Italian Men Tackle Enlarged Prostate with Personalized Treatment Options
Enlarged prostate, also known as benign prostatic hypertrophy or adenoma, affects millions of Italian men every year, with statistics showing that it impacts up to 80% of males over the age of 70. The condition, which is likened to a peach with a stone inside, can cause a range of urinary symptoms as the prostate gland increases in size.
According to Giario Conti, national secretary of the Italian Society of Urological Oncology (SIUrO), the enlargement is progressive and can lead to urinary blockage if left untreated. While medication is often used to manage symptoms, surgery becomes necessary when the enlargement is significant and negatively impacts a patient’s quality of life.
There are various surgical options available, each tailored to the size of the adenoma and the patient’s clinical conditions. From transurethral incisions to laser treatments, specialists work to create space within the prostate to allow for normal urination. While most surgeries are well-tolerated with minimal complications, patients may experience temporary side effects such as burning or increased frequency of urination post-operation.
In recent years, minimally invasive therapies have emerged as alternatives for smaller adenomas, offering outpatient or day hospital procedures that are easier to tolerate. These new treatments, such as intraprostatic stents and Urolift devices, aim to improve symptoms without the risk of retrograde ejaculation.
Early diagnosis is key in managing enlarged prostate, with symptoms including difficulty starting urination, urgency, and recurrent urinary infections. By undergoing simple tests such as ultrasound and flowmetry, men can receive an accurate diagnosis and begin suitable treatment to improve their quality of life.
As advancements in treatment continue to evolve, Italian men facing enlarged prostate can take comfort in the personalized and effective options available to address their condition.
Date: April 1, 2024
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