Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is one of the most common urologic conditions that develops in men as they age. As the prostate enlarges excessively, it compresses the urethra and causes various urinary problems. Typical symptoms include a weak urinary stream and frequent urination, which often lead patients to visit the bathroom repeatedly throughout the day.
When BPH persists for a long time or becomes severe, residual urine may accumulate in the bladder, potentially leading to complications such as urinary tract infections or reduced kidney function. In the past, the most commonly performed treatment for BPH was transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP). This procedure removes enlarged prostate tissue using an endoscope inserted through the urethra. However, it can involve risks such as bleeding, longer hospital stays, and sexual side effects including retrograde ejaculation.
A newer approach that helps reduce these burdens is the iTind procedure. iTind is a minimally invasive treatment that uses a special alloy called nitinol, which is made of nickel and titanium. Nitinol is a shape-memory alloy that returns to its original form in response to body temperature and is known to function smoothly inside the body with minimal risk of rejection.
The iTind device is inserted into the urethra in a folded state. Once inside the body, it expands in response to body temperature and temporarily applies pressure in three directions to the prostatic urethra and bladder neck. Over a period of about five to seven days, this gentle and sustained pressure helps widen the urethral passage naturally. After the device is removed, the expanded urethral space remains, allowing improvement in urinary symptoms associated with BPH.
One of the greatest advantages of iTind is its rapid recovery and minimal risk of complications. The procedure usually takes only about 10 to 20 minutes and can generally be performed under spinal or caudal anesthesia without the need for general anesthesia. This makes it a relatively safe option even for elderly patients. Most patients do not require a urinary catheter after the procedure and can return home the same day, allowing a quick return to daily activities. Notably, complications such as retrograde ejaculation, erectile dysfunction, and urinary incontinence have rarely been reported with this technique.
However, not every patient with BPH is a suitable candidate for the iTind procedure. It is typically recommended for patients whose prostate size is not excessively large and who have had limited improvement with medication or prefer to avoid traditional surgery. In contrast, patients with severely enlarged prostates that significantly compress the urethra, or those whose bladder function has already declined considerably, may experience limited benefits. For this reason, a thorough evaluation and consultation with a physician are necessary to determine whether the procedure is appropriate. As with any medical treatment, a personalized approach based on the patient’s condition, prostate size, and underlying health issues is essential.
Dr. Ryu Kyung-ho of Goldman Urology Clinic’s Gangnam branch explained that patients whose quality of life has been reduced by BPH but who have delayed treatment due to fear of surgery may find iTind to be a viable solution. However, he emphasized that the final decision should always be made after sufficient consultation with a medical professional. He added that iTind is a treatment method that significantly reduces the burden of surgery while demonstrating both effectiveness and safety, offering many patients a new option for overcoming BPH.