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What is Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)?
Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a health issue that becomes more common with age. It’s also called an enlarged prostate. The prostate is a small gland that helps make semen. It’s found just below the bladder. And it often gets bigger as you get older.
An enlarged prostate can cause symptoms that may bother you, such as blocking the flow of urine out of the bladder. It also can cause bladder, urinary tract or kidney problems.
How Many Types Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)?
The type of hernia you experience is determined by its location. Most hernias develop in the groin, either at or near the internal ring, which serves as the entrance to a canal connecting the abdomen and groin. Hernias can also manifest in the abdomen, thigh, or genital areas.
Specific types of hernias include:
- Incisional hernia: Forms at the site of a previous surgical incision.
- Umbilical hernia: Develops at the belly button (navel).
- Hiatal hernia: Occurs in the diaphragm and rib cage.
- Inguinal hernia: Forms in the groin, typically at or near the internal ring.
- Femoral hernia: This appears just below the groin.
- Epigastric hernia: Manifests in the upper abdomen at the midline.
While other types of hernias can occur, they are uncommon.
What's the difference between a Direct Inguinal hernia and an Indirect Inguinal Hernia?
What is the main cause of Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)?
The prostate gland is located beneath the bladder. The tube that moves urine from the bladder out of the penis is called the urethra. This tube passes through the center of the prostate. When the prostate gets bigger, it starts to block urine flow.
The prostate is a gland that typically keeps growing throughout life. This growth often enlarges the prostate enough to cause symptoms or to block urine flow.
It isn’t clear what causes the prostate to get bigger. It might be due to changes in the balance of sex hormones as you grow older.
What are the symptoms of an Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)?
Common symptoms of BPH include:
- Frequent or urgent need to pee, also called urination.
- Peeing more often at night.
- Trouble starting to pee.
- Weak urine stream, or a stream that stops and starts.
- Dribbling at the end of urination.
- Not being able to fully empty the bladder.
Less common symptoms include:
- Urinary tract infection.
- Not being able to pee.
- Blood in the urine.
The symptoms of BPH tend to slowly get worse. But sometimes they stay the same or even improve over time.
The size of the prostate doesn’t always determine how serious the symptoms are. Some people with slightly enlarged prostates can have major symptoms. Others who have very enlarged prostates can have minor problems. And some people with enlarged prostates don’t have any symptoms at all.
Other possible causes of urinary symptoms
Some other health problems can lead to symptoms that are like those caused by enlarged prostate. These include:
- Urinary tract infection.
- Inflamed prostate.
- Narrowing of the urethra, the tube that carries urine out of the body.
- Scarring in the bladder neck due to past surgery.
- Bladder or kidney stones.
- Problems with nerves that control the bladder.
- Cancer of the prostate or bladder.
Some medicines also may lead to symptoms that seem like those caused by BPH. These include:
- Powerful pain-relieving medicines called opioids.
- Cold and allergy medicines.
- Older medicines for depression called tricyclic antidepressants.
The symptoms of BPH tend to slowly get worse. But sometimes they stay the same or even improve over time.
The size of the prostate doesn’t always determine how serious the symptoms are. Some people with slightly enlarged prostates can have major symptoms. Others who have very enlarged prostates can have minor problems. And some people with enlarged prostates don’t have any symptoms at all.
How serious is an inguinal hernia?
Hernias can worsen over time as the weakened opening allows more tissue to push through. This can lead to painful complications, including trapping and potential blockage of the intestine or compromised blood supply. If your hernia is causing discomfort, surgery is often recommended to prevent worsening. Even if you’re not experiencing symptoms, healthcare providers may monitor it, but most inguinal hernias tend to become symptomatic eventually. In children, and particularly for individuals assigned female at birth (AFAB), prompt treatment is generally advised due to a higher risk of complications.
Management and Treatment
What is the best treatment for inguinal hernia?
Healthcare providers often recommend surgery for most inguinal hernias, especially in children and those assigned female at birth (AFAB), as they are more prone to dangerous complications. In adults assigned male at birth (AMAB) with small, asymptomatic hernias, a wait-and-watch approach may be taken, but treatment is usually necessary eventually. If surgery poses risks due to health conditions, alternative options like hernia reduction and the use of a belt or truss may be considered to manage and prevent further growth.
What will happen if an inguinal hernia is left untreated?
A direct inguinal hernia penetrates directly through the wall of your inguinal canal. This type of hernia occurs in adults over time, from a combination of weakening abdominal muscles and chronic pressure on the muscle wall.
Risk factors of Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)?
- Aging: An enlarged prostate gland rarely causes symptoms before age 40. After that, the chance of having an enlarged prostate and related symptoms starts to rise.
- Family history: Having a blood relative with prostate problems makes you more likely to have problems with your prostate.
- Diabetes and heart disease: Studies show that diabetes might raise the risk of BPH. So might heart disease.
- Lifestyle: Obesity raises the risk of BPH. Exercise can help lower the risk.
What are the possible complications of Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)?
- Not being able to pee. This also is called urinary retention. You might need to have a tube called a catheter placed into your bladder to drain the urine. Some people with an enlarged prostate need surgery to get relief.
- Urinary tract infections (UTIs). Not being able to fully empty the bladder can raise the risk of infection in the urinary tract. If you often get UTIs, you might need surgery to remove part of the prostate.
