BPH (Enlarged Prostate) & Treatment NEWS ARTICLE: Thermotherapy Treatment for BPH and Dr. Charles Tomaszewski »

MICROWAVE THERAPY OF THE PROSTATE

What is the prostate gland?

The prostate is part of the male reproductive system. It is about the size and shape of a walnut. It produces semen which helps carry the sperm. The prostate gland surrounds the urethra as it exits from the bladder.

What is BPH?

BPH is a condition in which the prostate cells grow causing the prostate to enlarge and squeeze the urethra. This results in symptoms of slowed urination, frequent urination, and getting up at night to urinate as well as the feeling of incomplete emptying of the bladder.

Why should I have my prostate treated?

Many patients suffer from the inconvenience of the slowed urinary stream and increased trips to the bathroom both day and night. This condition could worsen and result in frequent bladder infections, stones in the bladder, not being able to urinate at all, and in the worst case scenario renal failure.

What treatments are available?

Until now the treatment for an enlarged prostate has been medications or surgery. Many patients cannot tolerate the medications because of its effects on their blood pressure resulting in dizziness. For many patients the medications do not work. Many of these medications may not be covered by their insurance policy and can be very expensive. The microwave therapy for the prostate or T. U. M. T. is a new treatment which is performed in the doctor's office and is a very successful alternative to medication. It is less invasive than surgery of the prostate.

Another available microwave treatment of the prostate is TherMatrx Dose Optimized Thermotherapy. Thermatrx is minimally invasive, FDA-approved, performed in the doctor's office, does not require anesthesia, and is covered by Medicare and most other major insurers. For more information and to view video testimonials, please visit www.thermatrx.com.

How does T. U. M. T. work?

The patient comes to the office on the day of the procedure and is given medication for relaxation and ease of discomfort. An antibiotic is taken as well. A special catheter is placed through the urethra into the bladder with a local anesthetic. This is a special catheter which has an antenna inside and is situated in the prostate area. The catheter is then connected to the computer controlled microwave machine which sends microwaves into the prostate causing the prostate cells to heat up much like the principal of a microwave oven. The prostate is heated to a high temperature causing the prostate cells to die. After 60 minutes the catheter is removed and replaced with a regular catheter to drain the bladder. The heat of the microwave causes the prostate to swell and may cause difficulty urinating. Therefore the catheter is kept in place for four days.

What should I expect after my treatment?

The catheter is removed by the patient after four days. It is expected that the urine stream will not change much immediately after removal of the catheter however over the next four to six weeks there will be significant improvement in the urine stream. Most patients will enjoy less frequent visits to the bathroom and feel that they empty their bladder much better. Many patients will find that their symptoms continue to improve even up to six months after the treatment. During the immediate recuperating period some patients may experience slight bleeding and occasional bladder spasm which is temporary and usually relieved by mild medication if necessary.

Is the microwave therapy an effective treatment for the prostate?

Yes. Many studies have shown that patients are able to urinate much easier and empty their bladder better. They are able to get rid of their costly medications which can cause side effects. The procedure is safe, easy to administer, easy on the patient, and requires no hospitalization.

How will I know if the microwave therapy is right for me?

Your doctor will discuss with you the various options for treatment. There are a few tests which will need to be done to find out if your prostate is the right size and configuration. If the criteria are met your doctor will be happy to discuss further details and any questions you may have in order to make the microwave therapy a pleasant experience. If you have any questions or wish to schedule an evaluation please call us at 602.252.6091 and we will be happy to answer any questions you may have.

To read more about microwave treatments for enlarged prostate, see urologychannel.