Month: January 2023

Categories
Enlarged Prostate

TURP: Side Effects and Recovery Period

Transurethral resection of the prostate has potential side effects and has a longer recovery period than prostate artery embolization.

Prostate surgery, specifically the transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) is an effective and sometimes long-lasting procedure for men with benign prostatic hyperplasia. However, it does come with its own set of side effects, as well as a much longer recovery period than a non-invasive procedure such as prostate artery embolization.

Transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) is a surgical procedure that involves cutting away a section of the prostate.

The procedure is performed by using a device called a resectoscope, which is a thin metal tube containing a light, a camera, and a loop of wire.

During the procedure, which requires the use of general or spinal anesthesia to prevent any pain, the resectoscope is entered into the penis and passes along the urethra until it reaches the prostate.

Once the instrument has reached the prostate, the loop of wire on it is then heated with an electric current and is used to cut away the section of the prostate that is causing BPH symptoms.

Following this, a thin tube called a catheter is then inserted into the urethra to pump fluid into the bladder and flush away pieces of the prostate that have been removed.

The TURP procedure usually necessitates a hospital stay for one to three days following the operation.

During this time the catheter used during the operation will be left in place throughout the duration of the hospital stay because post-op the urethra will be swollen which can hinder the ability to urinate normally.

Following the procedure, many men experience difficulties urinating, as well as blood in their urine. They also report feeling tired and under the weather for at least a week or two after the procedure. However, for some men, these issues can last upwards of 4 to 8 weeks.

During the 4 to 8 weeks, most patients are advised to stay off work and avoid lifting heavy objects, doing strenuous exercise, driving, and having sex during this time.

The most common side effect following the TURP procedure is inflammation in the urethra and surrounding area.

This swelling and inflammation can cause difficulty urinating, which sometimes requires the catheter to stay in longer.

This, however, can also be problematic since the catheter can not only be uncomfortable and cause bladder cramping- but it can also come with its own health risks such as an increased risk for urinary tract infections and other infections as well.

Some of the other common side effects of TURP surgeries include, but are not limited to:

  • difficulty completely emptying the bladder
  • urinary incontinence or leakage
  • urinary urgency or the sudden urge to urinate
  • discomfort during urination
  • small dribbles or clots of blood in the urine, for up to 6 weeks
  • erectile difficulty
  • decreases in semen produced during ejaculation

These common side effects usually go away with rest and time, as the urethra and prostate tissues become less inflamed, usually within a few weeks. However, in some cases, they might not.

In fact, as with all surgeries, TURP does come with its own set of serious risks and complications.

In our next article, we will take a look at some of the serious risks and complications associated with transurethral resection of the prostate, and look at some of the alternative procedures that are available such as Prostate Artery Embolization.

Categories
Knee Osteoarthritis

Ham, Bacon, and Inflammation

For those of us with knee osteoarthritis, consuming processed foods can cause increased inflammation and as a result, increased knee pain.

For those of us with knee osteoarthritis, the momentary enjoyment of consuming processed foods can be followed by increased inflammation and as a result, increased knee pain.

Cutting back on the many desserts available during holiday parties, and the many sugary beverages or artificially sweetened sodas that accompany them can certainly help keep inflammation at bay. However, it isn’t just sugar that’s the problem.

So what’s another type of food that contributes to increased inflammation?

PROCESSED MEATS

Yes, that’s right.

We are talking about that honey-baked ham, pan-fried bacon, and saturated fat’s good old friend, sausage.

All of which are holiday and winter favorites. And, all of these are processed meats that can contribute to inflammation.

Processed meats contribute to inflammation by producing nitrous compounds which are associated with an increased risk of inflammation-related pain, but also of chronic diseases such as cancer.

Though sometimes it can be challenging to avoid these foods entirely, especially in the case of a dinner party or get-together where you have little control over the food- it is always possible to reduce your intake of them.

One way to do so is to add more salad and vegetables to your plate.

In fact, studies have shown that eating a salad before a meal can result in fewer calories consumed during the meal while providing extra nutrients that can decrease the body’s response to any inflammatory foods that are consumed.

Unfortunately, it is not uncommon for a food spread at a dinner party or event to contain everything but vegetables. However, there is a solution:

Offer to bring the salad yourself.

It’s that simple.

By offering to bring a salad, you can not only contribute to the event, but you can also contribute to having a healthier diet for yourself and others.

In fact, anytime you bring a salad to a party or event, you may be surprised by how many people appreciate your healthy and delicious contribution.

In our next article, we will take a look at another group of foods that can contribute to inflammation and that can be found everywhere, especially during the colder months: Refined Carbohydrates.