Indications for treatment
Most problems are related to the inability to empty your bladder from prostate obstruction. These include:
Sudden inability to urinate (urinary retention). You might need to have a tube (catheter) inserted into your bladder to drain the urine.
Urinary tract infections (UTIs). Bacteria can grow in urine that is not completely emptied from your bladder.
Bladder stones. Stones may form in urine that is not completely emptied from your bladder. These stones can cause infection, bladder irritation, blood in the urine and obstruction of urine flow.
Bladder damage. A bladder that hasn’t emptied completely can stretch and weaken over time. As a result, the muscular wall of the bladder no longer contracts properly, making it harder to fully empty your bladder.
Kidney damage. Pressure in the bladder from urinary retention can directly damage the kidneys or allow bladder infections to reach the kidneys.
Most men with an enlarged prostate don’t develop these complications. However, acute urinary retention and kidney damage can be serious health threats.
Traditional absolute indications for surgical
therapy included recurrent urinary retention, recurrent urinary tract infections, recurrent prostatic bleeding, bladder stones, renal failure secondary to bladder outlet restriction. Relative indications include intolerance of medications and poor quality of life secondary to lower urinary tract symptoms.
The best procedure for you depends on your prostate size and shape, your overall health and your personal choice.