Introduction
Due to the anatomical position of the prostate directly around the urethra, sooner or later patients suffering from an enlarged prostate will experience obstructions in the flow of urine. On the one hand, the resulting problems with urination are simply unpleasant, but on the other hand they can also cause secondary problems. These include bladder stones, urinary tract infections or even kidney damage.
After a conservative therapy attempt, an operation is often necessary. A distinction is made between procedures in which the prostate is completely or partially removed and those in which the symptoms are improved by minor surgical or physical measures. The prostate tissue can be treated in such a way that it can then be broken down by the body itself.
On the one hand, the prostate gland can be operated on “transurethrally”, i.e. through the urethra as a natural access route. On the other hand, access routes through the abdominal wall are also possible. If these prostate removal procedures cannot be used, e.g. due to many previous illnesses, there is also the possibility of keeping the urethra itself open with a stent.
Transurethral prostate resection
In transurethral prostate resection (TUR prostate), the prostate is removed through the urethra. This is the current standard procedure for treatment of prostate enlargement and has been used for a very long time. An endoscopic instrument is inserted.
With this instrument, the prostate tissue can be removed by means of a bipolar electrical incision. This has the advantage that hardly any bleeding occurs. In addition, it is possible to salvage the removed tissue with a sling and thus to examine it histopathologically.
Since the endoscope is used to operate under visual control, surrounding tissue can be spared. Injuries to the bladder sphincter muscle, which could lead to long-term incontinence, are also easily avoided. In most cases, a long-term improvement of the symptoms and especially of the urine flow is necessary.
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