AS SEEN ON TV:
Dr. Herbert Watkins discusses Indigo Optima Laser treatment on Channel 11 News Dr. Watkins discusses Prostate Problems in Men on Channel 24 News
Kelsey-Seybold Urologist Dr. Herbert Watkins is using an in-office, minimally-invasive procedure to treat prostate enlargement. |
Prostate enlargement, a condition known medically as benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH) is one of the most prevalent problems for men over the age of 60, and 80 percent of men will experience symptoms by age 80. Symptoms of BPH include urinary frequency, painful urination, a weak urinary stream and incomplete bladder emptying. Traditionally, treatment ranges from drug therapy to invasive surgery, but now Kelsey-Seybold Clinic physician, Herbert Watkins M.D. is utilizing a new treatment called Indigo Optima Laser Treatment System to treat sufferers of BPH. He is one of the few physicians in Houston performing this new procedure.
“This is an in-office, minimally-invasive procedure done under local anesthesia,” said Dr. Watkins. The procedure takes about 10 to 15 minutes, and the patient is able to walk out of the procedure under his own power. Overall the stress on the body is substantially less than with other procedures currently available,” added Dr. Watkins.
The new tool combines fiber optics with diode laser technology allowing the doctor to quickly and safely destroy the precise areas of excess tissue that cause prostate problems. The tissue is not removed, but rather absorbed by the body. Recovery time from the laser treatment is normally a few days versus other treatment options that require hospital stays and, possibly, weeks of recuperation.
Kelsey-Seybold patient, Johnny Norman, has suffered from BPH for the past five years. Weary of taking the expensive medications that seemed to be losing effectiveness, Norman decided to discuss other treatment options with Dr. Watkins. After reading pamphlets, doing research, comparing different procedures, and talking to other men who had surgically eliminated their BPH symptoms, Norman decided that laser treatment was the right fit for him. He was attracted to the reduced risk of complications, compared to more traditional treatment methods, and the quick recovery time.
“I haven’t had any complications, and I no longer have BPH symptoms. I would definitely suggest this procedure to other men. It has unquestionably made my life better since I underwent the procedure,” said Norman.
The procedure most commonly performed on BPH sufferers is called transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP). It is traditionally performed in the hospital, under anesthesia, and requires hospitalization of at least one night. The procedure involves the actual removal of excess prostate tissue, one piece at a time through the urethra.
Recuperation from the TURP procedure usually takes several weeks and has a number of potential risks including bleeding, incontinence, impotence, and possible retrograde ejaculation. In comparison, Laser Treatment is less invasive, and the excess prostate tissue is reduced (coagulated) without damaging the urethra. The precision laser minimizes the risk of complications and there is little or no incidence of retrograde ejaculation, impotence, or incontinence.
“Patients who previously required medication to manage their prostate problems will no longer need medications after this procedure,” said Dr. Watkins. “ The primary goal of this treatment is to give people back their lives and return them to normalcy,” added Dr. Watkins.
Dr. Watkins offers Indigo Optima Laser Treatment at Kelsey-Seybold’s Main Campus located, at 2727 W. Holcombe. Dr. Watkins is board certified by the American Board of Urology and graduated from Columbia University Medical School in 1990. He continued with an Internship in Surgery and residency in Urology at Baylor College of Medicine before joining Kelsey-Seybold Clinic in September of 1996.
Patients who are interested in learning more about laser treatment, which is covered by most insurance, can call Kelsey-Seybold Clinic to schedule an appointment at 713-442-0427 or visit www.allaboutbph.com.
