ENLARGED PROSTATE TREATMENT OPTIONS

The information below is intended to briefly explain the most common forms of treatment for enlarged prostate, including the Targis™ treatment, a one-time, non-surgical treatment.

The treatment options for moderate to severe BPH include:

  • Targis™ treatment
  • Drug therapy
  • Surgery


Targis™ Treatment

Targis™ treatment is a single, non-surgical treatment that provides relief from the symptoms associated with enlarged prostate.

Targis™ treatment uses a soft flexible catheter to deliver microwave energy to the prostate. The heat generated by the microwave energy destroys the enlarged prostate tissue. Over time the body reabsorbs the destroyed tissue and the once enlarged prostate gets smaller.


Drug Therapy

Some 1.5 million men in the U.S. are currently on a lifetime regimen of prostate medications. These drugs have several limitations.

Studies show that a large number of patients may discontinue the use of the drugs because of limited effectiveness or negative side effects that include:

  • headache and dizziness
  • nausea
  • impotence
In addition, the long-term use of drugs can cost as much as $12,000 to $18,000 - depending on the patient's age when he begins taking the drugs.


Surgery

BPH surgery known as Transurethral Resection of the Prostate, or TURP, was performed on about 150,000 men last year. During the surgery, the surgeon removes the prostatic urethra and diseased prostate tissue.

Surgery has some drawbacks. These drawbacks include a 1- to 4-day hospital stay, general or spinal anesthesia and a recovery at home of up to four weeks. In addition, potential long-term complications include impotence, incontinence and retrograde ejaculation.

Possible TURP complications and their frequency of occurrence:
 

Short term

  
Blood transfusion 12.5%
Urinary tract infection 15.5%

Long term
Incontinence 3.1%
Impotence 13.6%
Retrograde ejaculation 73.4%
Late complications 3.7%
 
Additional limitations of TURP include:

Hospitalization is required
Patient recovery period of 1 to 4 weeks
Total cost of procedure is $6,000 to $12,000

Learn more about Targis™ treatment.