Baby Memorial Hospital (BMH), Kozhikode has marked a significant milestone in the field of urology by successfully performing four advanced prostate procedures UroLift, iTIND, Rezūm, and HoLEP within a single day. This rare accomplishment reflects not only the availability of state-of-the-art technology but also the high level of expertise, coordination, and clinical judgment of the Dr. H&K urology team at BMH including Dr Harigovindan P, Dr Krishna Mohan R, and Dr Pankaj Bhirud Eknath
Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH), or enlargement of the prostate gland, is one of the most common urological problems affecting aging men. The condition leads to lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) such as weak urinary stream, increased frequency, urgency, nocturia, incomplete bladder emptying, and sometimes acute urinary retention. While medications such as alpha-blockers and 5-alpha reductase inhibitors provide symptomatic relief, many patients either fail medical therapy or experience side effects, necessitating procedural intervention.
In recent years, urology has witnessed a paradigm shift from conventional open or transurethral surgeries to minimally invasive, patient-tailored therapies. The ability of the BMH urology team to offer and execute the entire spectrum of modern BPH treatments in a single day is a testament to this evolution.
UroLift Procedure: Minimally Invasive Relief with Function Preservation
The UroLift system is a minimally invasive treatment designed for men with mild to moderate prostate enlargement. The procedure involves the placement of tiny permanent implants that retract the obstructing prostate tissue away from the urethra, thereby relieving urinary obstruction without cutting, heating, or removing prostate tissue.
One of the greatest advantages of UroLift is the preservation of sexual and ejaculatory function, which is often a major concern for patients. The procedure is usually performed under minimal anaesthesia, involves a short hospital stay, and provides rapid symptom relief. However, UroLift may not be suitable for patients with very large prostates or complex anatomical variations.
iTIND Procedure: Temporary Implant with Lasting Benefits
The iTIND (Temporarily Implanted Nitinol Device) is a novel and innovative minimally invasive option aimed at reshaping the bladder neck and prostatic urethra. The device is temporarily placed and left in situ for 5–7 days, during which it exerts gentle pressure to create channels that improve urinary flow. The device is then removed, leaving behind durable anatomical changes.
The major advantage of iTIND is that it does not involve permanent implants or tissue removal, making it particularly attractive for younger patients. It preserves sexual function and allows patients to avoid long-term medication. However, patient selection is crucial, and it is best suited for those with bladder neck obstruction or
early-stage prostate enlargement. Another benefit is that the patient can be discharged on the same day.
Rezūm Therapy: Steam-Based Treatment for Larger Prostates
Rezūm therapy uses convective water vapor (steam) to ablate excess prostate tissue. The steam is injected into targeted areas of the prostate, where it releases thermal energy, causing cell death. Over time, the body naturally absorbs the treated tissue, resulting in reduced prostate volume and improved urinary flow.
Rezūm is particularly useful in patients with moderately to significantly enlarged prostates, including those with median lobe enlargement. The procedure is minimally invasive, preserves sexual function in most patients, and can
be performed as a day-care procedure. Symptom improvement
is gradual and may take several weeks, and temporary catheterization may be required.
Patient Case – UroLift
A 61-year-old male presented with long-standing LUTS, poor urinary stream, and increased urinary frequency. He had associated comorbidities including diabetes mellitus and hypertension. Ultrasound examination revealed a grade 2 enlarged prostate with significant post-void residual urine. Cystoscopic evaluation showed a grade 2 prostate with a trabeculated bladder, suggestive of chronic bladder outlet obstruction. The patient underwent UroLift with two implants and showed significant improvement in urinary symptoms.
Patient Case – iTIND
A 38-year-old male with a long history of alpha-blocker usage presented with persistent poor urinary flow. Uroflowmetry demonstrated a severely obstructed pattern, and ultrasound showed high post-void residual urine. Cystoscopy revealed a high-riding bladder neck consistent with bladder neck obstruction. The patient underwent iTIND successfully, offering symptom relief while avoiding invasive surgery at a young age.
Patient Case – Rezūm
A 49-year-old male presented with LUTS including increased frequency and a persistent sense of incomplete voiding. Ultrasound revealed a grade 3 enlarged prostate with significant post-void residual urine. Cystoscopy confirmed a grade 3 prostate with a prominent median lobe and trabeculated bladder. Rezūm therapy was performed with steam
injections to both lateral lobes and the median lobe, with a total of 11 treatment sites. The procedure was completed successfully.
HoLEP: Gold Standard Surgical Management
Holmium Laser Enucleation of the Prostate (HoLEP) is considered the gold standard surgical treatment for patients with significantly enlarged prostates. The procedure involves complete enucleation of the obstructing prostate tissue using holmium laser technology. HoLEP offers durable long-term relief, minimal bleeding, and is suitable even for patients on anticoagulant therapy.
Although HoLEP requires advanced expertise and specialized equipment, its outcomes are comparable or superior to traditional surgery, with shorter hospital stay and faster recovery.
A Step Towards Comprehensive and Personalized Care
This remarkable achievement reflects Baby Memorial Hospital’s strong commitment to delivering comprehensive, patient-centred urological care with a focus on precision, safety, and long-term outcomes. By offering a complete spectrum of treatment options for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), the hospital ensures that every patient receives a carefully tailored approach based on individual factors such as age, prostate size, anatomical variations, associated comorbidities, and personal expectations.
The availability of multiple advanced treatment modalities under one roof allows clinicians to adopt a highly flexible and evidence-based approach to decision-making. This not only enhances overall treatment outcomes but also ensures that patients are guided toward the most suitable and least invasive option whenever possible. As a result, patients benefit from reduced procedural discomfort, minimal complications, shorter hospital stays, faster recovery, and an earlier return to normal daily activities.
Furthermore, such an integrated care model promotes continuity of care, where evaluation, treatment, and follow-up are seamlessly coordinated. This holistic approach improves patient confidence, compliance, and overall satisfaction, while also enabling better long-term monitoring and outcomes.
As prostate-related conditions continue to rise among the aging male population, achievements like these set new benchmarks in clinical excellence and innovation. They reinforce the growing importance of personalized care pathways and highlight the transformative role of advanced medical technology in improving both clinical outcomes and quality of life. At the same time, they underline the institution’s dedication to staying at the forefront of modern urology by continuously adopting evolving techniques and delivering care that is both patient-centric and future-ready.
