Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)

Also known as enlarged prostate, BPH (Benign Prostate Hypertrophy) is the accumulation of non-cancerous nodules in the prostate gland, resulting in enlargement of the gland and eventually obstruction of the urethra and the normal flow of urine.  Benign enlargement of the prostate is a normal occurrence with aging.

Symptoms - which may or may not be present:

• Increased urinary frequency
• Urinary urgency
• Urinary hesitancy or retention
• Weak or painful urination
• Nocturia - nighttime frequency
• Hematuria
• Incontinence

Diagnosis is accomplished by:

• Digital rectal exam
• Laboratory and imaging studies (i.e., IVP, urinalysis, cystourethrogram, PSA)
• Cystoscopy 
• TRUS 
• Measurement of flow rate (The average flow for men with BPH is less than 15 ml per second.)
• Measurement of post-void residual urine
• Measurement of pressure in the bladder during?urination?

Medical therapies:

• Alpha 1-blockers - These drugs also used to treat high blood pressure, which relax the muscles of the bladder neck and allow urination to occur more easily
• Antibiotics - Chronic inflammation of the prostate (prostatitis) may be relieved by antibiotic treatment.
• Finasteride - This drug reduces prostate hormone levels, which reduces the size of the prostate and allows for increased urinary flow.

Surgical therapies:

• TherMatrx 
• TURP 
• Laporoscopic prostatectomy - Surgery is performed through five small incisions utilizing a laparoscope (similar to an endoscope), which allows examination of the interior of the body without the surgeon's hands entering the body.
• Open prostatectomy - Surgery is performed through an incision through the abdomen or perineal area.