Asian Institut EOF Nursing Educati ON: Seminar On: Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)
Asian Institut EOF Nursing Educati ON: Seminar On: Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)
INSTITUT
                                                         E OF
                                                      NURSING
    SEMINAR ON: BENIGN                                EDUCATI
PROSTATIC HYPERPLASIA (BPH)
                                                          ON
           SUBJECT: CLINICAL SPECIALITY 1 B
                (MEDICAL SURGICAL NURSING)
                            SUBMITTED ON:
                              17/01/2025
                                    INDEX
  SL NO                   TABLE OF CONTENT                         PAGE NO
    1    Introduction                                         4
2 Definition of BPH 4
4 Epidemiology of BPH 8
6 Pathophysiology of BPH 9
12 Complications of BPH 18
13 Prognosis of BPH 19
14 Conclusion of BPH 20
15 Journal Abstract 21
15 Bibliography 20
GENERAL OBJECTIVES: -
At the end of the class, the group will be able to explain in details about Benign Prostatic
Hyperplasia (BPH) its causes, signs and symptoms and management.
SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES: -
At the end of the class, the group will be able to
      define Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)
      explain the epidemiology of BPH
      describe the etiology and risk factors of BPH
      explain the pathophysiology of BPH
      enlist the clinical manifestation of BPH
      explain the diagnostic evaluation of BPH
      describe the management of BPH
      explain the lifestyle and home remedies for BPH
      illustrate the nursing management for BPH
      enlist the complications of BPH
      describe the prognosis of BPH
INTRODUCTION
Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is one of the most common urological problems
encountered in aging males. It refers to a nonmalignant growth or "hyperplasia" of the
prostatic tissue. Hyperplasia occurs in the glandular and the stromal tissue, in the transition
zone of the prostate gland that surrounds the urethra, and may cause anatomic bladder outlet
obstruction (BOO) due to urethral compression. The urethral obstruction occurs by two
mechanisms- first, an increase in prostate volume causing physical obstruction of the urethra
(static component) and second, an increase in the stromal smooth muscle tone (dynamic
component). Nearly all men develop microscopic BPH by 90 years of age. It has a profound
effect on the quality of life in men, with difficulty in initiating or terminating urine flow
stream and reducing the feeling of well-being.
DEFINITION
Benign prostatic hyperplasia is also called BPH is a condition in men in which the prostate
glands becomes enlarged and not cancerous. It is also called benign prostate hypertrophy or
benign prostatic obstruction.
                                                          ~ Sethi D, Rani K
    Benign prostate hyperplasia means it is an enlargement of the prostate gland resulting
from increase in number of epithelial cells and stromal tissue and developing upward into the
bladder and obstructing the outflow of urine.
                                                        ~ Urology Care Foundation
INTERNAL PARTS
There are several internal (accessory) organs in the male reproductive system. They include:
   a) Vas deferens
Vas deferens is a long, muscular tube that travels from the epididymis into your pelvic cavity,
just behind your urinary bladder. Your vas deferens transports mature sperm to the urethra in
preparation for ejaculation.
   b) Ejaculatory ducts
Each testicle has a vas deferens that joins with seminal vesicle ducts to form ejaculatory
ducts. The ejaculatory ducts move through your prostate, where they collect fluid to add to
semen. They empty into your urethra.
   c) Urethra
The urethra is the tube that carries pee from your bladder outside of your body. If you have a
penis, it also ejaculates semen when you reach orgasm.
   d) Seminal vesicles
Seminal vesicles are sac-like pouches that attach to your vas deferens near the base of your
bladder. Seminal vesicles make up to 80% of your ejaculatory fluid, including fructose.
Fructose is an energy source for sperm and helps them move (motility).
   e) Prostate gland
 The prostate is a single, doughnut-shaped gland. It measures about 4 cm from side to side,
about 3 cm from top to bottom, and about 2 cm from front to back. It is inferior to the urinary
bladder and surrounds the prostatic urethra. The prostate slowly increases in size from birth
to puberty. It then expands rapidly up to age 30; remains typically stable until about age 45,
when further enlargement may occur.
