SEBRING – Millions of men are living with an enlarged prostate, also known as benign prostatic hyperplasia. For some, like Edward Daughtry, the condition can lead to serious complications.
“I got to the point where I couldn’t urinate at all, and my bladder was full and it was painful,” Daughtry said.
The Marine Corps veteran said he also developed blood clots in his bladder, which led him to seek emergency care at AdventHealth Sebring. There, he was treated by Dr. Aravindh Rathinam, a urologist, who recommended he undergo a Holmium laser enucleation of the prostate procedure, a minimally invasive treatment that removes excess prostate tissue causing urinary blockage.
Rathinam said the procedure can provide long-lasting relief with fewer complications and shorter recovery times, while preserving normal sexual function.
“It’s a safe procedure that allows for more complete removal of the tissue causing the problem and reduces the risk of it coming back,” Rathinam said. “Recovery is typically faster, and in many cases, we can remove the catheter the same day or within 24 hours, compared to several days with other procedures.”
Daughtry said he has recovered well and has not experienced side effects. He also expressed appreciation for the care he received.
“I’m glad I had it done because I feel great now,” Daughtry said. “Dr. Rathinam is one of the best doctors I have ever had. He broke everything down for me, and I’d recommend anybody to him if they wanted to have that surgery or needed it done. He, the nurses and everybody from the sign-in point on the day of the surgery to the release date were great.”
Rathinam added that the procedure can also help detect other serious conditions.
“Because this procedure removes a large portion of the prostate, we can examine the tissue and sometimes identify cancer cells early,” he said.
With benign prostatic hyperplasia, some men may experience sleep disruption due to frequent nighttime urination, along with difficulty emptying the bladder. Without timely treatment, the condition can lead to more serious health problems, including permanent bladder or kidney damage, bladder stones and incontinence.
According to the American Cancer Society, men should begin prostate cancer screening at age 50. Those with a family history of prostate cancer should consider screening starting at age 45.
“We often hear from men who put off getting checked because they feel fine or don’t want to deal with it,” Rathinam said. “But taking a few minutes for a prostate exam can make a meaningful difference. It gives us the opportunity to catch issues early, provide reassurance when everything is normal or begin treatment before problems become more serious.”
Want to learn more?
Learn more about urological care available through AdventHealth in Sebring, Lake Placid and Wauchula at adventhealth.com/hospital/adventhealth-sebring/urology-care.
