In 2009, Mikio was diagnosed with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), also known as an enlarged prostate gland, which is a condition affecting more than half of men 60 years of age or older. Although BPH is not a cancerous condition, the excess tissue can cause problems when it grows so much that it interferes with urinary flow.
Mikio had noticed that he was, in fact, having problems with urination for quite some time.
"I was afraid that someday I wouldn't urinate at all," he recalls thinking at the time.
Mikio knew he needed treatment, but he didn't want to have surgery. So, his family practice doctor tried medication first. Unfortunately, the medication didn't work for Mikio.
Mikio was then referred to Edward Karpman, MD, urologist and co-director of the Men's Health Program at El Camino Hospital. Dr. Karpman recommended a laser treatment known as Greenlight™ XPS, which is used to remove enlarged prostatic tissue.
Mikio says the procedure, which he had in July 2011, took less than an hour. During the procedure, Dr. Karpman inserted a very thin fiber into Mikio’s urethra. The fiber then delivered the laser energy, removing the prosthetic tissue that had been blocking Mikio's urinary flow.
The procedure was a success. About six weeks after the surgery, Mikio took a vacation to Hawaii. "Everything was fine after that," says Mikio. "I was so happy."
Follow-up tests indicated Mikio's urinary flow was excellent.
Mikio, who is now 74, says he would definitely recommend the procedure to other men his age. "If your doctor suggests it, do the surgery," he urges. "I am very grateful to Dr. Karpman. He did an excellent job."
Thank you, Mikio, for sharing your experience and encouraging other men to seek treatment for BPH.