Office-based minimally invasive treatments for BPH symptoms
Office-based minimally invasive treatments (MITs) are usually used for men with
either moderate or severe symptoms of enlarged prostate (BPH).
There are a number of different types of MITs. However, each MIT is a single, office-based
procedure. And many MITs allow a man to return to his work and everyday activities
quickly. Also, all MITs use some form of heat to treat the
prostate tissue causing urinary symptoms.
An MIT can be the first treatment option or can be used as a second option, if medication
has proven ineffective at reducing symptoms or traditional surgery is undesirable.
MITs include the following types:
Transurethral Microwave Thermotherapy (TUMT)
With this minimally invasive treatment, a small
catheter is inserted through the urethra
to reduce the amount of prostate tissue
with microwave heat. During the procedure, sedation or general anesthesia is often
required for pain management. However, your doctor will decide how to best manage
the pain associated with treatment. The most common side effect of TUMT is the need
for patients to wear a catheter for up to several weeks in order to drain urine
from the bladder. Erection problems and blood in the urine are also possible side
effects. Products commonly used to perform TUMT include the Targis®
System, TherMatrix® System and CoreTherm® System.
Ask your doctor if you would like to learn more about these TUMT systems.
The Prolieve Thermodilatation® System
Prolieve Thermodilatation® System
combines balloon compression with microwave heat. The procedure requires no general
anesthesia or incisions; only a topical anesthetic gel is needed and mild sedation.
The treatment generally takes about 45 minutes. During the procedure, a balloon
attached to a catheter opens up the
urethra within the prostate while microwave
heat reduces the enlarged (obstructive) tissue of your
prostate, thus improving urine flow.
After the procedure, most men experience few post-treatment complications. Side
effects may include pain or soreness, blood in the urine, and
bladder spasm. These effects usually go away within a few days. Click here to learn more about Prolieve Thermodilatation®
System.
Transurethral Needle Ablation (TUNA®)
A small needle is attached to the end of a rigid
catheter. The needle is heated to reduce prostate tissue. During the procedure,
sedation or general anesthesia is often required for pain management. Side effects
are minimal. The most common are the need to wear a catheter after the procedure
and pain while urinating.
Interstitial Laser Coagulation
A small laser is attached to the end of a catheter.
The laser heats and reduces the prostate
tissue. During the procedure, sedation or general anesthesia is often required for
pain management. Your doctor will decide how to best manage the pain associated
with treatment. There are few side effects associated with Interstitial Laser Coagulation.
Discomfort and the need to wear a catheter after the procedure are the most common.
Next page: Laser Surgery
Disclaimer: This material is provided for information purposes only and is not a substitute for a consultation. You should talk with a urologist regarding your specific symptoms or medical condition.
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