An ultrasound at Tam Anh General Hospital in Ho Chi Minh City revealed Mr. Duc's prostate had swollen to 115 ml, significantly larger than the normal 15-25 ml range.

Master of Medicine, Doctor Phan Duc Huu, from the Urology Department, Urology - Nephrology - Andrology Center, diagnosed Mr. Duc with benign prostatic hyperplasia and a 2 cm bladder stone. The enlarged prostate severely compressed his urethra, preventing urine from exiting the bladder. When Mr. Duc attempted to urinate, the stone would sometimes shift, blocking the bladder neck and causing intense pain. Untreated, this condition could lead to irreversible damage to the kidneys and bladder.

Mr. Duc had previously undergone transurethral resection at another hospital, but the procedure was ineffective due to the prostate's immense size, according to Doctor Huu. The remaining prostatic tissue rapidly grew, leading to a recurrence of obstruction shortly after. Given the patient's advanced age, history of hypertension, and a stroke surgery one year prior, the medical team opted for laser enucleation of the prostate. This technique minimizes the risk of recurrence and blood loss.

Doctor Huu (seated) performs laser enucleation of the prostate for the patient. Photo: Tam Anh General Hospital

Doctor Huu inserted an endoscope equipped with a micro-camera into the bladder. A high-power laser was then used to fragment the bladder stone into small pieces, which were subsequently flushed and suctioned out. The laser continued to enucleate the prostatic tissue from its capsule. A morcellator was used to break down the prostate tissue into smaller fragments, which were then suctioned out through a pump system. All removed tissue was sent for pathological analysis, confirming its benign nature.

One day after surgery, Mr. Duc could eat and walk. His urinary catheter was removed, and he was discharged after two days.

Doctor Huu checks on Mr. Duc after surgery. Photo: Tam Anh General Hospital

Benign prostatic hyperplasia is a condition that causes chronic lower urinary tract obstruction, leading to residual urine, inflammation, and the formation of bladder stones. Symptoms include straining to urinate, a weak stream, nocturia, incomplete emptying, and frequent urination. Without definitive treatment, the condition can progress to kidney failure, cystitis, and bladder diverticula. While there is no specific cause, age and hormonal changes can lead to excessive prostate cell growth, resulting in benign hyperplasia.

Doctor Huu noted that while the condition is not preventable, men should undergo screening every 6 months to one year with methods such as PSA tests and urinary system ultrasounds. Early detection and timely treatment help prevent permanent damage and eliminate the risk of cancer.

Dinh Lam