New therapy for prostate gland

Chennai, Aug 18 (UNI) In a first-of-its-kind initiative in Tamil Nadu, Lifeline Hospitals have introduced Green Light KTP therapy for treatment of Prostate Gland (Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia) avoiding surgical intervention.

The new equipment, worth Rs 1.5 crore, was formally launched at a function here last night.

Lifeline Group of Hospitals Chairman J S Rajkumar said aout 40 to 50 per cent of males in the world were suffering from prostate gland enlargement, resulting in narrowing of the urinary passage.

''Hitherto, patients in Tamil Nadu have been flying to Mumbai and New Delhi for treatment. With the introduction of this facility, they can get treated here itself,'' he added.

This treatment could also be given to high-risk elderly patients with cardio-pulmonary risk factors, he claimed.

The therapy involves insertion of a small flexible fibre-optic tube into the urethra through an endoscope.

Light pulses are then sent through the fibre which removes the enlarged prostate tissue, resulting in natural urine flow.

''Drug therapy can improve the urinary flow rate only marginally and conventional surgical treatment has several complications ranging from mild to life threatening. KTP laser therapy is the state of-art technology that has revolutionised the treatment for BPH,'' Dr Rajkumar claimed.

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