Many patients diagnosed with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) experience significant stress when their symptoms do not improve despite medication. Some eventually begin to consider surgical treatment that removes enlarged prostate tissue. However, concerns about anesthesia, bleeding, and long recovery periods often make patients hesitant about undergoing conventional surgery.
In such cases, one alternative that may be considered is the iTIND procedure. iTIND works by inserting a nitinol stent into the prostate for about one week to widen the urethra. Because it improves urinary flow without removing tissue, it has gained attention as an intermediate treatment option between medication and surgery. However, an important point is that the procedure is not as simple as it may appear. The actual outcome can vary significantly depending on the patient’s condition, the physician’s experience, and the medical facility where the procedure is performed.
During consultations, one of the most common questions patients ask is about anesthesia. Because iTIND is often described as a minimally invasive procedure with no major incisions, many assume that anesthesia will be simple. In reality, local anesthesia alone is often insufficient for pain control. Spinal or caudal anesthesia is frequently required, and structured pain management is necessary to address discomfort that may persist for several days after the procedure.
Imaging equipment such as a C-arm is also required to confirm the proper placement of the stent. Without such equipment, incorrect placement could occur, potentially leading to complications such as urethral injury or bleeding.
iTIND is considered an option between medication and more invasive surgery for the treatment of BPH, and good outcomes can be expected when appropriate patients are carefully selected. However, it is not suitable for every patient. Factors such as prostate size, International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), maximum urinary flow rate (Qmax), and the presence of bladder neck obstruction must all be evaluated before determining whether the procedure is appropriate. This selection process tends to be more precise in hospitals with extensive clinical experience.
Although the procedure itself does not take long, patients are generally advised to allow time for observation rather than immediately returning to daily activities. Depending on the patient’s condition, several hours to a day of monitoring may be recommended to assess pain and urinary function. Hospitals equipped with inpatient facilities and structured postoperative care systems can therefore provide a safer recovery environment.
Dr. Ryu Jeman of Goldman Urology Clinic Seoul Station Branch explained that iTIND represents a meaningful treatment option that can offer new possibilities for patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia. He emphasized that the choice of hospital is just as important as the procedure itself, noting that safe and satisfactory outcomes depend on factors such as proper anesthesia and pain management, accurate equipment, careful patient selection, postoperative care systems, and the experience of the medical team.