What causes prostate trouble?

Your prostate gland is an organ that lies under your bladder and surrounds your urethra (tube that carries urine and semen to the tip of your penis). Prostate trouble is caused by the growth of your prostate gland.

It is normal for your prostate gland to get larger with age. If the gland tightens around your urethra, it can interrupt the flow of urine from your bladder.

What are the benefits of surgery?

You should get a better flow of urine and improved bladder emptying, and not need to pass urine as often during the night.

Are there any alternatives to surgery?

For most men an operation is not essential. There are medications available to treat the condition but this is rarely a permanent solution.

What does the operation involve?

The operation is performed under a general or spinal anaesthetic. The operation usually takes less than an hour.

Your surgeon will place a resectoscope (a small operating telescope) into your urethra. They will make small cuts in the neck of your bladder where the prostate is restricting the flow of urine. This will open the neck of your bladder to relieve the pressure and improve the flow.

How can I prepare myself for the operation?

If you smoke, stopping smoking now may reduce your risk of developing complications and will improve your long-term health.

Try to maintain a healthy weight. You have a higher risk of developing complications if you are overweight.

Regular exercise should help to prepare you for the operation, help you to recover and improve your long-term health. Before you start exercising, ask the healthcare team or your GP for advice.

Speak to the healthcare team about any vaccinations you might need to reduce your risk of serious illness while you recover. When you come into hospital, practise hand washing and wear a face covering when asked.

What complications can happen?

Some complications can be serious and can even cause death.

General complications of any operation

• bleeding
• infection
• allergic reaction to the equipment, materials or medication
• blood clot in your leg
• blood clot in your lung
• chest infection

Specific complications of this operation

• problems having an erection
• difficulty passing urine
• needing to pass urine more often and sudden urges to pass urine
• incontinence
• reduction in fertility
• narrowing of your urethra

Consequences of this procedure

• pain

How soon will I recover?

You should be able to go home the next day.

You will feel a stinging pain the first few times you pass urine.

Do not do strenuous exercise during this time. After 2 weeks build up your activity level gradually. You should be able to return to work after 2 to 3 weeks, depending on your type of work.

Regular exercise should help you to return to normal activities as soon as possible. Before you start exercising, ask the healthcare team or your GP for advice.

Most men make a good recovery, with a large improvement in their symptoms.

Your prostate gland can grow larger again and symptoms can come back and be worse. You may need another operation.

Summary

Prostate problems are common. If your medication does not help or symptoms are severe, a bladder-neck incision should relieve your symptoms.

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