La Trobe News

Understanding an Enlarged Prostate (BPH)

Dr Kapil Sethi, Urologist
MBBS, MD, FRACS
Click to View Dr Kapil Sethi's Profile

What is Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)?

Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH), also known as an enlarged prostate, is a common condition that affects many men as they get older.

As the prostate grows, it can press on the urethra (the tube that carries urine from the bladder), making it more difficult to pass urine and causing a range of urinary symptoms.

While BPH is not cancer and does not mean you have prostate cancer, it can affect your quality of life and may sometimes lead to complications if left untreated.

Common Symptoms of an Enlarged Prostate

Urination (Voiding) Symptoms

You may notice:

A weak or slow urine stream
Difficulty starting urination
Straining to pass urine
Stopping and starting during urination
A feeling that the bladder has not emptied completely

Bladder (Storage) Symptoms

You may also experience:

Passing urine more frequently
A sudden urge to urinate
Waking during the night to urinate (nocturia)

When Should You See a Doctor?

Speak with your GP if urinary symptoms are affecting your daily life or sleep.

Seek prompt medical attention if you experience:

How is BPH Assessed?

Your GP may recommend some or all of the following:

Discussion of your symptoms and medical history
Symptom questionnaires
Physical examination, including a prostate examination if appropriate
Blood tests, including PSA and kidney function tests
Urine testing
Ultrasound scans to assess the prostate, bladder and urinary tract

If needed, your GP may refer you to a urologist for further assessment and treatment options.

Treatment Options

Treatment depends on:

The severity of symptoms
The size of the prostate
Overall health
Personal preferences

Options may include:

Lifestyle changes
Medications
Minimally invasive procedures
Surgery

What is HoLEP?

Holmium Laser Enucleation of the Prostate (HoLEP)

HoLEP is a minimally invasive surgical procedure used to treat urinary symptoms caused by an enlarged prostate.

During the procedure, a holmium laser is used to remove the part of the prostate that is blocking urine flow. This creates more space for urine to pass from the bladder.

Unlike some other prostate procedures, the removed tissue is collected and can be sent for laboratory analysis.

Watch the video to find out more

Potential Benefits of HoLEP

Individual results vary and no procedure is suitable for every patient. Your urologist will discuss whether HoLEP may be appropriate for you.

Potential advantages may include:

Suitable for a Wide Range of Prostate Sizes
HoLEP can be used to treat both moderate and very large prostates and may allow some men to avoid more invasive surgery.
Reduced Bleeding Risk
The laser seals many blood vessels during the procedure, which may reduce bleeding compared with some traditional surgical techniques.
Shorter Recovery for Many Patients

Many patients are able to:

Stay in hospital for a short period
Have their catheter removed within a day or two
Return to normal activities relatively quickly

Recovery times vary between individuals.

Durable Symptom Relief

HoLEP removes a substantial amount of the obstructing prostate tissue, which may provide long-lasting improvement in urinary flow and symptoms.

Who May Benefit From HoLEP?

HoLEP may be considered for men who:

Have bothersome urinary symptoms from BPH
Have a large prostate gland
Have experienced urinary retention
Are looking for a surgical treatment option
May not be suitable for some alternative procedures

Not all patients are suitable candidates. A specialist assessment is required.

Tissue Testing

The tissue removed during HoLEP is typically sent for laboratory examination.

In some cases, this analysis may identify previously undetected prostate abnormalities, including prostate cancer.

Risks and Considerations

As with any medical procedure, HoLEP carries risks and potential complications. Your urologist will discuss the potential benefits, risks and alternatives relevant to your individual circumstances before any procedure.

Specialist Consultation

If you are experiencing symptoms of an enlarged prostate, a consultation with your GP or urologist can help determine the most appropriate management options for your situation.

________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Dr Kapil Sethi provides assessment and management of BPH, including evaluation for advanced treatment options such as HoLEP.

Contact details are available via his profile link below:

Dr Kapil Sethi, Urologist
MBBS, MD, FRACS
View Dr Kapil Sethi's Profile

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Please note:
Healthscope: While we make every effort to make sure the information contained in this blog and otherwise
on this website is accurate and informative, it should not be used as a substitute for obtaining your own
professional or medical advice.
Do not use the information in this blog:
• to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease,
• for therapeutic purposes or
• as a substitute for the advice of a health professional.
Healthscope Ltd and its related entities do not provide any guarantees and assume no legal liability or
responsibility for the accuracy, currency or completeness of the information contained in this blog or on our
website, or for any injury, loss or damage caused by its use.

Understanding Bowel Cancer: 7 Key Questions Answered

June 2025

Understanding Bowel Cancer: 7 Key Questions Answered

Bowel cancer, also known as colorectal cancer, is the second most common cancer in Australia, affecting over 15,000 individuals annually. While it predominantly affects those over 50, there is a concerning rise in cases among younger Australians.

Early detection through screening and awareness is crucial in improving outcomes.

1. What are the symptoms of bowel cancer?

In its early stages, bowel cancer often presents no symptoms. However, common signs to pay attention to, include:

Blood in the stool (bright red or dark)
Persistent changes in bowel habits (diarrhea or constipation)
Abdominal pain or discomfort
Unexplained weight loss
Fatigue or weakness

If you experience any of these symptoms, consult your doctor promptly.

