Adenoma of the Prostate Gland

(obsolete term: hypertrophy of the prostate gland), a disease that occurs in men older than 50–60 years and is caused by an enlargement of the prostate gland. The enlargement affects not the prostate gland itself, but rather the so-called accessory (periurethral) glands of the urethra, in which a benign tumor, or adenoma, develops.

The adenoma results from impairment of the interaction of the endocrine glands caused by an age-induced weakening of the hormonal function of the testes and the prostate gland. The increasing adenoma of the prostate gland disintegrates the muscle of the urinary bladder, impairing its ability to contract. In the initial stage of the disease there is increased frequency of urination, especially at night (up to four or five times); the stream of urine is weak and the urge to urinate is strong. Subsequently, urination becomes even more frequent and urinary incontinence may appear. The stream of urine is vertical and sometimes intermittent; during straining, the urine flows in drops. After each urination, the patient has the sensation of a full bladder; the muscle of the urinary bladder cannot overcome the increased obstacle to the outflow of urine resulting from the enlargement of the prostate gland, and some of the urine remains in the bladder. Periodically, there is a sudden retention of urine, and catheterization is required. Without proper treatment, the disease continues to progress: urine dribbles continuously from the overfilled bladder, and there is no urge to urinate. In other cases, acute total urinary retention develops. Renal function becomes impaired; there is growing general weakness; thirst, diarrhea or constipation, and emaciation develop; and there is a loss of appetite. Conservative treatment with hormonal preparations and a diet is used in the initial stage. Subsequently, the adenoma is surgically removed. All the disorders of the urinary bladder and the kidneys are completely eliminated by the operation.