              The prostate secretes a milky, slightly acidic fluid (pH about 6.5) that contains
several substances.
   -   Citric acid is used by sperm for ATP production via Krebs cycle.
   -   Several proteolytic enzymes (prostate specific antigen or PSA, pepsinogen, lysozyme,
       amylase, and hyaluronidase) eventually break down the clotting proteins from the
       seminal vesicles.
   -   Acid phosphatase, whose function is unknown.
   -   Seminal plasmin (an antibiotic) can destroy bacteria. It may decrease the number of
       naturally occurring bacteria in semen and in the lower female reproductive tract.
Secretions of the prostate enter the prostatic urethra through many prostatic ducts. They
constitute about 25% of the volume of semen and contribute to sperm motility and viability.
The prostate gland contributes additional fluid to the ejaculate. Prostate fluids also help to
nourish your sperm. The urethra, which carries the ejaculate to be expelled during orgasm,
runs through the center of the prostate gland. Your prostate also converts some of your
testosterone into another hormone, called dihydrotestosterone (DHT), which plays a part in
sexual development throughout your life. When you're an adult, for example, it's involved in
both prostate growth and male pattern baldness.
   f) Bulbourethral (Cowper) glands
Your bulbourethral glands are pea-sized structures on the sides of your urethra, just below
your prostate. They create a clear, slippery fluid that empties directly into your urethra. This
fluid lubricates your urethra and neutralizes any acids that may remain from your pee.
   -   The entire male reproductive system depends on hormones. Hormones are chemicals
       that stimulate or regulate activity in your cells or organs. The primary hormones that
       help the male reproductive system function include:
      Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH). Your pituitary gland makes FSH. FSH is
       necessary to produce sperm (spermatogenesis).
      Luteinizing hormone (LH). Your pituitary gland also makes LH. LH is necessary to
       continue the process of spermatogenesis.
      Testosterone. Testosterone is the main sex hormone in people AMAB. It helps you
       develop certain characteristics, including muscle mass and strength, fat distribution,
       bone mass and sex drive (libido).
FUNCTIONS OF MALE REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM
The organs that make up the male reproductive system perform the following:
      Produce, maintain and transport sperm cells and semen. Sperm cells are male
       reproductive cells. Semen is the protective fluid around sperm.
      Discharge sperm.
      Produce and secrete male sex hormones such as testosterone that maintain male
       reproductive function and to promote spermatogenesis and transport into the female
       reproductive system for fertilization.
      The testes act as both endocrine and exocrine organs in that they are responsible for
       androgen production and sperm production and transport.
EPIDEMIOLOGY
Benign prostatic hyperplasia is present in 8% of men of 31-40 years of age. The prevalence of
BPH increases after 40 years of age, with a prevalence of up to 90% at the age of 90 years.
ETIOLOGY
      Exact cause is unknown
      Hormonal alteration - With advancing age, the amount of the male hormone
       testosterone, decreases relative to the amount of circulating estrogen, the main female
       reproductive hormone which also circulates in the male.
RISK FACTORS
Two broad categories of risk factors exist that may contribute to the development of BPH.
    Non-modifiable risk factors:
      Age: Incidence, and prevalence of BPH increase markedly with age. Prostate
        volume increases with age. LUTS incidence also rises in older men.
      Geography: International studies have observed lower prostate volumes in men
        from Southeast Asia as compared to the Western populations.
      Genetics: BPH and LUTS, both have a genetic etiological component. One case-
        control study involving patients <64 years of age undergoing BPH surgery,
        observed that there was a 4- to 6-fold greater age-specific risk of BPH surgery in
        relatives of BPH patients undergoing surgery. The study further concluded that
        half of the men undergoing BPH-related surgery had the inheritable form of the
        disease.
    Modifiable risk factors:
    Hormones: Testosterone, dihydrotestosterone, estrogen-prostate cells secrete 5-a
     reductase which converts testosterone to DHT, which is a potent stimulator of
     prostatic growth. DHT is not only necessary for prostate growth, but it also plays a
     role in the development of BPH.
