Prof. Dr. Georg Schatzl is an associate specialist in urology and andrology at the Wiener Privatklinik Hospital. He specializes in urological oncology, BPH diagnosis and treatment, erectile dysfunction and recurrent urinary tract infections.
It is a member of a number of societies, such as:
- Austrian Society of Urology (ÖGU),
- German Association of Urology (DGU),
- European Society for Urological Research,
- European Association of Urology (EAU),
- American Urological Association (AUA).
For the period 2003-2015, he was chairman of the Austrian Prostate Study Group. He has authored more than 90 publications (both review and original articles) published in peer-reviewed journals.
What is the nature of prostate adenoma and what impact does it have on the urinary system in men?
Prostate adenoma is a benign change that results from advancing age. The number of men suffering from the symptoms increases with age, with micturition at night being one of the first symptoms to appear.
What are the causes of prostate adenoma and what are its first symptoms?
Familial risk is a likely cause, as prostate growth is stimulated by genetic changes. At present, the causes have not been shown to be nutrition-related.
It is important to distinguish between symptoms of urge to urinate and symptoms of less emptying of the bladder. Common symptoms are:
- urge to urinate at night,
- frequent urination during the day,
- weak stream of urine.
Are adenoma and prostate cancer related? How do their symptoms differ?
Adenoma and prostate cancer are different diseases affecting the same organ. However, cancer can accompany benign prostate enlargement. In the peripheral zone of the prostate, malignant changes usually develop, while benign ones are accompanied by enlargement of the transitional zone.
What is involved in the treatment of patients with prostate adenoma?
Medication treatment is applied, acting on receptors in the area of the prostatic urethra and bladder neck. Some medications, however, do reduce prostate volume by about 30%. Surgical rehabilitation of the prostate is appropriate and is used when conservative treatment does not produce results.
Is prostate adenoma preventable if we have healthy habits?
In fact, a change in lifestyle is imperative, because often a person stimulates the symptoms himself, through improper drinking behavior. It is because of this that the first activity that is performed urologically is the examination of the man's lifestyle.
Is it true that adenoma of the prostate is characteristic only of men over 60 years of age or does it also occur among younger men?
In fact, prostate adenoma is also possible in men under 60.
If left untreated, is it possible that prostate adenoma could be the cause of other diseases?
If left untreated, urine accumulates in the kidneys, and this can lead to:
- urinary tract infections,
- distances between the prostate,
- incontinence,
- formation of residual urine,
- poor kidney function.
How often is it good for men to go for a urological examination and what are the tests they should do every year?
Prophylaxis should be done every year and the following tests should be performed:
- urinalysis,
- ultrasound examination of the kidneys, bladder, prostate and testicles,
- rectal examination of the prostate,
- determining the PSA value.
