Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a condition in which the prostate gland enlarges abnormally and compresses the urethra, causing urinary problems. As a result, patients may experience symptoms such as frequent urination, nighttime urination, a sensation of incomplete bladder emptying, and urinary urgency.
The key to treating BPH is reducing the size of the enlarged prostate. Standard treatments have traditionally included medication therapy and surgical procedures such as transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP). Recently, a newer treatment option known as iTind has been introduced to reduce the burden associated with conventional surgery.
Traditional TURP involves removing the enlarged prostate tissue directly through an endoscope inserted into the urethra. Although the procedure is highly effective, it usually requires general or spinal anesthesia and carries potential risks such as bleeding, infection, urethral stricture, urinary incontinence, and retrograde ejaculation. In addition, patients often require several days of hospitalization and the use of a urinary catheter after surgery. For elderly patients or those with underlying health conditions, these factors can make the procedure more burdensome.
In contrast, iTind does not involve removing prostate tissue. Instead, a temporary device made from nitinol, a shape-memory alloy, is inserted into the urethra to gently expand the prostatic urethra.
The device gradually expands in response to body temperature, widening the urethral channel and helping improve urine flow. After approximately five to seven days, the device is removed. During this process, the risks of bleeding, infection, and anesthesia-related complications are minimal. The procedure typically takes around 20 minutes, and most patients can return home on the same day.
Another advantage of iTind is that it can be performed under local or regional anesthesia rather than general anesthesia, and in most cases a urinary catheter is not required. Patients generally recover quickly, and sexual and ejaculatory functions are preserved after the procedure.
Clinical data also support the effectiveness of iTind. In one representative study, the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) decreased from an average of 22.5 before the procedure to 11.3 afterward, representing roughly a 50 percent improvement. Urinary flow rate increased from 7.3 mL/s to 15.2 mL/s, approximately doubling after treatment. In addition, both erectile and ejaculatory functions were preserved in 100 percent of patients, and the reoperation rate within three years was reported to be only about 4 percent.
However, iTind is not suitable for every patient. Its appropriateness depends on factors such as prostate size, the anatomical structure of the urethra and bladder, and overall functional status.
Therefore, detailed diagnostic evaluation before the procedure is essential. Tests may include prostate ultrasound, uroflowmetry, measurement of post-void residual urine, and cystoscopy. In patients whose bladder function has already been significantly impaired due to long-standing BPH, surgical procedures such as prostate resection or other treatment methods may be more appropriate than iTind.
Dr. Ryu Kyung-ho of Goldman Urology Clinic’s Gangnam branch explained that the biggest difference between conventional surgery and iTind lies in the level of invasiveness and the burden placed on the patient. While traditional surgery represents a more intensive treatment approach, iTind offers a safer and less invasive option for improving symptoms of BPH. He added that iTind can be a practical alternative, particularly for elderly patients or those who have significant concerns about undergoing surgery.