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Treating BPH With Prostatic Stent

Dr. Alan Sadah serves as a urologist at Metro Chicago Surgical Oncology in Chicago, Illinois. Dr. Alan Sadah treats prostate conditions using a variety of techniques including prostatic stenting.

Enlarged prostate, or benign prostatic hyperplasia, is a common condition of aging in men. The prostate grows and begins to exert pressure on the urethra, which in turn leads to a number of urinary symptoms.
Many urologists treat benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) with prostatic stenting. This involves the placement of a cylindrical structure, made of plastic or metal, within the urethra. The stent helps the urethra to maintain a healthy width and makes it easier for the man to urinate.
Often a secondary lien of treatment, prostatic stents may be recommended for men who would be unable to tolerate a catheter or transurethral microwave thermotherapy (TUMT) treatment. It is generally considered a short-term intervention, as it leaves the patient vulnerable to such side effects as blockage and incontinence.
Placement of the stent typically takes between 15 and 90 minutes and is performed under regional anesthesia. Most patients can return home the same day.