BPH / Enlarged Prostate Treatment With
Microwave ThermoTherapy

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Microwave ThermoTherapy represents a minimally invasive, in-office treatment for BPH or enlarged prostate that employs precise and targeted microwaves to generate heat and eliminate excess prostatic cells in a non-surgical manner.

During your consultation, we will discuss several possible treatment options for BPH. One of these options is a minimally invasive, office-based treatment called Cooled ThermoTherapy (CTT), a form of High Energy Transurethral Microwave Thermotherapy or TUMT. CTT is a safe, effective, and long-lasting procedure that can be completed in our office in less than 30 minutes, however, you should allow for pre- and post-procedure activities. Dr. Engel generally prefers TUNA/Prostiva as their primary thermotherapy. Microwave thermotherapy is particularly useful when patients are on blood thinners, new in the setting of large prostates, or are in urinary retention.

How Does Microwave ThermoTherapy Work?

A small catheter is placed in the urethra and an antenna within the catheter generates microwave energy (heat) into the prostatic tissue. This heat reduces excess prostatic tissue growth. The extra tissue will then be absorbed by the body over the coming weeks.

In order to keep healthy tissue from being affected, the CTT system circulates cooled fluid through specially-made channels in the device. These channels ensure that the surrounding healthy urethral tissue is not injured by the heat during treatment.

Most patients will not feel pain during the procedure. To minimize any feeling of discomfort, we do provide pain medication or a local anesthetic. Patients will be sent home catheterized and the catheter will most often be removed within a couple of days. To ensure a safe trip home, we recommend that patients arrange for transportation from our office.

Results of Microwave ThermoTherapy

CTT is a safe, durable, and effective treatment for mild to moderate symptoms of enlarged prostate. However, patients may not receive immediate relief from their symptoms. Typically, the full degree of symptom improvement is felt by about 6-10 weeks when the body has healed and absorbed the treated prostatic tissue.

Benefits of Microwave ThermoTherapy

• A safe, effective, and long-lasting treatment
• A rapid treatment, lasting only about 30 minutes
• Minimally invasive
• Performed in our office
• Covered by Medicare and many private insurers
• Low incidence of side effects
• No need for general anesthesia

Risks of Cooled ThermoTherapy

• Blood and blood clots in urine
• Pain when urinating
• Rectal irritation
• Temporary inability to achieve an erection
• Retrograde ejaculation
• Possible urinary control issues
• Possible urinary retention that may call for self-catheterization

The list above represents only some of the possible benefits and risks of Cooled ThermoTherapy. Results, benefits, and risks may vary depending on the patient and the degree of prostatic tissue growth. To learn more, we ask that you attend a consultation at our office.

Cooled ThermoTherapy is a trademark of Urologix, Inc. You can visit their website at https://www.urologix.com for more procedure information.