- Bladder stones. These are most often caused by being unable to fully empty the bladder. Bladder stones can cause illness, bladder irritation, blood in the urine and blocked urine flow.
- Bladder damage. A bladder that doesn’t empty fully can stretch and weaken over time. As a result, the muscular wall of the bladder no longer squeezes properly to force urine out. And this makes it harder to fully empty the bladder.
- Kidney damage. Pressure in the bladder from not being able to pee can damage the kidneys or let bladder infections reach the kidneys.
Treatment for BPH lowers the risk of these complications. But urinary retention and kidney damage can be serious health threats.
Having an enlarged prostate is not thought to raise the risk of getting prostate cancer.
Difference between Laser and Open surgery
| Difference | Open Surgery | Laser Treatment |
|---|---|---|
Cut |
Yes |
No |
Scar |
Yes (High Chance) |
No |
Bleeding |
High |
Very Minimal |
Time to Complete |
30-45 Minutes |
15-30 Minutes |
Risk of Infection |
Yes |
No |
Recovery Time |
Slow |
Fast |
Back to Daily routine |
1-2 Weeks |
1-2 days |
Hospitalization |
3-4 Days |
24 Hours |
Success Rate |
High |
High |
Prevention
To reduce the chances of hernia recurrence following surgery, it is advised to:
- Refrain from heavy lifting, as it elevates abdominal pressure.
- Avoid straining during urination, and address conditions like benign prostatic hyperplasia to enhance urination.
- Manage chronic constipation, which contributes to increased abdominal pressure. Incorporating high-fiber foods, fruits, vegetables, and whole grains into your diet can aid in preventing constipation and straining.
- Control the causes of chronic cough, such as addressing common colds and quitting smoking.
Advantage of Laproscopic Treatment for Piles.
| Laser Treatment |
|---|
Minimanal Pain |
No cut /No Stitches |
Spinal Anaesthesia |
24 hour Hospital Admission |
Join duty with in 2-3 Days |
Internationally acclaimed laser machine, US FDA approved |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Inguinal Hernia
The average cost of hernia surgery in India is Rs. 90,000. The actual cost will differ from one patient to another due to factors like severity, type of surgery, surgeon’s fee, etc.
The hernia belt price ranges from Rs. 500 to Rs. 3,000 or more. The hernia belts are available for different types of hernias. So, while purchasing, ensure that you are buying the right type of belt.
Generally, hernia surgery is safe, and there are no long-term side effects. However, in some cases, patients may develop hernia mesh complications, such as mesh adhesion, migration, shrinkage, etc. In some cases, the non-absorbable mesh may undergo degradation, and the absorbable mesh will get absorbed and lose strength over time. These side effects can make the patient vulnerable to hernia again.
Small and asymptomatic hernias can be managed without surgery, but it should be noted that a hernia cannot heal itself. Surgical repair is the only effective treatment for all types of hernias.
No. During hernia surgery, general anesthesia is administered by the doctor, which numbs the body. Thus, the patient doesn’t feel any kind of pain or discomfort during the procedure. However, after the surgery, there will be mild to moderate pain in the surgical site. To manage the pain, the doctor will prescribe pain medications.
For 90-98% of patients, hernia surgery is not dangerous. There are certain risks and complications associated with the surgery, but most of them can be managed with proper pre and post-op care. It’ll be best to talk to an expert doctor to find out if hernia surgery has any impending dangers for your case specifically.
In general, laparoscopic umbilical hernia surgery is considered better for most patients because it is minimally invasive. However, in certain cases, open surgery may be preferred for safety reasons or better access to the herniated organ. The best option will be determined by the surgeon after a series of diagnostic tests and thorough evaluations.
Some common dos and don’t to follow after inguinal hernia surgery are:
- Don’t lift objects heavier than 10 kg or 20 pounds for at least one month.
- Don’t perform any strenuous activity or exercise for 2-4 weeks.
- Don’t strain the surgical site or wear tight clothes.
- Do walk around to improve blood circulation and promote healing.
- Do take a healthy and balanced diet.
- Do take the prescribed medications and regular follow-ups with the doctor.
After umbilical hernia surgery, patients are often advised to sleep in an elevated position in the first 1-2 days to prevent breathing issues. Sleeping straight can put additional stress on the abdominal muscles and the surgical site. It’ll be best to use a recliner or pillow to provide keep the upper body elevated.
Doctors often advise wearing compression shorts or tight-fitting boxer briefs to patients after inguinal hernia surgery. They provide support to the groin region and help to reduce swelling.
Swelling after inguinal hernia surgery can last for 2-3 weeks. In some patients, the swelling may persist longer. It should be noted that swelling after surgery is normal and a part of the healing process. However, if the swelling increases after the 1st week, it’s crucial to consult the doctor right away.
The patients are strictly advised to avoid lifting heavy objects after inguinal hernia surgery for a month or so. In the first week, avoid lifting objects that are heavier than 4 kg or 8 pounds. In the upcoming weeks, the patient will be able to lift objects that weigh around 5-8 kg. However, it’s advised to avoid lifting more than 10 kg until the recovery is complete.
Typically, if the hernia size is between 1 cm to 3 cm or larger, it’ll be best to consult a hernia doctor to determine whether surgery is needed. If a hernia is smaller than 1 cm, the doctor may recommend watchful waiting. However, if the size is larger than 1 cm, the decision of surgery will be made according to the severity of the condition.
