For many people who are suffering from an enlarged prostate drug treatment is the answer and can lower prostate symptoms to a satisfactory level. For others however drug treatment does not prove helpful or is not a viable choice and the doctor will advise one of a number of minimally invasive surgical procedures.

The first procedure to consider is catheterization which is the use of a catheter inserted through the penis and into the bladder to act as a drain and is usually considered only as a temporary solution. Catheterization is primarily used for individuals who are waiting for the affects of drug treatment to kick in (a lot of drugs used in enlarged prostate treatment can take 6 to 12 months before they show results) or for other surgical procedures. Catheterization can also be helpful in treating prostate infections.

The second procedure to think about is known as Holmium laser enucleation prostate (HoLEP). This procedure, which is performed under anesthesia and needs a short 1 to 2 day stay in hospital, involves the insertion of a resectoscope through the penis and into the urethra. Once positioned a laser is then passed through the resectoscope and is used to remove tissue from the prostate.

Interstitial laser coagulation is another treatment that is similar to HoLEP. This treatment is once again performed under anesthetic although patients are not normally required to remain in hospital overnight. In this treatment a cystoscope, which consists of a metal tube through which a laser and optical lens can be passed, is used to burn away tissue from the prostate with laser energy.

In those cases where the patient is unable to tolerate anesthetic a prostatic stent may be used. Stenting is the placement of a spring-like device in the urethra where it passes through the prostate in order to keep the urethra open. Unhappily there are one or two problems associated with this type of enlarged prostate treatment and it is normally used only for individuals who are suffering from additional medical problems and for whom surgery presents too high a risk.

Transurethral microwave thermotherapy of the prostate (TUMT) is yet another form of minimally invasive surgery which does not involve full anesthesia or hospitalization and is performed under a local anesthetic and oral pain medication. In this case a catheter is inserted through the penis and computer controlled microwaves are used to heat up and shrink parts of the prostate.

Another office-based procedure is known as the transurethral radio frequency needle ablation of the prostate (TUNA). In this case medication and light anesthesia are employed to make the patient sleepy and prostate tissue is heated using radio frequency energy transmitted through several needles placed directly into the prostate. This treatment at first produces a swelling of the prostate which is followed by shrinkage and individuals will usually need to use a catheter for a short period after the treatment.

There are clearly a variety of different types of minimally invasive surgery available for the treatment of an enlarged prostate and individuals must discuss each of these with their doctor to determine which will best suit their specific circumstances.

ProstateProblemCenter.com provides a wealth of information about prostate problems including treatment for an enlarged prostate