Urology: BPH & ED Flashcards
What is benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH)?
A very common condition affecting men in older age (usually over 50 years).
It is caused by hyperplasia of the stromal and epithelial cells of the prostate.
How does BPH usually present?
Lower urinary tract symptoms:
- Hesitancy – difficult starting and maintaining the flow of urine
- Weak flow
- Urgency – a sudden pressing urge to pass urine
- Frequency – needing to pass urine often, usually with small amounts
- Intermittency – flow that starts, stops and varies in rate
- Straining to pass urine
- Terminal dribbling – dribbling after finishing urination
- Incomplete emptying – not being able to fully empty the bladder, with chronic retention
- Nocturia – having to wake to pass urine multiple times at night
What scoring system is used to assess the severity of lower urinary tract symptoms?
The international prostate symptom score (IPSS):
Score 20–35: severely symptomatic
Score 8–19: moderately symptomatic
Score 0–7: mildly symptomatic
What 6 investigations will be done in the initial assesment of a man presenting with LUTS?
1) Digital rectal exam: to assess the size, shape and characteristics of the prostate
2) Urinalysis: to assess for infection, haematuria (e.g., due to bladder cancer) and other pathology
3) Abdo exam: to assess for a palpable bladder and other abnormalities
4) Urinary frequency volume chart: recording 3 days of fluid intake and output
5) PSA: for prostate cancer, depending on the patient age & preference
6) U&Es: particularly if chronic retention is suspected
Give some causes of a raised PSA
- Prostate cancer
- Benign prostatic hyperplasia
- Prostatitis
- Urinary tract infections
- Vigorous exercise (notably cycling)
- Recent ejaculation or prostate stimulation
Can BPH cause a raised PSA?
Yes
How does a benign prostate feel?
smooth, symmetrical and slightly soft, with a maintained central sulcus
How may a cancerous prostate feel?
may feel firm/hard, asymmetrical, craggy or irregular, with loss of the central sulcus
What are the 2 medical management options in BPH?
1) Alpha-blockers (e.g., tamsulosin)
2) 5-alpha reductase inhibitors (e.g., finasteride)
Role of alpha blockers (tamsulosin) in BPH?
Relaxes smooth muscle of prostate and bladder, with rapid improvement in symptoms.
Improve symptoms in around 70% of men
Role of 5-alpha reductase inhibitors (e.g., finasteride) in BPH?
Gradually reduce the size of the prostate
What is used to treat immediate symptoms in BPH?
Alpha blockers
What is used to treat enlargement of prostate in BPH?
5-alpha reductase inhibitors
Mechanism of 5-alpha reductase inhibitors?
5-alpha reductase converts testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT), which is a more potent androgen hormone.
Inhibitors of 5-alpha reductase (i.e. finasteride) reduce DHT in the tissues, including the prostate, leading to a reduction in prostate size.
How long does it take for 5-alpha reductase inhibitors to work (improvement of symptoms)?
Up to 6 months
What are the 4 surgical options in BPH?
1) Transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP)
2) Transurethral electrovaporisation of the prostate (TEVAP/TUVP)
3) Holmium laser enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP)
4) Open prostatectomy via an abdominal or perineal incision
What is the notable side effect of alpha blockers (tamsulosin)?
Postural hypotension
What should you check if an older man presents with lightheadedness on standing or falls?
1) check if they’re on tamsulosin
2) check their lying and standing blood pressure
What is the most notable side effect of finasteride?
Sexual dysfunction due to reduced testosterone
What is the most common surgical treatment of BPH?
Transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP)
What does TURP involve?
It involves removing part of the prostate from inside the urethra:
1) A resectoscope is inserted into the urethra
2) Prostate tissue is removed using a diathermy loop
3) The aim is to create a more expansive space for urine to flow through, thereby improving symptoms.
What are some major complications of TURP?
- Bleeding
- Infection
- Urinary incontinence
- Erectile dysfunction
- Retrograde ejaculation (semen goes backwards and is not produced from the urethra)
- Urethral strictures
- Failure to resolve symptoms
What does transurethral electrovaporisation of the prostate (TEVAP / TUVP) involve?
Involves inserting a resectoscope into the urethra.
A rollerball electrode is then rolled across the prostate, vaporising prostate tissue and creating a more expansive space for urine flow.
What does holmium laser enucleation of the prostate (HoLE) involve?
Involves inserting a resectoscope into the urethra. A laser is then used to remove prostate tissue, creating a more expansive space for urine flow.