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November 2, 2009
by Janie Stikeleather
Hospital News (Miscellaneous)
A new treatment now available at Davis Regional Medical Center may provide relief for men suffering  from enlarged prostate. Also known as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), this non-cancerous 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 Statesville 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™ 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 250,000 men worldwide have been treated with GreenLight Laser Therapy.
Patient satisfaction for this procedure is quite high, with one patient’s wife noting, “I wish he had done this years ago. I can’t believe what a difference it has made.”
Sleeping through the night, fewer bathroom breaks, and being able to travel more are some of the positive benefits of this surgery.
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 Dr. Alex Horchak, with Piedmont Urology. “The patients I have treated report 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.”
Also trained in this new technology is Dr. Mark Makhuli with Statesville Urology. Makhuli noted, “Patients are pleased to find their recovery is much easier than they expected, and they are especially happy that they don’t need the medications anymore.”
GreenLight Laser Therapy is now offered at Davis Regional Medical Center There are risks associated with GreenLight Laser Therapy, however the most common side effects tend to be mild and short lived. For more information, please contact Davis Regional Medical Center, 704-838-7106; Dr. Alex Horchak, Piedmont Urology, 704-873-1777; or Dr. Mark Makhuli, Statesville Urology at 704-873-6863.
(Photo Cutline): Shown performing the Prostate GreenLight Laser Therapy treatment at Davis Regional Medical Center is Piedmont Urologist, Dr. Alex Horchak. This new procedure at Davis Regional offers patients advanced technology in treating prostate conditions, with an easier recovery and reduction if not elimination of most prostate medications.
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