Enlarged Prostate · University Urology, PC
Advanced BPH Treatments in Knoxville, TN
Modern, minimally invasive options for enlarged prostate — matched to your anatomy, your goals, and your life. No one-size-fits-all approach.
About BPH
What is Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)?
Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia — commonly called an enlarged prostate — is a non-cancerous growth of the prostate gland that affects the majority of men over 50. As the prostate grows, it can compress the urethra and obstruct urine flow, causing a range of urinary symptoms that progressively impact quality of life.
BPH is not prostate cancer and does not increase your cancer risk. But left untreated, it can worsen over time and lead to more serious complications including urinary retention, bladder damage, and recurrent infection.
The good news: we now have more effective, less invasive options than ever before. Most procedures are outpatient, recovery is measured in days rather than weeks, and the right choice depends on your specific anatomy — not a protocol.
Common BPH Symptoms
- Frequent urination, especially at night (nocturia)
- Weak, slow, or interrupted urine stream
- Straining or hesitancy to start urination
- Urgency — sudden strong need to urinate
- Leakage or dribbling after urination
- Sensation of incomplete bladder emptying
When to Seek Treatment
- Symptoms disrupting sleep or daily life
- Recurrent urinary tract infections
- Urinary retention (inability to void)
- Bladder stones or kidney complications
- Symptoms worsening despite medications
Treatment Options
Advanced BPH Treatments We Offer
We offer the full spectrum of modern BPH therapies — from quick in-office procedures to robotic surgery for the largest glands. The right treatment depends on your prostate size, anatomy, symptom severity, and personal priorities.
UroLift® System
Minimally Invasive · In-Office or Outpatient
Small permanent implants are placed to lift and hold enlarged prostate tissue away from the urethra, opening the channel without cutting, heating, or removing tissue. No general anesthesia required for most patients.
iTind™ Procedure
Temporary Device · Outpatient
A temporary nitinol device is placed in the prostatic urethra and left in position for 5–7 days, gradually reshaping the channel to relieve obstruction. The device is then removed in office — no permanent implant left behind.
Aquablation® Therapy
Robotic · Image-Guided · Dr. Pickens Only
Aquablation uses a robotic, real-time ultrasound-guided high-velocity waterjet to precisely remove obstructing prostate tissue. The robotic system maps the prostate and executes the treatment plan with a level of precision not achievable by hand — making it particularly effective for larger or anatomically complex glands. Dr. Pickens is the only physician in East Tennessee performing Aquablation.
Prostatic Artery Embolization (PAE)
Interventional Radiology · No Incisions
PAE is performed by an interventional radiologist rather than a urologist. Tiny particles are injected through a small catheter to reduce blood flow to the prostate, causing it to shrink over several weeks. No incision, no general anesthesia, and ejaculatory function is typically preserved. We coordinate referrals for appropriate candidates.
Robotic Simple Prostatectomy
Robotic Surgery · For Very Large Glands
For men with very large prostates — typically greater than 80–100 grams — where other options are not appropriate or have failed, robotic simple prostatectomy removes the obstructing inner portion of the prostate. Performed using the da Vinci robotic system by our fellowship-trained surgeons, this procedure offers the most durable symptom relief for high-volume glands.
Medical Management
Alpha-Blockers · 5-ARIs · Combination Therapy
Not every patient needs a procedure. For mild to moderate symptoms without obstruction-related complications, medications remain a reasonable first step. We help you understand when medical therapy is appropriate, when it's no longer working, and what comes next — without over-treating or under-treating.
Choosing a Procedure
Which BPH Treatment Is Right for You?
We tailor our recommendation to your prostate size, anatomy (median lobe presence, obstruction pattern), symptom severity, medication history, and personal priorities — including whether preserving ejaculatory function matters to you. Your evaluation will typically include PSA, urinalysis, uroflow measurement, post-void residual, and cystoscopy or imaging when indicated.
| Treatment | Setting | Recovery | Prostate Size | Ejaculation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| UroLift | In-office / Outpatient | Days | Small–Medium | Typically preserved |
| iTind | Outpatient | Days | Small–Medium | Usually preserved |
| Aquablation ★ Only in Region | Hospital / Outpatient | 1–2 weeks | Medium–Large | Varies by anatomy |
| PAE | IR Suite | Days–1 week | Medium–Large | Typically preserved |
| Robotic Simple Prostatectomy | Hospital | 2–4 weeks | Very Large (>80–100g) | Varies |
| Medical Management | Outpatient / Office | None | Any | Preserved |
This table is a general guide. Individual candidacy depends on a complete evaluation. Scroll horizontally on mobile to view all columns.
Why University Urology
Knoxville's Most Comprehensive BPH Center
We offer more BPH treatment options than any other practice in East Tennessee — and the subspecialty experience to know which one is right for you.
More Options, Better Matching
From in-office UroLift to robotic surgery, we offer the full spectrum. Patients aren't pushed toward the one or two options a practice happens to offer — we recommend based on your anatomy and goals.
East Tennessee's Only Aquablation Program
Dr. Ryan Pickens is the only urologist in the region performing Aquablation — robotic, image-guided waterjet resection for medium to large prostates with precision not achievable by hand.
Fellowship-Trained Surgeons
Our BPH specialists — Dr. Pickens and Dr. Riedinger — completed fellowship training in endourology and advanced stone and prostate procedures. All of our urologists are experienced in the full range of BPH management.
Our BPH specialists: Dr. Ryan Pickens and Dr. Eric C. Riedinger lead our advanced BPH program. All of our urologists evaluate and manage BPH and can guide you to the therapy that best fits your anatomy, lifestyle, and goals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common Questions About BPH Treatment
Ready to Find Relief?
Schedule a BPH consultation with our team. We'll evaluate your anatomy, review your history, and recommend the treatment that's right for you — not a protocol.