Minimally invasive surgical therapies (MIST) for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) are procedures that can be done without general anesthesia or a hospital stay.
These minimally invasive procedures have minimal downtime, are outpatient procedures, and do not always require patients to wear a catheter post-procedure. Patients who undergo these treatments are able to return to their daily activities within a few days after the procedure. They relieve patients of BPH symptoms without the use of medications or permanent implants, and allow patients to experience symptom relief within two weeks.
There are three common MIST treatments that treat symptoms of BPH safely and effectively: Rezum, iTind, and UroLift.
The main difference between MIST treatments and other BPH treatments is that they are minimally invasive with minimal downtime.
Patients do not have to spend time in the hospital, or take siginficant time off. Instead, they are able to return to their regular activities within a couple of days.
MIST treatments can preserve sexual function. They do not generally produce sexual side effects, nor do they interfere with patients’ ability to perform during intercourse. Patients have reported that these treatments do not cause new onset, sustained erectile or ejaculatory dysfunction that may arise with other BPH treatments.
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The procedures for each MIST treatment are relatively similar. They all have the ability to be performed without a hospital stay.
Rezum Water Vapor Therapy
For Rezum Water Vapor Therapy, during each 9-second treatment, sterile water vapor is released throughout the targeted prostate tissue. When the steam contacts the prostate tissue, all the stored energy is released into the tissue. Your doctor will determine the amount of treatments you need, based on the size of your prostate. Over time, your body’s natural healing response absorbs the treated tissue, shrinking the prostate. With the extra tissue removed, the urethra opens, reducing BPH symptoms.
iTind
UroLift
Zenflow Spring
The Zenflow Spring clinical trial evaluates a new investigational treatment, to relieve symptoms of an enlarged prostate. The permanent Spring Implant is small nitinol implant that is delivered via the urethra using a flexible cystoscope. Once inserted, it keeps the urethra open and prohibits it from becoming too narrow again. This allows the urinary flow rate to return to normal, and provides patients with relief from their symptoms that were caused by an enlarged prostate and narrow urethra.
Optilume
With Optilume, a catheter is inserted into the urethra up to the location of the prostate. Once the catheter is set in place, a cylindrical balloon is inflated to press against the prostate tissue, creating a passageway for urine to flow through. As the balloon expands, it creates micro fissures in the tissue. The coating of the balloon releases a therapeutic medication directly onto the fissured tissue. This medication reduces cell proliferation and fibrotic scar tissue generation, which helps relieve urinary obstruction and improves the flow of urine.
Contino
With Contino, you self-insert the Contino device into your urethra and remove it prior to urination. It is fairly easy and comfortable to use. The Contino device enables you to control when you urinate, avoiding inconvenient and embarrassing messes. You simply remove the device when you need to urinate and reinsert afterwards. It is easy, comfortable, and convenient. No adult diapers or bags required.
The duration for each MIST treatment varies, but they are overall generally short.
The recovery period for MIST treatments is typically short. Patients are able to return to their daily activities within a few days after the procedure, and may not require a catheter to be put in place. Most patients experience symptom relief within two weeks after the procedure.
The most common risks or side effects associated with MIST treatments include:
If you believe that MIST treatments may not be the best option for you, there are other BPH treatments available besides MIST. These include surgical options, such as Turp, GreenLight, HoLEP, and Aquablation. Other options include medication, such as Alpha Blockers, 5-Alpha Reductase Inhibitors, and PDE-5 Inhibitors.
Effective BPH symptom relief with minimally invasive and low risk treatments.
