Apollo Hospitals Sheshadripuram has expanded its urology services with the introduction of iTIND (Temporary Implantable Nitinol Device), a minimally invasive treatment designed for Primary Bladder Neck Obstruction (PBNO) and selected benign prostate conditions. The hospital is the first in Bengaluru and Karnataka to offer the technology and has already completed 10 successful iTIND procedures.
While urinary blockage is often linked to ageing and enlarged prostate glands, specialists say PBNO can also occur in younger men. Because the condition is frequently overlooked, patients may ignore symptoms such as poor urine flow, frequent urination, and difficulty emptying the bladder. Delayed diagnosis can lead to chronic bladder problems, repeated urinary tract infections, and, in advanced cases, kidney damage, making early medical assessment important.
The iTIND system offers a minimally invasive alternative to conventional surgery by reshaping the bladder neck and prostatic urethra without removing tissue. During a short endoscopic procedure performed under mild sedation, the temporary implant is placed inside the urinary tract, where it remains for five to seven days before being removed during a follow-up visit. In carefully selected patients, the treatment helps relieve urinary obstruction while preserving ejaculatory function and fertility.
Dr. T. Manohar, Chief Urologist, Uro-Oncologist & Transplant Surgeon at Apollo Hospitals Sheshadripuram, noted that many young men live with urinary symptoms for years because these problems are often mistakenly considered age-related. He emphasised that timely diagnosis could prevent long-term bladder damage, while iTIND offers effective symptom relief without compromising sexual or reproductive health in suitable candidates.
Mr. Uday Davda, Vice-President, Apollo Hospitals Sheshadripuram, said the introduction of iTIND reflects the hospital’s commitment to expanding patient-centred, minimally invasive treatment options while promoting earlier diagnosis through advanced technologies.
The addition of iTIND further strengthens the hospital’s advanced urology programme, which also includes HoLEP, MoLEP, Mini-MoLEP, Rezūm, UroLift and robotic-assisted surgical procedures. This broad range of treatment options allows specialists to choose the most appropriate approach based on each patient’s condition.
With the introduction of iTIND, Apollo Hospitals Sheshadripuram is expanding access to modern, minimally invasive care for patients with bladder outlet obstruction. Doctors encourage individuals experiencing persistent urinary symptoms to undergo early evaluation, as simple tests such as uroflowmetry can aid timely diagnosis and help prevent long-term complications.
(Photo courtesy: apollohospitals.com)