    Metabolic syndrome: Metabolic disturbances related to cardiovascular disease and the
     lifestyle factors that cause these disorders can also increase the risk of development of
     BPH and LUTS.
    Obesity: Increased adiposity is proven to be associated with an increase in prostate
     volume.
    Diabetes mellitus: Elevated fasting plasma glucose, diabetes mellitus, all are linked to
     prostatic hypertrophy, along with an increase in the risk of benign prostatic
     hyperplasia and lower urinary tract symptoms.
    Diet: Both macro- and micronutrients are associated with the risk of BPH and LUTS.
     Increased total energy consumption and intake of fats, dairy products, bread, poultry,
     and starch can increase the risk of symptomatic BPH and prosthetic surgery whereas
     carotenoid vegetables, fruits, polyunsaturated fatty acids, linoleic acid, vitamin A, and
     vitamin D are associated with lower risk. Micronutrients- if vitamin E, selenium,
     carotene, lycopene, etc., are present in the diet in higher concentrations, the risk of
     BPH and LUTS is reduced.
    Physical activity: Exercise and increased physical activity reduce the risk of clinical
     BPH and lower urinary tract symptoms by 25% as compared to a sedentary lifestyle.
    Inflammation: Systemic inflammation and oxidative stress are linked to BPH and
     LUTS.
PATHOPHYSIOLOGY
                  Due to etiological factors Enlargement of prostate gland
Normally thin and fibrous outer capsule of prostate become spongy and thick as enlargement
                                          progress
  2) Physical Examination:
   A focused physical examination targeting the suprapubic area for signs and symptoms
     of bladder distention should be conducted. A neurological assessment should be
     carried out to identify any sensory or motor deficits.
   A digital rectal examination (DRE) is an important component of the evaluation of
     patients with suspected BPH. During DRE, the size and contour of the prostate should
     be examined, any nodules must be assessed, and areas of the prostate suggestive of
     malignancy must be evaluated.
   If the tone of the anal sphincter is decreased, or the bulbocavernosus reflex is absent,
     an underlying neurological disorder can be suspected.
    Other Tests
   Flow rate: Helps to determine the response of the patient to treatment and this is
    usually done in the initial assessment phase.
   PVR urine volume: Helps to assess the severity of bladder decompensation. Can be
    done invisibly with the catheter or noninvasively with the transabdominal ultrasonic
    scanner.
   Pressure flow studies: Help to evaluate obstruction of the bladder outlet.
   Urodynamic studies: This helps to distinguish the ineffective bladder contraction from
    obstruction of the bladder outlet.
   Cytological examination of urine: It is considered in clients who have predominantly
    irritative symptoms. History of smoking, previous bladder cancer, and any other
    history pointing toward the risk of prostate cancer must alert the clinician to consider
    this test.
MANAGEMENT
MEDICAL MANAGEMENT
  a) Watchful waiting: This strategy is recommended in patients who have mild symptoms
      because of BPH and for those with moderate to severe symptoms who are not
      bothered by their symptoms, with no complications. In these patients, medical
      therapy is not likely to improve the symptoms or quality of life of patients. Patients
      under watchful waiting are usually reexamined annually.
  b) Drug therapy:
   Alpha-blockers: Increased tone of the smooth muscles of the urethra, bladder neck,
     and prostate gland is a major cause of lower urinary tract symptoms secondary to
     BPH. This increased smooth muscle tone is attributed to the alpha-1 adrenergic
     receptor. The agents blocking these receptors, thus, relax the smooth muscle and allow
     easier passage of urine.
     Alpha-blocking agents include:
    Non-selective alpha-blocking agents, e.g., phenoxybenzamine
    Selective short-acting alpha-1 blocking agents, e.g., prazosin, indoramin, alfuzosin
    Selective long-acting alpha- 1 blocking agents, e.g., terazosin, doxazosin
    Alpha- la selective agents, e.g. tamsulosin, silodosin
   5-alpha-reductase inhibitors (5 ARIs): Dutasteride and finasteride are the two 5-alpha-
     reductase inhibitors that have been currently approved for the treatment of benign
     prostatic hyperplasia. In patients with LUTS secondary to BPH, 5-ARIs prevent the
     progression of the symptoms, decrease the incidence of urinary retention and prevent
     the need for prostate-related surgery in the future. The mechanism of action of 5-ARIs
     is by reduction of prostate volume, thus reducing LUTS. Maximum prostate volume
     reduction takes a minimum of 6 months of therapy. 5-ARIs block "testosterone to
     DHT" conversion, leading to decreased DHT levels in the prostate, causing a
     consistent decrease in prostate size and improving LUTS and urine flow.
