Benign prostatic hyperplasia (bph): Compare Costs for a treatment abroad

About the disease

Benign prostatic hyperplasia is a condition that troubles almost each male. It is characterised by a rapid development and pronounced symptoms. The disease is quite tricky, since it rarely manifests itself at an early stage. Therefore, most men do not have timeous treatment because there are no symptoms. The disease is difficult to detect, and once it is detected numerous methods involving the use of drugs fail to be effective. In such cases specialists recommend surgery. 

Benign prostatic hyperplasia usually develops after the age of 40. According to statistics, disease incidence rate in men at the age of 40-50 accounts for 20%; at the age of 50-80 the incidence rate is 50% and after 80 years of age – 90%. The disease not only deprives males of their sexual drive, but also severely affects urination. 

The tumour is benign and does not affect adjacent organs and systems. The tissue growth provokes considerable difficulties for urination. Due to this fact patients complain about pain and discomfort. 

Symptoms 

The symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia are not constant and rarely manifest themselves during the early stage of the disease. The condition has the following symptoms:

• Problems with urination requiring considerable efforts and time
• Inability to empty the bladder without assistance
• Weak urine steam
• Intermittent urination

Diagnosis 

Modern diagnostic methods are based on the use of innovative equipment and devices. Due to these opportunities, benign prostatic hyperplasia can be diagnosed at the most initial stage. Therefore, it is possible to develop a plan of the most effective treatment and to professionally monitor all changes. The most common diagnostic techniques include:

• Testing
• Rectal examination by palpation 
• Urine test 
• Ultrasound
• Steam pressure test
• Cystoscopy 

Treatment 

• To treat benign prostatic hyperplasia, modern medicine, both national and international, use inhibitors. They can partially reduce the size of the tumour. If the efforts of specialists show good results, the quality and stream of the urine improves. 
• Surgery provides the best effect. The decision to undergo surgery can be made at any stage of the disease. The excision of benign prostatic hyperplasia is performed through the urinary tract. If the patient suffers from obesity, it is necessary to preserve sexual functions.
• Open adenomectomy is also used. It is performed through the abdominal wall. This technique is used to remove large tumours. Nowadays, surgery is still the best and most effective method to help patients with serious complications. The analysis of the situation shows that 25% of the patients are not satisfied with the outcome of such treatment. The cause is that the previous symptoms remain.  A significant reduction of symptoms occurs only in patients with a severe form of the disease. 
• Transurethral needle ablation removes benign prostatic hyperplasia by radiofrequency ablation.
• Transurethral microwave thermotherapy uses electromagnetic waves to kill benign prostatic hyperplasia by heat. 
• Transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) is a removal of benign prostatic hyperplasia without external incisions. 
• Resection of the prostate (TURP) with green laser is the latest treatment for benign prostatic hyperplasia, which accelerates the patients’ recovery.