June 7, 1999

Enlarged prostates affect up to 30-percent of men during their lives. Trouble with urination is a common complaint.

The first attack is medication...but often, surgery is necessary.

Now there is a less invasive option...it's called trans urethral needle ablation.

Two tiny needles transmit radio waves into the prostate to destroy the nerve endings that trigger the urinary restriction.

Dr. Howard Sandler, Urologist: "In my hands it's been about 95% successful. I'm very pleased with that."

Gary Bell, a patient: "It's a normal situation where I don't have to plan my next step as to how far Ii can go before I have to get to a restroom."

Doctors say the procedure preserves sexual function and urinary continence better than the standard operation.