH can determine the seriousness of their urinary symptoms, by completing the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) questionnaire. They can then share their responses with a urologist who can perform additional evaluations, such as a urine flow test, or cystoscopy, to looking inside of the bladder and urethra, and then determine the best course of treatment.
Prescription medications may cause side effects, such as dizziness, fatigue and sexual dysfunction and are often discontinued over time. Open surgery, such as Transurethral Resection of the Prostate (TURP), and minimally invasive procedures including thermotherapies that use heat and laser therapy called photoselective vaporization of the prostate (PVP) performed with the Greenlight laser, all remove prostate tissue.
Treatment with the UroLift System is an alternative solution that does not remove any tissue, but instead uses a minimally invasive surgical technique (MIST) to insert permanent, tiny implants that hold back the prostate, like tiebacks on a window curtain, to increase the opening of the urethra. The 10-minute procedure is done under light anesthesia on an out-patient basis and men can return home that same day. There is no need for a catheter, sexual function is preserved, and side effects are minimal.
June is National Men’s Health Month – during this time, men and their loved ones are encouraged to take care of their bodies by eating right, exercising and working to prevent disease.
“I understand how hard it can be for men to talk about their urological health,” said Dr. Boonjindasup. “If you are experiencing any lower urinary tract symptoms, talk to your doctor right away and get a referral to a urologist. There are so many treatment options now for various conditions and diseases that no man should have to suffer. Don’t let pride or fear get in the way of being able to spend time doing the things you enjoy with family and friends.”
Click here to learn more about the male urological services offered at Tri-City Medical Center or call 855-222-8262 to be referred to a urologist. Read more “The Pulse of North County” columns
