BPH - Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia

In men urine flows from the bladder through the urethra. BPH is a benign (noncancerous) enlargement of the prostate that blocks the flow of urine through the urethra. The prostate cells gradually multiply creating an enlargement that puts pressure on the urethra through which urine and semen exit the body.

As the urethra narrows the bladder has to contract more forcefully to push urine through the body. Over time, the bladder muscle may gradually become stronger, thicker, and overly sensitive; it begins to contract even when it contains small amounts of urine, causing a need to urinate frequently. Eventually, the bladder muscle cannot overcome the effect of the narrowed urethra so urine remains in the bladder and it is not completely emptied. When the bladder does not empty completely you become at risk for developing urinary tract infections. Other serious problems can also develop over time including bladder stones, blood in the urine, incontinence and acute urinary retention (an inability to urinate).

Prostate Surgery

The symptoms of prostate enlargement can be following:

A weak or slow urinary stream
A feeling of incomplete bladder emptying
Difficulty starting urination
Frequent urination
Urgency to urinate
Getting up frequently at night to urinate
A urinary stream that starts and stops
Straining to urinate
Continued dribbling of urine
Returning to urinate again minutes after finishing

The treatment for prostate enlargement surgery is basically a surgery called TURP. The surgery is done either through a minimally invasive approach or through laser. Most of the urologists in India prefer doing the surgery through laser as it has faster recovery and almost zero blood loss. Post surgery the resected part is sent for biopsy to rule out any chance of prostate cancer. However the best part with prostate cancer is that it is treatable and a person can lead a normal life.

Best Doctors and Cost

Dr Subhabrata Ganguly is one of the best Urologist for doing the Prostate Surgery for BPH. Prostate treatment in India whether medical or surgical is taken care by urologist. Best urologist in India for prostate surgery, both through minimally invasive and laser approach is Dr Singh. The cost of the surgery depends upon the type of surgery performed. The cost of a minimally invasive prostate surgery would be approximately Rs. 90,000 - 1,10,000 whereas the cost of laser prostate surgery would be approximately Rs. 1,50,000 - 2,00,000. In both the cases hospital stay for patient remains 1-2 days. If the biopsy results indicate prostate cancer then the surgery is followed by Chemotherapy and or radiation therapy.

If you have an individual health insurance policy then this surgery is covered after a period of 2 years from the date of inception of the policy. However if you are a beneficiary of company given policy then the surgery is covered from day one. Always go through the terms of your health insurance policy like room rent capping and co-payment to avoid any kind of financial shocks later on.