2. Who is at risk?

Risk factors for bowel cancer include:

Age (increased risk after 50)
Family history of bowel cancer or adenomatous polyps
Inflammatory bowel diseases (e.g., Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis)
Lifestyle factors:
- Diet high in red or processed meats
- Low fibre intake
- Excessive alcohol consumption
- Physical inactivity
- Smoking

Notably, approximately 30% of bowel cancer cases are related to genetics and family history.

3. How is bowel cancer diagnosed?

Diagnosis typically involves:

Medical history review and physical examination
Faecal occult blood test (FOBT) to detect hidden blood in the stool
Colonoscopy to examine the colon and rectum for abnormalities
Biopsy of any suspicious areas during colonoscopy

Early detection significantly improves treatment outcomes.

4. What are the treatment options?

Treatment depends on the cancer's stage and may include:

Surgery to remove the tumour
Chemotherapy
Radiation therapy
Targeted therapy or immunotherapy for advanced stages

Regular follow-up is essential to monitor for recurrence.

5. How can I reduce my risk of bowel cancer?

Preventive measures include:

Maintaining a healthy diet rich in fibre (e.g., fruits, vegetables, whole grains)
Regular physical activity
Limiting alcohol intake
Not smoking
Regular screening, especially if you have a family history or other risk factors

These lifestyle choices can significantly lower your risk.

6. What is the bowel cancer screening program in Australia?

The National Bowel Cancer Screening Program offers free biennial screening for Australians aged 50 to 74. Starting July 1, 2024, people aged 45 to 49 can also request a free screening kit. Those aged 40 to 44 must request tests from their GP, while under 40 must pay privately.

7. Can bowel cancer occur in younger individuals?

Yes, bowel cancer is increasingly affecting younger people. While the risk increases with age, particularly after 50, a concerning number of people under 50—some even in their 20s and 30s—are now being diagnosed, often at advanced stages due to misconceptions. It's important to recognise that bowel cancer can occur at any age, and early detection is crucial.

If you have concerns or symptoms, it's important to consult with a healthcare professional for personalised advice, screening and treatment options.

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Bowel cancer resources

Please note:

Healthscope: While we make every effort to make sure the information contained in this blog and otherwise on this website is accurate and informative, it should not be used as a substitute for obtaining your own professional or medical advice.

Do not use the information in this blog:

to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease,

for therapeutic purposes or
as a substitute for the advice of a health professional.

Healthscope Ltd and its related entities do not provide any guarantees and assume no legal liability or responsibility for the accuracy, currency or completeness of the information contained in this blog or on our website, or for any injury, loss or damage caused by its use.

March 2024

La Trobe Private Hospital boosts healthcare for Melbourne's northern suburbs.

La Trobe Private Hospital has re-opened its doors, giving residents of Melbourne’s growing northern suburbs further vital access to healthcare and treatment.

The hospital, located at La Trobe University’s Bundoora campus, was officially reopened today by Assistant Minster for Health and Aging and Member of Parliament for Cooper, the Hon. Ged Kearney MP.

Healthscope has invested more than $25 million to completely redevelop the hospital, which now comprises 34 beds, including four operating theatres and a four bed High Dependency Unit. Clinical services offered at La Trobe Private include orthopaedics, general surgery, plastic surgery, and urology, as well as a new radiology clinic and consulting suites.

La Trobe Private will also expand and enhance Healthscope’s longstanding partnership with La Trobe University, providing additional clinical education placements for La Trobe students, as well as opportunities to receive quality professional learning experiences.

Plans for the opening of La Trobe Private Hospital were finalised in 2021, with the hospital opening in March 2024. "It's very exciting to see this hospital now completed and fully operational,” Healthscope CEO Greg Horan said.

“The redevelopment and re-opening of La Trobe Private will provide critical new healthcare services in Melbourne’s rapidly growing northern corridor, as well as continue our work to support and develop the next generation of healthcare professionals.”

The new facilities will also boost the research capability of La Trobe, strengthening its partnership with Healthscope that has already generated more than 60 publications in the past four years, many of which are co-produced with Healthscope staff and consumer representatives. La Trobe University’s Vice-Chancellor Professor Theo Farrell, said; “La Trobe Private Hospital is driving healthcare innovation, as a place where world-class health care is combined with hands-on professional training and pioneering research. The hospital brings a wide range of health and education benefits to the local community while continuing to strengthen the University’s teaching, learning and research capability and excellence.”

La Trobe Private Hospital is a 34-bed hospital with a focus on orthopaedics, general surgery, plastic surgery, and urology. The hospital is located on the La Trobe University campus in Bundoora, adjacent to Plenty Road and public transport. La Trobe Private Hospital services are complemented by its sister hospital, Northpark Private Hospital located just minutes away.

Northpark Private Hospital offers a range of services, including ophthalmology, gynaecology, ENT and general surgery, maternity services including an early parenting unit. The hospital has recently opened its expanded 56 bed mental health service which includes a dedicated older person’s mental health unit.