               Based on the severity of symptoms, a treatment approach can be decided. If
     the symptoms are mild, a watchful waiting approach can be adopted. For moderate to
     severe symptoms, watchful waiting or medical management can be instituted, based
     on whether the symptoms are affecting the patient's activities of daily living. For
     severe obstructive symptoms, surgery may be required to relieve the obstruction.
SURGICAL MANAGEMENT
  1) Transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) is the name of the procedure done for
     patients with BPH. This surgery is a criterion standard for treating the obstruction of
     the bladder outlet, caused by benign prostate hyperplasia.
     Indications:
   Recurrent gross hematuria
   Urinary tract infections
   Failed voiding trials
   Renal insufficiency
   Acute urinary retention
   Failure of medical therapy
   If the patient wants to stop the medical therapy
   Financial difficulties rendering patients unable to take medical therapy
   4) Perineal Prostectomy: This method involves removing the gland through an incision
      in the perineum. This approach is practical when other approaches are not possible &
      is useful for an open biopsy.
  c) Transurethral Laser Resection: A laser guided through the urethra produces energy.
     that is directed at the prostate tissue surrounding the constricted portion of the
     urethra. The laser energy vaporizes the offending prostate tissue.
  e) Prostate stent: A prostate stent is a tubular device inserted through the urethra to the
     point of constriction, where it is allowed to expand. The pressure exerted by the stent
     on the inside wall of the urethra widens its bore and reduces the obstruction to urinary
     flow. However, an increased urgency to urinate may be experienced in the first few
     days following insertion of the device.
  f) Balloon urethroplasty: A tube with a small balloon at the end is inserted through the
     urethral opening of the penis and guided to the constricted portion of the urethra,
     where the balloon is inflated. The pressure exerted by the balloon against the inside
     of the urethral wall increases the diameter of the urethra and improves the flow of
     urine.
ALTERNATIVE THERAPY
   Phytotherapeutic agents and dietary supplements: Active compounds in plant
    derivatives phytosterols, fatty acids, lectins, flavonoids, plant oils, polysaccharides,
    etc. -although these agents are not officially approved for the treatment of BPH, they
    are very popular as alternative therapies.
    These agents may exert antiandrogenic, antiestrogenic, 15t anti-inflammatory,
    detrusor strengthening, and alpha receptor blocking effects.
    Some examples include saw palmetto or American dwarf palm plant, African plum
    tree, stinging nettle, pumpkin, and rye.
   American dwarf palm (saw palmetto): Extracts of berries of the American dwarf plant
    is one of the most popular alternative therapies for BPH. It has a mixture of fatty
       acids, phytosterols, and alcohols that exert antiandrogenic effects, 5-ARI effect, and
       anti -inflammatory effect.
    Pygeum africanum (African plum tree): This extract is not well studied but what is
     hypothesized is that it inhibits fibroblast proliferation and has an anti-inflammatory
     effect.
    Rye (Secale cereale): The extract is derived from the pollens of rye plants grown in
     southern Sweden. The mechanism involves alpha blockade, 5-ARI activity inhibition,
     and prostatic zinc level increase.
    Pumpkin seeds (Cucurbita pepo): Many studies suggest that men with lower urinary
     tract symptoms secondary to BPH who have urinary urgency and frequency, benefit
     from the use of pumpkin seeds. The suggested mechanism of action includes
     increased synthesis of prostaglandins and a high concentration of Linoleic acid.
     Another mechanism is the anti-inflammatory property of gamma-tocopherol and the
     nitric acid precursors present in pumpkin seeds.
NURSING MANAGEMENT
Nursing Assessment
      Assess the condition of client.
