Care at NUH

Services for Benign Prostate Hyperplasia

2024/05/15
Uroflowmetry

The "uroflow" is a simple and commonly-performed test used to measure the pattern and flow rate of urine over time. 

How is uroflowmetry performed? 

The individual will be asked to come with a full bladder and to urinate into a funnel that is connected to a special measuring instrument. A nurse will then use a bladder scanner to measure how much urine is left inside the bladder. A graph showing the volume of urine, rate and pattern of urine flow will then be interpreted by a doctor to determine whether any medication or intervention if needed. 

Transurethral Resection of the Prostate (TURP)

TURP is the gold standard for surgical treatment of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH). In this operation, the obstructing part of the prostate gland is removed using a special instrument called the resectoscope, which is inserted via the urinary passage. The amount of prostate tissue removed will depend on the size of the prostate gland. 

What are the indications for TURP? 

  • Recurrent urinary retention 
  • Recurrent urinary tract infections 
  • Recurrent bleeding due to BPH 
  • Bladder stone formation due to BPH 
  • Renal insufficiency due to BPH 
  • Persistent symptoms despite medication 

What can be expected after the procedure? 

This procedure is done under general or regional anaesthesia, with an average post-operative stay of 2 to 3 days. After the operation, a urinary catheter will be left in place, connected to a continuous bladder washout. This ensures that mild bleeding from the operation will not form clots and cause urinary retention. The urinary catheter is usually removed 1 to 2 days after the operation, after which discharge is possible. 

Prostate Lift

The Prostate Lift treats Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) by lifting and holding the enlarged prostate tissue out of the way, preventing it from blocking the urethra. There procedure does not involve heating, cutting or removal of prostate tissue.

The Prostate Lift can be performed as a day case, with the procedure typically taking less than 30 minutes. The procedure avoids the need for blood transfusion and potential serious adverse effects associated with traditional BPH surgery, such as stress urinary incontinence. If offers quick relief of BPH symptoms with a shorter recovery time.

Who is suitable to undergo the Prostate Lift?

Patients who:

  • Experience moderate BPH symptoms
  • Wish to preserve sexual function
  • Do not wish to be on long-term medications
  • Are unable to tolerate the side effects of medication
  • Has a prostate volume of 30 - 80ml
Water Vapour Therapy

Water Vapour Therapy is a transurethral thermal procedure that uses steam to treat Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) by delivering targeted, controlled doses of thermal energy directly into the prostate gland. The steam is dispersed between cells, releasing heat energy that induces prostate cell death.  Over time, the body's natural healing response eliminates the dead cells, causing the prostate to shrink and the urethra top open, thereby alleviating BPH symptoms.

Water Vapour Therapy is typically performed as a day case. After the procedure, patients are maintained on a urinary catheter for 7 to 14 days.  Return to normal activities is expected within 2 to 4 weeks post-treatment. Symptoms and urine flow will continue to show improvement from 1 to 3 months. 

Who is suitable to undergo the Water Vapour Therapy?

Patients who:

  • Experience moderate BPH symptoms
  • Wish to preserve sexual function
  • Do not wish to be on long-term medications
  • Are unable to tolerate the side effects of medication
  • Has a prostate volume of 30 - 80ml
Last updated on
Best viewed with Chrome 79.0, Edge 112.0, Firefox 61.0, Safari 11
National University Health System
  • National University Hospital
  • Ng Teng Fong General Hospital
  • Alexandra Hospital
  • Jurong Community Hospital
  • National University Polyclinics
  • Jurong Medical Centre
  • National University Cancer Institute, Singapore
  • National University Heart Centre, Singapore
  • National University Centre for Oral Health, Singapore
  • NUHS Diagnostics
  • NUHS Pharmacy
  • Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine
  • Faculty of Dentistry
  • Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health
Back to Top