Treatment for Patients With Prior Prostate Surgery

We recently had a patient, who had prostate surgery 23 years ago and is once again experiencing BPH symptoms, ask if he is a candidate for an in-office procedure. Our reply:

No procedure for BPH or Enlarged Prostate can guarantee complete resolution of symptoms for life. As such, there are times when patients need to consider their options for re-treatment if or when the symptoms of BPH do eventually return.

Since everyone’s medical situation is unique, patients should always discuss specific medical issues directly with their urologist. After all, a treatment plan requires a thorough examination of the current situation and prior medical history. The previous surgery may affect and limit the treatment options that are currently available. For example, Prostiva RF Therapy  is not for patients whose prostate has been previously treated with such therapies as Transurethral Microwave Therapy (TUMT), Laser, or Transurethral Resection of the Prostate (TURP). While Cooled ThermoTherapy (a form of TUMT) does not have that specific restriction, the safety and effectiveness of the procedure has not been established in patients with prior prostatic surgery. Again, only a qualified physician can offer viable options.

A urologist will conduct a complete evaluation to determine your current medical condition. Based on the results of that assessment, the urologist will advise you if treatment is recommended.