INDIGO INTERSTITIAL LASER
COAGULATION OF THE PROSTATE
The prostate is a gland in the male located near the bladder and
surrounding the urethra. It is
essential in reproduction and when enlarged can result in obstructive urinary
symptoms. Gradual enlargement is a natural part of the aging process. At least
half of American men over 60 will be affected in some manner by an enlarged
prostate gland. By age 80, 80% of American men will experience symptoms of an
enlarge prostate.
Prostate examination is a quick and painless procedure performed in the
doctor’s office. It can detect
irregularities and help prevent more serious problems later on.
There are many treatments for an enlarged prostate gland. The choice will
often depend on your particular symptoms and medical history.
Medications may first be tried to alleviate the symptoms and reduce the
enlargement. These include Cardura, Proscar, Hytrin, Flomax, and saw palmetto.
Some of the traditional surgical treatments included TURP (resection of the
gland through the urethra), TUIP (transurethral incision of the
prostate/bladder neck), and suprapubic prostatectomy (removal through an
abdominal incision).
Indigo laser coagulation is a procedure performed through a cystoscope
through the urethra. It may successfully be performed in an office setting with
local anesthesia and mild oral sedation.
The diode laser fiber is used to safely destroy a precise area of the
enlarged prostate gland. The tissue destroyed is absorbed naturally into the
body over time, gradually decreasing your obstructive symptoms.
There is no cutting of tissue. A precise area is heated rapidly, coagulated and destroyed. This
affords fewer side effects like incontinence and retrograde ejaculation as seen
with traditional TURP.
If you feel you might benefit from this procedure or would like more
information please contact our office at 610-296-0810. You may also visit the
website www.indigomedical.com.
LAST UPDATED: May 22, 2005