The latest advances in robot assisted surgery and in new devices they are achieving that, in more and more cases, it can be done avoid open surgery in benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). This benign growth of the gland, common after the age of 50, causes urinary symptoms that can be a real nuisance, such as difficulty starting to urinate, urgency, or getting up several times during the night.
This minimal aggression approach is already being integrated into referral centers such as the Ruber International Hospital, where a stepped therapeutic itinerary is prioritized, beginning with drugs and, in mild cases, habit changes and follow-upThe philosophy is clear: provide safe and personalized solutions, without overreacting when it's not necessary.
A paradigm shift in the approach to BPH
The Urology team applies a stepwise treatment: first, pharmacological treatment, then conservative measures and monitoring, and only when indicated, surgical procedures are performed. This balances clinical efficacy and quality of life, avoiding major interventions if unnecessary.
The service management emphasizes the individualizationNot all patients have the same needs. Some benefit from minimally invasive techniques in the operating room, while others can be resolved with outpatient procedures. The goal is to preserve function and promote a rapid recovery, without overthinking it.
Available technology and techniques
Current options include image-guided procedures capable of preserve ejaculatory function in more than 90% of the cases, together with radiological techniques that reduce prostate volume without the need for open surgery.
In patients with large prostates or who are anticoagulated, recourse is made to latest generation lasers, which offer a very solid safety and efficacy profile. These platforms allow for precise treatment and limit complications.
There are also outpatient alternatives such as the application of steam or the placement of temporary implants that reshape the urethra and improve flow. These are performed outpatient, with minimal impact on daily routine.
- Laser therapies: Indicated in very large prostates or in anticoagulated men, with good hemostasis and effective obstruction.
- Water vapor (convective): Outpatient option to reduce prostate tissue with limited discomfort and rapid return to activity.
- Temporary urethral implants: devices that open the duct and improve emptying without major surgery.
- Radiological techniques: image-guided prostate size reduction, minimizing risks.
Precision robotics and complex cases
The incorporation of systems that combine ultrasound with platforms of high-precision ablation has raised the bar: sustained results, less bleeding, and shorter hospital stays. The robot's detailed visualization and directionality help treat only what's necessary.
When the case is more complex, the team turns to the multiport robotic adenomectomyIn addition, work is underway to incorporate single-incision (Single Port) platforms, which allow for surgery through a single entry to reduce surgical aggression and improve both functional recovery and aesthetic outcomes.
Lines of research and prevention
The service explores new avenues such as image-guided focal ablation, cutting-edge implantable devices, and personalized medicine strategies based on each patient's genetic profile. The goal is to further refine the indication and improve the healthcare experience.
Specialists insist on the advisability of having your prostate checked starting at age 50, or earlier if there is a family history. They invite lose the fear of the consultation: This is a quick and painless check-up that helps detect problems early and prevent complications.
With all the above, a scenario is consolidated in which the combination of robotic technology, advanced imaging and minimally invasive techniques offers real alternatives to open surgery in BPH, maintaining the quality of life and speeding recovery in most patients.
