MR-guided radiotherapy
HCA Healthcare UK invests £15million to introduce advanced MR-guided radiotherapy with Elekta Unity MR Linac
Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH Prostate)
Also known as an enlarged prostate. BPH affects one third of men aged 50 in the UK, with occurrences increasing with age.
What is benign prostatic hyperplasia?
The prostate is a walnut-sized gland below the bladder. Your urethra (urine tube) runs through the prostate. A benign prostatic hyperplasia is an enlarged prostate, the size of the prostate gland does increase with age, however a benign prostate hyperplasia is caused by an excess growth in prostate tissue.
BPH is not normally cancerous, but it can put pressure on the urethra by squeezing it, reducing the flow of urine from the bladder, and making it difficult to pass urine.
Need to know
There a number of symptoms associated with BPH, all classed as lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS):
- weak urine flow
- hesitancy (urine stopping and starting)
- straining when urinating
- taking a long time to urinate
- incomplete emptying of the bladder
- bladder feeling full after urinating
- need to urinate urgently
- frequent trips to the toilet
- nocturia (getting up in the night to urinate)
- dribbling of urine
Your consultant may carry out a number of tests to find out if you have a benign prostate hyperplasia. These might include:
- physical examination, which may include a digital rectal exam (DRE)
- a urine test called a urinalysis
- blood tests, including a PSA screen for prostate cancer
- ultrasound scan to check for urine speed and flow, post-urination residue and your bladder's ability to hold urine
Depending on the outcome of these tests, your urologist may carry out further tests. These might include:
- rodynamic measurements
- transrectal ultrasonography (TRUS)
We offer a number of treatments for BPH, including:
- drug treatments
- transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP)
- transurethral incision of the prostate (TUIP)
- open prostatectomy
- water vapour therapy
Your consultant urologist will discuss your treatment options with you to help you find out which is right for you.
BPH tests & scans
Prostate screening
A prostate screen involves a series of diagnostic tests, scans and assessments designed to detect signs of prostate cancer.
Multi-Parametric (mpMRI) Prostate Scan
An MRI scan that helps diagnose prostate cancer, it can also be used as part of prostate cancer screening.
MRI for body, liver and prostate
MRI is a safe, non-invasive scan that gives clear images of your body, liver and prostate. It helps our specialists quickly diagnose issues and tailor a treatment plan just for you.
BPH treatments
Prostate artery embolisation (PAE)
A minimally invasive, non-surgical procedure to treat an enlarged prostate by shrinking it.
Prostatic urethral lift implant (Urolift)
Prostatic urethral lift implant, also known as a Urolift, is a surgical procedure to treat a non-cancerous enlarged prostate, and it has fewer side-effects than other similar procedures.
Aquablation therapy
Minimally invasive surgical treatment for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), a non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate gland that can cause urinary symptoms such as slow flow, frequent urination, and difficulty emptying the bladder.
Water vapour therapy
UROLOGICAL PROCEDURE FOR BENIGN PROSTATIC HYPERPLASIA (ENLARGED PROSTATE)
Steam treatment for treating non-cancerous enlarged prostates, with fewer side-effects compared to other traditional procedures
Holmium Laser Enucleation of the Prostate (HoLEP)
Gain fast access to our highly experienced specialists at the UK’s leading centre for HoLEP minimally invasive surgery. At HCA UK, we perform more HoLEP procedures than any other private UK provider.
Robotic Prostatectomy
Robot-assisted surgery to remove the prostate. A prostatectomy using the da Vinci© surgical robot is a minimally invasive procedure often used to treat prostate cancer.
Our BPH locations
The Harborne Hospital
Mindelsohn Way B15 2TQ Birmingham
London Bridge Hospital
27 Tooley Street SE1 2PR London
The Wellington Hospital
8A Wellington Place St John's Wood NW8 9LE London
The Wilmslow Hospital
52-54 Alderley Road Wilmslow SK9 1NY Cheshire
The Lister Hospital
Chelsea Bridge Road SW1W 8RH London
The Princess Grace Hospital
42-52 Nottingham Place W1U 5NY London
More about BPH
Understanding your BPH treatment options at HCA Healthcare UK
Mr Marc Laniado, Consultant Urological Surgeon at The Princess Grace Hospital, discusses the treatments available for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and how you can choose the best option for you, including the benefits and any side-effects.