Mysore/Mysuru: With the ever-evolving technological advances in the medical and surgical field and the knowledge and expertise of skilful doctors, it is no longer uncommon to hear about treatment wonders once considered unachievable.

Manipal Hospital, Mysuru, recently exhibited one such exemplary incident that stood as a testament to the effectiveness of laser prostatectomy.

This case story unveils the journey of an elderly person Rakesh (name changed), who experienced urinary retention problems due to an enlarged prostate and was relieved of his woes by Dr. T.P. Dinesh Kumar, Consultant – Urology and Andrology & Kidney Transplant Surgeon, Manipal Hospital, Mysuru.

Rakesh, the 92-year-old retired headmaster from a government primary school in Mangaluru, faced challenges with passing urine for two months, leading him to seek medical assistance. During initial consultations, his doctor diagnosed an enlarged prostate (grade 4) of nearly 200cc, significantly higher than the normal range of 15-20 cc.

Owing to his age, the conventional surgical procedure was deemed complex. Later, Rakesh learnt that laser prostatectomy — a better alternative to the conventional procedure — is available at Manipal Hospital and consulted Dr. Dinesh Kumar, who recommended a minimally invasive procedure called Holmium Laser Enucleation of the Prostate (HoLEP).

Addressing media persons in city recently, Dr. Dinesh Kumar said, “Prostate enlargement is attributed to hormonal imbalances, decreased testo-sterone levels with age, and the natural aging process. Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) is a common condition resulting in the hypertrophy of the prostate, leading to urinary obstruction and retention.”

HoLEP procedure involves insertion of a precise holmium laser through the urethra to target and vaporize excess prostate tissue causing urethral obstruction. It addresses root cause of BPH by completely removing the obstructive tissue and hence differs from conventional procedures like transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) that merely shave excessive tissue.

Dr. Upendra Shenoy, Chief of Medical Staff, Manipal Hospital, said, “Minimally Invasive procedures like HoLEP are a boon for elderly as it helps them recover at the earliest due to precision in surgery and minimal blood loss.”

Pramod Kunder, Hospital Director, said Manipal Hospital has successfully operated over 900 patients in the last decade.