Prostatic Hypertrophy
Prostate Cancer & Kidney Stones
Whether you suffer from benign prostatic hypertrophy, prostate cancer or kidney stones, we can help get you immediate care. Typically, we can get you surgery within 2-3 weeks from the time we receive your diagnostic package. In certain cases, we can get a client surgery within 24 hours. Call or e-mail us to get a accurate quote and timeline for your surgery.
We help you find the private medical services that you need - fast.
Benign Prostatic Hypertrophy (Enlarged Prostate)
The prostate is a gland in the male reproductive system, located inside the body, just below the bladder and in front of the rectum and is about the size of a walnut. It is common for men to find that their prostate has become enlarged as they age. Doctors call this condition benign prostatic hyperplasia or BPH. The symptoms vary, but usually include:
- the need to urinate more frequently or urgently, especially at night
- a weak or interrupted stream
- leaking or dribbling
(Note: Having BPH does not appear to increase the risk of prostate cancer but many of the symptoms are similar so your doctor will always want to rule out cancer.)
In treating BPH, doctors will commonly recommend surgical removal of the prostate. The most frequently recommended procedure is called transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP). As the name suggests, the surgery is performed through the urethra, meaning there is no scar. Sometimes, however, when the gland is greatly enlarged or there are other complicating factors, the doctor will recommend what’s called “open surgery.” This means the surgeon makes an incision across the lower abdomen and will result in a longer recovery time. Laser surgery is another, newer, option.
A growing number of non-surgical options are also available, including HIFU, or high-intensity focused ultrasound. This treatment has been available in Canada since 2005 and so far shows excellent results and lower side effects than surgical procedures. (It is so new that not all physicians are familiar with it and you may have to ask.) Other non-surgical treatments include:
- microwave treatment (TUMT)
- needle ablation (TUNA)
- water-induce thermotherapy
Prostate Cancer
Prostate cancer occurs when malignant cells form in the tissues of the prostate. There are frequently no symptoms associated with prostate cancer so you should have regular screening with your family doctor via physical exam and blood test (PSA.) This becomes especially important as you age. For those who have symptoms, these might include:
- the need to urinate more frequently or urgently, especially at night
- a weak or interrupted stream
- difficulty urinating
- pain or burning during urination.
- blood in the urine or semen.
- pain in the back, hips, or pelvis that doesn’t go away.
- painful ejaculation
To treat prostate cancer, a wide variety of therapies – often used in combination with each other – are available. These include:
- surgery: including TURP, radical prostatectomy and pelvic -lymphadenectomy
- radiation: brachytherapy
- hormone therapy
- cryosurgery
- chemotherapy
- high intensity high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU).
This last treatment has been available in Canada since 2005 and so far shows excellent results and lower side effects than the surgical procedures. (It is so new that not all physicians are familiar with it and you may have to ask.)
The best choice of treatment for you depends on your age and stage of cancer. You should discuss your options thoroughly with your doctor.
Kidney Stones
Kidney stones are created when minerals and other substances in your urine combine, over time, to form crystals on the inner surfaces of your kidneys. If the crystals remain tiny enough, they will travel through the urinary tract and pass out of the body in the urine, without being noticed. If they become larger, however, they can cause excruciating pain as they go through your system. Doctors do not fully understand why some people form kidney stones and others don’t.
A primary form treatment for kidney stones is lithotripsy (ESWL) which is a series of shock waves, used to break up the stones and crush them into particles the size of sand. It requires sedation or light anesthesia because of possible pain caused by the shock waves. Other treatments include: percutaneous nephorolithotomy and removal of the stone using a ureteroscope. Some calcium stones are cause by overactive parathyroid glands (in the neck). Most often this is the result of a small benign tumour in one of the glands and, if this is the case, the tumour can be removed surgically.
Urological Surgery FAQ
As a result of rationing of care by the Canadian public health system and limited operating room times or access to other facilities, your treatment may be delayed and will be subject to being cancelled. As well, certain newer procedures, such as HIFU are performed by only a small number of clinics. Timely Medical Alternatives can help you find the right private clinic to expedite your case so you can get the treatment you need as quickly as possible.
The risks associated with prostate surgery include but are not limited to the risk of anesthesia, bleeding, infection, pneumonia, urinary incontinence and impotence. The risks will vary with the different kind of surgery – and with your health. Non-surgical procedures such as HIFU are thought to carry less risk. Your surgeon is the best person to assess your risks and discuss how to minimize them.
The risks associated with lithotripsy include blood in the urine, bruising, bleeding and discomfort as the pieces of stone pass through the urinary tract. Some people will require a second treatment if the stone doesn’t shatter completely.
Depending on the nature of the procedure, and your overall health, recovery may take several months. If you have had surgery for BPH or prostate cancer, you may be sent home with a catheter, which will be removed after several days. During this initial recovery it’s important to avoid any straining or sudden movements that could tear the incision. Here are some guidelines common to recovery from all urological procedures:
- Continue drinking a lot of water to flush the bladder.
- Avoid straining when having a bowel movement.
- If constipation occurs, ask your doctor if you can take a laxative.
- Don’t do any heavy lifting.
What They're Saying
High Patient Satisfaction & Surgical Quality
Since 2003, Timely Medical Alternatives has been developing a network of over 20 facilities throughout Canada & the U.S., to help our clients access timely surgery at affordable prices. We are able to negotiate discounts of up to 80% off usual and customary hospital pricing, while still maintaining high patient satisfaction & surgical quality.
Learn More About Our Orthopedic Surgery Options
Since 2003, we have developed a network of over 20 facilities throughout Canada & the U.S., to help our clients access timely surgery at affordable prices. We are able to negotiate discounts of up to 80% off usual and customary hospital pricing, while still maintaining high patient satisfaction & surgical quality. We only affiliate ourselves with top quality clinics & hospitals, many of whom have won numerous awards for surgical excellence.
