Enlarged prostate or benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a common urological problem with aging men. About half the male population above 50 years of age and 90% over 80 have BPH, according to urologists.
BPH occupied centre stage during discussions at the Annual Conference of Urological Association of Kerala, UAKON 2018, which began here on Saturday.
Dr. V.V. Unnikrishnan, Dean Academics at Kerala University of Health Sciences, Thrissur, inaugurated the conference. UAK president Dr. Krishna Moorthy delivered the keynote address.
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Prostate is a walnut-sized part of the male reproductive system around urethra, the tube that drains out urine. It is positioned below the urinary bladder.
As one ages, it may get larger and squeeze down the urethra, causing thickening of the urinary bladder wall. Consequently, the bladder weakens and loses its ability to empty urine properly, Dr.Venu Chandran, organising secretary, UAKON 2018, said.
“You feel trouble or inability to urinate, loss of bladder control, urinary tract infection, discomfort, and pain. Consult a doctor at the advent of symptoms. Treatment options begin from active surveillance and lifestyle changes, and depending on the progression, urologists advise medication and minimally-invasive surgical managements,” he added.
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BPH is not cancer, nor is it associated with cancer. However, there may be instances where BPH and prostate cancer occur simultaneously, he said.
Dr. Darwin D.Therattil, organising chairman, and Dr. Vijay Radhakrishnan, UAK secretary also spoke. Dr. P. Venugopal, Dr. Ganesh Gopalkrishnan, and Dr. Kandaswami were honoured on the occasion.
Modern methods
The conference has its focus on minimally-invasive surgical procedures employing 3D imaging and robotic laparoscopic techniques.
Panel discussions were held on effective ways for surgical management of BPH. More than 300 expert urologists attended the meet.