Urology Institute of Houston

A comparison of a normal prostate and an enlarged (obstructed) prostate. Notice how the space between the prostatic lobes for urine to pass shrinks to a small sliver in the enlarged prostate.	A view of an enlarged prostate through a cystoscope. Notice how the prostatic lobes occlude the opening that previously separated them. This can be treated with multiple different minimally invasive modalities.
When medical therapy for an enlarged prostate (BPH) fails there are several minimally invasive options available. These can be subdivided into the procedures that can be performed in the office and those that are performed in the operating room. Office based options include microwave thermoablation of the prostate and Indigo laser ablation. These procedures can be safely and painlessly performed in the office. They are particularly useful for patients who can not tolerate anesthesia. They are also a great option for patients taking coumadin or other blood thinners who also need a prostatic resection. Hospital based minimally invasive options include holmium laser ablation of the prostate and green light laser ablation of the prostate. Both of these options usually allow for a same day discharge home. These operations also are associated with less blood loss and fewer electrolyte abnormalities than with a traditional transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP). Advantages of Minimally Invasive Prostate Surgery for BPH:	The prolieve catheter ablates and dilates the prostate while keeping the urethra cool. The net effect is to reduce the offending part of the prostate while keeping the urethra cool and intact. Therapies offered at Urology Institute of Houston:
Less Pain Less Bleeding Home Same Day Fewer Electrolyte Changes Can Operate While on Blood Thinners Great Urine Flow Lasting Results	Cooled Tranurethral Microwave Therapy (TUMT) Prolieve Microwave Therapy Indigo Laser Holmium Laser Green Light Laser Bipolar TURP