Effective Treatment for Enlarged Prostate with HOLEP

Prostate gland is a part of male reproductive system, same as the size and shape of a walnut. It is located below the bladder and in front of the rectum surrounding the urethra which is a tube-like structure, carrying urine out from the bladder through the penis. The prostate is likely to get affected with benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH) or benign enlargement of the prostate (BEP). It is a noncancerous enlargement of the prostate causing bladder outlet obstruction and lower urinary tract symptoms in men above the age of 50 years. To treat BHP, several laser techniques are now used, among which holmium laser enucleation of the prostate or HOLEP is the most efficient.   

What Is HOLEP?

HOLEP is one of the most prominent techniques used for treating enlargement of the prostate gland. During this procedure, laser beams are used to precisely remove the obstruction caused in the prostate gland. Complete portion of prostate gland is removed that obstructs the flow of urine. This technique improves urine flow and proves to be everlasting as there is nothing to grow back. The removed tissues can be preserved for further microscopic examinations as well. It is less invasive and most effective method in comparison with other traditional methods.

Symptoms of Enlargement of Prostate

Prostate gland is located just below the bladder surrounding the urethra. Hence its enlargement can probably cause irritation and obstruction in the bladder. The patient might feel the need to empty the bladder frequently, especially at nights. Some may experience difficulty in starting the urine flow or dribbling after the urination ends. One may notice that the size and strength of urine stream decreases.

Advantages of HOLEP over Conventional TRUP

HOLEP has several advantages over the conventional Transurethral Resection of the Prostate (TRUP). They are listed below:

• HOLEP involves significantly less bleeding as compared to TRUP.
• Chances of recurrence requiring further surgery get reduced with HOLEP.
• No upper size limit of the prostate that can be removed.
• Discharge is often quicker in HOLEP as compared to TRUP.
• Prostate specific antigen usually drops down to low levels after undergoing HOLEP surgery technique.

Effect of Removal of Prostate Tissue

After removing the obstructing tissue from the prostate gland, there will be an immediate improvement in the flow of urine and will keep on improving as the prostate cavity heals. Though the healing process is slow but the patient is able to see gradual improvement in his health and reproductive system.

Prostate Cancer Treatment

Prostate cancer treatment is an intricate process that involves treating cancer present within the reproductive system of men. India never compromises with efforts required to be put in surgical intervention. Surgeons in India are well experienced and highly qualified with whom this surgery is performed by expert hands. Their experiences are something one can count on. HOLEP cost in India may vary depending upon various factors. However, overall expenses including stay, surgery, meals, medications and flight tickets are far less as compared to the western countries offering the same state-of-art facilities for HOLEP procedures. Moreover, costs matter but less when it comes to personal health and well-being of the prostate cancer patient.

For more details on prostate cancer treatment in India, enquire at: info@travcure.com

Read more »

Advantages & Disadvantages of Minimally Invasive Lumbar Spinal Fusion

Weight bearing vertebrae, built for both power and flexibility are spread between the rib cage and the pelvis & are known as lumbar vertebrae. The lumbar region, more commonly known as lower back consists of 5 vertebrae labeled from L1 - L5. Lower back region contains large muscles that support the back and allow movement in the trunk region of the body. These muscles can at times spasm or get strained & which is a common cause of lower back pain. The last two vertebrae carry the most weight and have the most movement making this area prone to injury. These vertebrae are filled with the inter-vertebral disc to cushion in between. Disc in the lumbar region are most likely to get herniated or degenerate causing pain in the lower back region which also sometimes extends in legs and feet.

Minimally Invasive Lumbar Spinal Fusion Surgery

Minimally invasive lumbar spinal fusion surgery slightly differs with the traditional lumbar spinal fusion as it uses the technique of smaller incisions and minimum damage to the surrounding tissues during surgery. This surgery incorporates four small incisions through the abdomen each of the size ½ inches. A small fiber optic viewing camera is used to guide through the incisions at the time of surgery.  Fusion with the screw and rods can be performed through the back using several 1 - 2 inch incisions. Large dilators are used to separate the muscles apart. Once the dilators create the space between the muscles, the screw and rods can be placed through the dilator tubes. The reason which makes this surgery most trending is that this surgery can be performed through patient’s side. The surgeon can make planned incisions directly over the fusion site. Specialized equipments can be used through the dilator tube to remove the damaged inter-vertebral disc or the spinal tumor and replace it with bone graft or metal or plastic spacer. 

