Optilume

BPH / Enlarged Prostate Treatment

An exciting and novel BPH therapy is Optilume, a device initially developed to treat urethral strictures. This device comprises two parts: a balloon to dilate the prostate and a drug delivery system to inhibit tissue growth post-procedure.

BPH is an expected part of aging. As men get older, their likelihood of developing BPH increases as well. In fact, by the age of 80, some 90% of men will have an enlarged prostate, which will often be symptomatic; and BPH symptoms can range in severity from mild to debilitating. Fortunately, the ubiquitous nature of BPH has led to a wide range of minimally invasive and surgery-based treatment options. We have covered many of these treatments on our website. From Rezum water vapor therapy to non-thermal Aquablation water jet therapy, there is a treatment option for every man and every prostate.

How Optilume Works

Under deep sedation or general anesthesia, either in an ambulatory surgery center or hospital setting, your urologist will pass a camera-tipped catheter into the urethra up to the prostate. Once in place, a balloon is inflated to separate the prostatic lobes. This immediately increases the diameter of the urethra and will reduce some of the symptoms associated with the obstruction caused by BPH. The balloon dilation causes microscopic tears in the prostatic tissue, which is then treated with paclitaxel, a drug also used in chemotherapy. This drug works over the next few weeks to inhibit scar tissue growth and prostatic tissue regeneration. This results in long-term maintenance of prostatic lobe separation

“While some patients may be concerned about the medication used to treat the prostatic tissue,” says Dr. Lewis Kriteman, “it’s important to note that the quantity is so small that the drug never enters the bloodstream and therefore causes no side effects or concern to vital organs.”

Further, because it doesn’t use thermal energy, the risk of retrograde ejaculation is virtually non-existent. Therefore, this therapeutic modality may be especially beneficial for younger patients with BPH.

Recovery From the Procedure

Recovering from an Optilume procedure is relatively straightforward. Patients may experience some blood in the urine, known as hematuria, and discomfort associated with the dilation. Typically, these concerns are resolved within a week or two after the procedure. However, most patients are pleased with the immediate relief they experience from the dilation.

Note that sexual activity should be avoided for at least 30 days to reduce the risk of your partner being exposed to the medication. Vigorous activity and heavy lifting should be avoided until your urologist gives you the all-clear.

Duration of Action

While the medication used to keep the prostatic lobes separated is very effective in reducing the proliferation of prosthetic tissue and fibrotic scar tissue, there is a limit to its durability. 12-month and four-year data shows excellent maintenance of results, but the very nature of the therapy may not allow for the long-term results of certain other BPH treatments that thermally or mechanically remove prostatic tissue like GreenLight, Aquablation, TURP, or Simple Prostatectomy. Eventually, the prostatic tissue will regrow, and the patient will require retreatment either with a second Optilume procedure or another minimally invasive or surgical treatment. Fortunately, choosing the Optilume procedure does not preclude the patient from other options in the future.

The Bottom Line

Optilume is yet another option for a urologist treating BPH symptoms. With all of the possible treatment options for this common concern, choosing which procedure is best may be overwhelming for some patients. Fortunately, the urologists at Georgia Urology have exceptional knowledge and expertise in all evidence-based, effective BPH treatment options and can, as such, guide patients in the right direction. Contact us to schedule a consultation.