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International Medical Services › Servicii medicale › Clinici și secții › Urology › General Urology › Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia

Treatment of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a common condition in men in which an enlarged prostate compresses the urethra. This can lead to symptoms such as increased urinary frequency (pollakiuria), reduced urinary flow (dysuria), and nocturnal urination (nocturia).

The Prostate Disease Center at the Medical Center - University of Freiburg specializes in both benign and malignant disorders of the prostate. Treatment is carried out in close collaboration with the Departments of Urology, Oncology, Radiation Therapy, Radiology, Nuclear Medicine, and Pathology. This multidisciplinary approach ensures that each patient receives an optimal and personalized treatment plan.

Diagnostics of Benign Prostatic Conditions

  • Transrectal Ultrasound (TRUS) – accurate assessment of prostate size and morphology
  • Uroflowmetry – measurement of urinary flow rate and detection of bladder outlet obstruction
  • Post-void Residual Measurement – determination of the remaining urine volume after voiding
  • PSA (Prostate-Specific Antigen) Test – early detection of prostate cancer risk

Medical Therapy for BPH

  • Alpha-blockers (tamsulosin, alfuzosin, doxazosin, terazosin) – provide rapid symptom relief by relaxing the smooth muscles of the bladder neck and prostate.
     
  • 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors (finasteride, dutasteride) – reduce prostate size but may cause sexual side effects; they also lower PSA levels by approximately 50%, which must be considered during cancer diagnostics.

Surgical Treatment of BPH

  • Transurethral Resection of the Prostate (TURP) – the standard surgical method to remove excess prostate tissue via the urethra under anesthesia.
  • Laser Therapy – minimally invasive options including GreenLight laser and HoLEP (Holmium Laser Enucleation of the Prostate).
  • Aquablation – removal of prostate tissue using high-precision waterjet technology.
  • UroLift System – mechanical widening of the urethra without tissue removal.
     
    • Suitable for patients with moderate prostate enlargement (up to approx. 60 cm³) and without a prominent median lobe
    • Procedure duration: approx. 15 minutes; can be performed under local anesthesia
    • Sexual function is preserved; no retrograde ejaculation
    • Clinical effect lasts for at least 5 years

What Is the Difference Between Prostate Adenoma and Prostatitis?

  • Prostate adenoma (BPH) is a benign enlargement of the central portion of the prostate that typically occurs with age.
  • Prostatitis is an inflammation of the prostate gland that can occur at any age. It may be acute or chronic and is sometimes caused by bacteria (bacterial prostatitis, often acute). Non-bacterial prostatitis also occurs, usually in chronic forms.

BPH leads to a persistent increase in prostate size. In prostatitis, the prostate may enlarge temporarily due to inflammation. When the inflammation subsides, the prostate usually returns to its normal size.

Prevention and Follow-Up Care

  • Regular follow-up examinations to monitor treatment results and detect changes at an early stage
  • Detailed lifestyle and preventive recommendations to slow disease progression
  • Individualized postoperative follow-up programs to support recovery and prevent recurrence

Appointment and Contact

📞 Phone: +49 761 270 21310
📧 E-mail: info-international@uniklinik-freiburg.de
🌐 Online request