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Urology and Urologic Surgery A Problem that Affects Millions of Men  Benign Prostate Enlargement Benign prostate enlargement or hypertrophy affects most men over the age of fifty. The incidence of prostate enlargement increases with age and by eighty, 90% of men will experience this problem. Significant numbers of these men will develop symptoms and will require treatment. What Is The Prostate? The prostate is a gland that produces most of the fluid contained in the ejaculate. Because of its location at the opening or neck of the bladder, enlargement of the prostate affects urination. The prostate is often likened to a donut, surrounding the base of the bladder. Urine flows through the opening. Enlargement of the prostate with consequent diminishing of the opening in the "donut," can produce urinary obstruction. How Do I Know If I Have Prostate Enlargement? Health professionals recommend that men over forty have an annual prostate exam (even if they have no symptoms), easily performed as part of a routine physical examination. A doctor checks the size and shape of the prostate by gently palpitating it through the wall of the rectum. This quick and painless examination allows the doctor to find early signs of prostate problems. Prostate enlargement can produce the following symptoms:
Enlargement of the prostate can also produce the following which often require treatment:
Treatment Of The Enlarged Prostate Treatment for benign prostate hypertrophy includes traditional surgery to remove the obstructing tissue, and drug and other therapies. These methods work, but can produce significant side effects and complications. The indigo laser treatment developed by Johnson and Johnson is a new method which is safe and effective and minimizes side effects and complications. What Is Indigo Laser Surgery? Indigo laser surgery is a method of treating prostate enlargement using the new indigo laser. The laser light is introduced into the prostate via a small fiber which is passed through a scope via the urethra. The laser fiber is inserted into the lobes of the gland. The laser is then activated to treat these areas. Subsequently the treated areas will be absorbed by the body resulting in significant shrinkage of the prostate and diminution of symptoms.
Indigo laser surgery is performed safely, quickly, as an outpatient procedure with no hospital stay. Side effects and complications (including sexual and urinary control problems) associated with traditional surgery are rarely seen with Indigo laser surgery.
How Do I Know if Indigo Laser Surgery Is Right For Me? If you have symptoms as herein described, talk to your doctor. You can then visit an Indigo trained urologist, such as Dr. Schrager, who can help determine whether you are a candidate for this new innovative technique.
Visit the Indigo laser website at www.indigomedical.com
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