Ohio Valley General Hospital Now Offers New Treatment for Most Common Men’s Health Problem

A new treatment now available at Ohio Valley General Hospital may provide relief for Pittsburgh area men suffering from enlarged prostate. Also known as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), this noncancerous enlargement of the prostate affects more than half of all men over the age of 60.

Although BPH is a common health problem, many men lack awareness and understanding about the condition, symptoms, treatment solutions and overall health risks with delaying treatment. Common symptoms of BPH, including frequent urination-especially at night; weak urine flow; pain or burning during urination; and starting or stopping during urination, can have a devastating impact on quality of life.

Treatment options for BPH in Pittsburgh typically have been limited to a lifetime of medication or an invasive surgical procedure. Now, men with BPH have the option to choose a minimally invasive surgical treatment known as GreenLight^TM Laser Therapy.

GreenLight Laser Therapy is a quick, outpatient procedure that delivers immediate and dramatic symptom relief without the side effects or expense of medication or the risks associated with invasive surgery. More than 375,000 men worldwide have been treated with GreenLight Laser Therapy.

"I am glad I went through with the Greenlight Laser Therapy procedure," explained Rodger Bickford, 69, of Robinson Township. "Other treatments were not working and I was suffering daily, but after my procedure I am off all my medications and can go to the bathroom without any problems. It really has changed my life."

A surgeon performs at Greenlight Laser Therapy procedure for an enlarged prostate.

Choosing a treatment for enlarged prostate involves careful consideration to determine if the treatment is long-lasting, easy to tolerate and safe and effective in relieving symptoms and restoring urine flow. The most commonly available treatments all require the patient to make significant compromises in these areas. Medication is a costly alternative that can stop working over time and has potential side effects. Invasive surgery is associated with higher risks and complications, such as impotence and incontinence, and requires a two - three day hospital stay and four to six week recovery.

"With GreenLight Laser Therapy, BPH patients no longer need to compromise the effectiveness or the safety of a treatment," said David A. Corral, MD, FACS, of Ohio Valley General Hospital and Valley Urological Group.

"I have treated a lot of patients, and many have reported they have a whole new lease on life, and can once again enjoy things many take for granted; such as going out to eat, or to the movies, or playing golf."

All surgical treatments have inherent and associated risks. The most common risks associated with Photoselective Vaporization of the Prostate (PVP) are: hematauria; short term dysuria; and, urinary track infections. You should talk with your doctor about benefits and risks before moving forward with any treatment option.

For more information on GreenLight Laser Therapy, please contact the Ohio Valley General Hospital Surgical Center at 412-777-6478 or visit www.ohiovalleyhospital.org. You may also contact Valley Urological Associates at 412-771-3266.