An enlarged prostate, or benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), is a common condition that affects many men as they age. In Canada, about 50% of men over 50 experience moderate to severe urinary symptoms associated with BPH, and this prevalence rises with age. While medications and lifestyle changes can often help in the early stages, sometimes these approaches aren’t enough to provide lasting relief. When symptoms become severe, or when complications start to arise, surgery may be the best path forward.
The good news is that today’s surgical options are way more advanced, effective, and patient-friendly than ever before. We’ll walk you through the most trusted procedures for BPH – TURP, GreenLight, HoLEP, and Aquablation – so you can better understand your choices and feel confident about your next steps.
For many men with BPH, medications or lifestyle changes are the first step in managing symptoms. These approaches can be effective for a while, but they don’t always provide lasting relief. Surgery may become the best solution if:
If any of these situations apply, surgery can offer a long-term solution by directly addressing the obstruction caused by an enlarged prostate. The goal is not just to ease symptoms, but also to protect your bladder and kidneys from further damage and help you regain comfort in your daily life.
At our clinic, we offer several proven procedures, each with its own advantages depending on your health needs and prostate size.
TURP has long been considered the gold standard for BPH surgery. In this procedure, a thin instrument called a resectoscope is inserted through the urethra and carefully trims away excess prostate tissue that is blocking the flow of urine. Because no external incisions are needed, recovery is usually straightforward.
Its benefits include:
TURP usually requires a short hospital stay, and a catheter may be placed for a few days after surgery to help the bladder heal. Some men may also experience temporary side effects such as mild discomfort or urinary urgency, but these typically improve as the healing progresses.
GreenLight uses high-powered light energy to vaporize and remove overgrown prostate tissue. The laser’s precision allows for excellent symptom relief with less bleeding compared to traditional surgery.
GreenLight’s advantages include:
This procedure is best suited for men with mild to moderate prostate enlargement. Since it is less invasive, it can be a good option for men with higher surgical risks or those seeking a faster recovery compared to TURP.
HoLEP is an advanced laser treatment designed to treat even very large prostates. During this procedure, a laser is used to carefully enucleate (or “peel away”) large portions of the prostate tissue. The removed tissue is then taken out of the bladder with a specialized instrument, leaving the urinary passage wide open.
The benefits of HoLEP include:
Because HoLEP is highly specialized, it requires advanced training and experience, which our clinic offers. Some men may need a short hospital stay, but recovery is generally smooth, and most patients notice dramatic improvement in urinary symptoms soon after the surgery.
Aquablation is one of the newest and most innovative treatments for BPH. It uses a robotically controlled waterjet, guided by ultrasound imaging, to remove excess prostate tissue with extreme precision. This allows our surgeon to customize the treatment to your specific anatomy while minimizing damage to surrounding tissue.
Aquablation’s benefits include the following:
Since Aquablation is robot-assisted, it combines the accuracy of advanced imaging with the expertise of our urologist. This approach is particularly beneficial for men seeking a less invasive treatment that still provides strong, long-term relief. Recovery is typically quick, and many men return to normal activities within days.
Living with BPH doesn’t have to mean living with constant discomfort, disrupted sleep, or worries about your health. For many men, surgery offers a safe and lasting solution when other treatments fall short. There are many different options that can help you restore your comfort and quality of life right here at BPH Canada.
The best way to know which procedure is right for you is to talk with our world-class urologist who can tailor treatment to your unique needs. If you’re ready to take the next step toward relief, our team at BPH Canada is here to help guide you every step of the way. Book an appointment today.
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