      Monitor vital signs of patient and record.
      Maintain intake output chart.
      Monitor daily weight and record.
      If patient is having urinary retention, then insert catheter.
      Obtain urine culture if UTIs suspected.
      Prepare patient for diagnostic tests and surgery as appropriate.
Nursing Diagnosis
   1) Acute pain related to bladder distension secondary to enlarged prostate.
      Interventions: -
           Assess the level, location, intensity of pain by using pain relating scale.
           Avoid the activities that increase the pain.
           Provide comfortable bed, position to the patient.
           Initiate bowel to prevent constipation.
           Provide opioid analgesics to constipation as prescribed by doctor.
           Administer analgesics as prescribed by doctor.
   2) Urinary retention related to urethral obstruction and loss of bladder tone due to
      prolonged distension/retention.
      Interventions: -
           Assess the patient usual pattern of urinary function.
           Assess for sign of urinary retention, amount and frequency of urination,
             urgency and discomfort.
           Initiate measures to treat retention; encourage assuming normal position for
             voiding.
           Administer cholinergic agent as prescribed by doctor, helps to stimulate
             bladder contraction.
           Monitor the effect of medication.
   3) Anxiety related to concern and lack of knowledge about the diagnosis, treatment plan
      and prognosis.
      Interventions: -
           Obtain the history to determine the patients concerns.
           Ask questions regarding disease to check his understanding and knowledge of
             his health problem.
           Provide education about diagnosis and treatment.
           Allow the patient to ask questions.
           Provide psychological support to the patient.
           Answer all the questions asked by the patient.
           Provide comfortable environment.
   4) Deficient knowledge related to disease condition, urinary difficulties, and treatment
      modalities.
      Interventions: -
           Assess knowledge deficit.
           Provide patient education.
           Clarify medical terminology.
           Create an open and non-judgmental environment where the patient feels
             comfortable asking questions about their healthcare.
           Engage family members or caregivers in the educational process to ensure a
             support system is well-informed and can assist the patient as needed.
COMPLICATIONS
    Urinary retention: Client can feel sudden inability to urinate.
    Urinary tract infection: Inability to empty the bladder can increase the risk of
     infection in urinary tract.
    Bladder stones: It can be caused by an inability to completely empty the bladder.
     Bladder stones can cause infection, bladder irritation, and obstruction in urine flow.
    Kidney damage: Pressure in the bladder from urinary retention can directly damage
     the kidneys or allow bladder infection to reach the kidneys.
PROGNOSIS
   Deterioration in LUTS with increasingly problematic voiding symptoms is the most
common indicator of BPH disease progression. Patients may also present with complications,
including urinary retention, infections, or hematuria. Observational studies have
demonstrated that when left without treatment, clinical progression of BPH increased over 48
months, with 31% of the cohort requiring further treatment and 5% developing acute
retention in the same period.
            The 5 alpha-reductase inhibitors have been shown to reduce the incidence of
urinary retention and delay the need for surgery, while alpha-blockers have not.
CONCLUSION
Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a noncancerous enlargement of the prostate gland. It's
a common cause of urinary problems in men. BPH is a common disease that can be treated
with medical, surgical, or minimally invasive options. The best treatment depends on the
patient's symptoms, risk factors, and other factors. BPH can be associated with an increased
risk of prostate and bladder cancer. A poor diet may worsen BPH. Early treatment and
appropriate management shows good prognosis.
BIBLIOGRAPHY
BOOK REFERENCES
      Ansari J, “A Textbook of Medical Surgical Nursing – II” Part B, S Vikas & Company
       (Medical Publishers) India, Edition 2021, Page number: 1220-1225.
      Sethi D, Rani K, “Medical Surgical Nursing I & II”, Jaypee Brothers Medical
       Publishers (P) Ltd, 1st Edition, 2015, Page number: 820-825.
INTERNET REFERNCES
      Langan RC, Available from National Institute of Diabetes, Digestive and Kidney
       Diseases, 2024
          https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/urologic-diseases/prostate-
       problems/enlarged-prostate-benign-prostatic-hyperplasia.