Exam 4 - Benign Prostatic Hypertrophy Flashcards
Benign prostate hyperplasia
A benign enlargement of the prostate gland. Most common urologic problem in male adults. Occurs in 50% of men over 50 and 90% of men over 80.
Possible causes of BPH
- Excessive accumulation of DHT in the prostate cells stimulates cell growth and overgrowth of prostate tissue. The older men get, testosterone levels decrease but DHT continues to increase in the prostate.
- Increased amount of estrogen compared to testosterone. Increased estrogen levels will increase the amount of DHT in the prostate.
Difference in location of prostate cancer and BPH
BPH develops in the inner part of the prostate while prostate cancer most likely to develop in the outer part
Possible risk factors of BPH
Family history, obesity (increased waist circumference), physical activity level, alcohol consumption, smoking, diabetes
Clinical manifestations of BPH
- Symptoms present in lower urinary tract, nocturia one of the first symptoms
- gradual onset, prostate enlarged for some time
- hyperplasia
- enlargement occurs with age
- enlarges beyond normal dimensions 4x5 cm
- firmer consistency (DRE)
- encroaches on the urethra and the urine stream changes
Complications of BPH
- hydronephrosis
- hydroureter
- fishhooking of ureter
- thickening diverticulation of bladder
- impeding out flow of urine
- enlarged prostate
Subjective assessment
- increased frequency
- nocturia
- change in stream
- difficulty starting stream
- feeling of incomplete emptying
- intermittency
- urgency
- urinary leakage
- prostate symptom index
Objective assessment
- enlarged prostate DRE
- Increased PSA (prostate specific antigen)
Diagnostic exams for BPH
- urinalysis (RBC or infection)
- urine C & S
- DRE (firm prostate)
- PSA (prostate specific antigen is increased/blood test can rule out prostate cancer)
- TRUS (biopsy)
- BUN, creatinine, creatinine clearance
- ultrasound of kidney and ureters
- residual urine: PVR or bladder scan
- cystoscopy
- IVP (intervenous pylogram where dye goes to kidneys and down to bladder)
5a reductase inhibitor
- slow prostate growth & reduces size of prostate gland
- meds block enzyme 5a-reductase which is key for testosterone to convert to DHT; inhibits DHT production
- takes a while before it starts to work 3-6 months
- Side effects: decreased libido, decreased volume of ejaculation, erectile dysfunction
- OTC’s can impact these meds
Alpha-adrenergic blockers
- relax the prostate muscle, bladder neck, urethra and smooth muscle
- facilitates urinary flow
- improvement in 2 to 3 weeks
- Side effects: orthostatic hypotension And dizziness, retrograde ejaculation, nasal congestion
What is a medical treatment of BPH that will relieve retention?
Indwelling Foley catheter inserted for 2-4 weeks. It allows the bladder to be empty and regain muscle strength contraction.
Examples of 5A–reductase inhibitors:
- finasteride (Proscar)
- dutasteride (Avodart)
Examples of a-adrenergic receptor blockers:
- tamsulosin (Flomax)
- doxazosin (Cardura)
- silodosin (Rapaflo)
Other factors during medical treatment:
- ask patient if there’s any bleeding
- encourage fluids to help reduce irritation as it dilutes urine
- decrease alcohol and caffeine intake