Can Elderly Men with Prostate Enlargement Undergo a Full Prostatectomy? An In-Depth Answer

In our daily lives, we often pay close attention to the health of our elderly family members. Prostate issues are a common concern for older men. Recently, a netizen on a forum raised a worrying question: their 66-year-old family member has severe prostate enlargement, needing to use the bathroom every half hour, which greatly affects his sleep quality and daily life. The netizen wanted to know if a full prostatectomy could improve this situation, what the potential side effects are, and how much it would cost. Today, let's discuss this topic.

Prostate enlargement is familiar to many elderly men. It's like an unwelcome "troublemaker" that silently starts affecting the urinary system as men age. As the netizen described, frequent nighttime urination, needing to go to the bathroom every half hour, not only disrupts the elderly person's rest but also affects the entire family's routine. Over time, this can significantly impact the elderly person's physical and mental health.

So, can severe prostate enlargement be resolved through a full prostatectomy? From a medical perspective, most patients with prostate enlargement do not need a full prostatectomy. As another netizen mentioned, prostate enlargement surgery often involves transurethral resection. This procedure is relatively simple, usually performed under local anesthesia, takes about an hour, requires a hospital stay of 3 to 5 days, and costs around 5,000 yuan. Transurethral resection does not remove the entire prostate but uses specialized instruments to remove the enlarged prostate tissue through the urethra, relieving urinary obstruction and alleviating symptoms such as frequent and urgent urination.

Why is a full prostatectomy not readily performed? The prostate, though small, plays a crucial role in the male reproductive system. Removing it entirely can lead to side effects such as urinary incontinence and potential impacts on sexual function. Therefore, doctors consider various factors, including the patient's age, overall health, the extent of the enlargement, and its impact on quality of life, when deciding on a treatment plan.

For the 66-year-old man in question, it is advisable to take him to a reputable hospital for a comprehensive examination before considering surgery. The doctor will assess whether surgery is suitable and, if so, which method is best based on the examination results. Besides surgery, other treatment options include medication to reduce prostate size and relieve urinary symptoms. Lifestyle adjustments, such as reducing water intake before bed, avoiding prolonged sitting, and engaging in moderate exercise, are also important.

The health of the prostate in elderly men is crucial for their quality of life. If an elderly family member is experiencing prostate enlargement, do not make hasty decisions. Seek medical advice promptly and listen to professional recommendations. We hope every elderly person can enjoy a healthy and happy retirement free from health issues.