Advantages of Minimally Invasive Lumbar Spinal Fusion Surgery

Basic advantage which brings limelight to minimally invasive lumbar spinal fusion surgery is that this technique causes lesser damage to surrounding tissues. There is no cutting and tearing of healthy muscles involved as it happens in traditional spinal fusion surgery which eventually causes extensive pain.  Since these incisions are small, the pain caused due to surgery is less and so is the loss of blood.  Minimally invasive techniques can more gently spread muscles apart and provide easy access to spine. Since the loss of blood is also less during the surgery, there is reduced or no requirement of blood transfusion. Moreover, patients undergoing the minimally invasive lumbar spinal fusion surgery can expect shorter stays at the hospital along with faster recovery.

Disadvantages of Minimally Invasive Lumbar Spinal Fusion Surgery

Main disadvantage is it needs additional time as compared to traditional spinal fusion surgery. The next disadvantage is that not every spine surgeon is able to perform this technique. So it may happen that in some parts of this world people will not be able to use this technique. Another factor adding to disadvantages is that insurance companies still consider this procedure to be investigational surgery and hence do not provide insurance coverage for it.

Effectiveness of Minimally Invasive Lumbar Spinal Fusion (MILSF)

Results of minimally invasive procedures through the abdomen have been not as good as the minimally invasive procedure through the back. Posterior minimally invasive procedure has proved to be much more promising allowing spine surgeons to perform fusion surgery in lesser time with similar fusion rates, less injury and speeding recovery.

Moreover spinal fusion surgery cost is remarkably low in India making it affordable for people seeking spinal fusion surgery.  Approximate cost of this procedure when compared to $85,000 in USA is considerably low accounting for merely $6,300 in India.  All these factors make minimally invasive lumbar spinal fusion surgery in India an outstanding experience.

Read more »

What is Anterior Hip Replacement Surgery?

Hip Replacement is considered as the golden standard for hip arthritis in patients older than 60 years & also the patients who suffer from altered anatomy of the hip. In order to be considered for hip replacement surgery, an individual must meet certain criteria. A doctor must be able to see the injury to cartilage enclosing the joint region. In addition, major indications for hip replacement surgery may include the following:

• Prolong pain in the joints.
• No aid from pain medications.
• Trouble in performing simple activities like walking or climbing stairs.
• Serious pain during rising from sitting posture.

 

Aim of Hip Replacement Surgery

The aim of hip replacement surgery is to minimize pain and increase the mobility and role of an impaired hip joint. Hip replacement is recommended after other traditional treatments such as injections, physical therapy and healthy exercises have not worked on the patient.

 

What happens in a Hip Replacement Surgery?

Hip replacement is a procedure in which the orthopedic surgeon removes damaged portions of the patient's hip joint and replaces them with artificial parts. It is a type of surgery done to replace a painful joint. The artificial joint is called a prosthesis. Hip prostheses may be made of plastic, metal, ceramic, or various combinations of these materials. There are primarily two types of surgical approaches that can be performed

• Anterior approach
• Posterior approach

These two approaches both have some risk factors & precautions that must be carefully considered while opting for hip replacement.

 

What is an Anterior Hip Replacement?

The damaged head of the femur is removed and replaced with a ceramic ball & metal stem and the old cartilage is removed from the socket and replaced with a metal socket. A plastic spacer is planted between the ball and socket to allow for a smooth gliding motion. With the anterior approach to hip replacement, the hospital stay is two to three days, the surgical incision is slight to the side of the hip and is upto five inches in length. The muscles around the hip are not cut and the recovery time is generally two to eight weeks. There are no particular precautions that need to be followed. In addition, patients have less risk of dislocation, little leg length discrepancy, less pain and more rapid return to normal activities.

 

Best Benefits of Hip Replacement Surgery

In terms of benefits for the hip replacement surgery, there are numerous such as:

• It aids in mending ailments like Osteoarthritis for needy patients.
• It helps in a decrement of the hip pain along with soreness because of this problem.
• It is effective in restoring the lost mobility, which gives fewer portions of fatigue and easier motion.

 

Cost of Hip Replacement Surgery in India?

Availing hip replacement surgery cost in India is very low, especially for overseas patients who seek a high quality of treatment at affordable price. A patient has to pay around $54,000 for hip replacement surgery in the USA, around $18,500 in Mexico, $13,800 in Thailand while he can get world-class treatment for $10,000 in India with the excellent prosthetic implant. Medical services in India are not only economical but at the same instant they are highly reliable.

Read more »