Microwave Therapy for BPH (TUMT)
TUMT is done to relieve symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). This is another option for men who want more than medications for the treatment of their symptoms.
Transurethral Microwave Therapy is an instrument that sends out microwave energy through the urethra to a location inside the prostate. The energy is used to heat the inside of the prostate. Cooling fluid is circulated around the microwave antenna to prevent heat from damaging the wall of the urethra. This treatment is done in a single session. It's typically an office based procedure that requires only mild sedation, no hospital stay is necessary.
Q: What is the prostate gland?
The prostate gland is part of the male reproductive system. The adult prostate is about the size and shape of a walnut. Its primary function is to produce semen, the fluid that carries sperm. It surrounds the urethra, the tube that carries urine from the bladder.
Q: What is BPH?
BPH (benign prostatic hyperplasia) is commonly known as enlarged prostate. BPH is a non-cancerous condition in which prostate cells grow, enlarging the gland and causing it to squeeze the urethra. A variety of symptoms may result, including difficult, frequent or urgent urination.
Q: How Common is BPH?
It is very common. An estimated 50% of all men over the age of 60 suffer from BPH.
Q: When should I seek treatment for BPH?
If you are experiencing symptoms of BPH that are affecting your quality of life, such as losing sleep because you need to wake during the night to urinate, you are unable to urinate, you are unable to delay urination, have hesitancy, or a weak urine stream, check with your urologist to discuss if it is time to seek treatment.
Q: What treatments are available?
Typically, three treatment options are available. The most common forms of treatment have been drug therapy or surgery. However, medication may cause unwanted side effects,and can cost up to $1,000 per year. Surgery effectively removes the enlarged prostate tissue and requires general anesthesia and hospitalization. Cooled ThermoTherapy™ is a non-surgical, office-based procedure that usually improves symptoms and urine flow without the risks of general anesthesia associated with surgery and side effects or costs associated with medication.
Q: What is Cooled ThermoTherapy?
Cooled ThermoTherapy, also known as transurethral microwave thermotherapy, has been available in the US since 1997. It is an office-based, non-surgical procedure that delivers precise energy to destroy enlarged prostate tissue while unique cooling mechanisms protect healthy, surrounding tissue. This combination creates an effective non-surgical treatment, and also distinguishes Cooled ThermoTherapy microwave technology from other microwave treatments currently on the market.
Q: Why is cooling important?
Cooling is important for two reasons. First, cooling the urethra reduces the need for anesthesia and provides a more rapid recovery after the treatment. Second, cooling the urethra reduces side effects of a higher power treatment, offering lasting results.
Q: Why should I choose Cooled ThermoTherapy?
- 90% of patients report satisfactory improvement in IPSS symptom score at 1 year.
- 72% of patients report satisfactory improvement in flow rate at 1 year.
- Cooled ThermoTherapy does not require hospitalization, general anesthesia or the long recovery time some surgical patients must face.
- Cooled ThermoTherapy has been shown to be more cost effective than other treatments, costing a fraction of the thousands of dollars some patients spend on a lifetime of drug therapy.
- Cooled ThermoTherapy is the only microwave technology utilizing patented cooling technology.
- Cooled ThermoTherapy requires a single office visit for a full treatment.
Q: Is Cooled ThermoTherapy expensive?
Cooled ThermoTherapy is cost-effective treatment covered by Medicare and most private insurance providers. Most medication therapies must be taken daily, generally only relieve symptoms of BPH, and may cost a patient up to $1,000 per year.
Q: How long does the treatment take?
The treatment itself generally takes between 30 minutes to one hour, although you should allow 2 to 3 hours for the entire office visit.
Q: Is the treatment painful? Does the treatment require anesthesia?
Your Urologist may use local anesthesia and/or oral medications to minimize discomfort during the treatment. Most patients feel heat during the treatment and some patients experience discomfort. Individual responses vary.
Q: What are the side effects of Cooled ThermoTherapy?
Cooled ThermoTherapy is proven to be safe and effective; however, some side effects have been reported. Your urologist can explain the potential side effects, including how they compare to other treatments in more detail.
Q: Can I go home right after the procedure?
Yes. You should arrange for someone to drive you home because you may have been given some medication to help you relax during the procedure. Your urologist will give you post-treatment instructions and explain the recovery period to you.
Q: Will I need a catheter after the treatment
Many patients need a catheter to aid in urination for a few days following treatment.
Q: Does Cooled ThermoTherapy treatment provide lasting results?
Five years of clinical data shows that Cooled ThermoTherapy is an effective and lasting treatment.
Q: Is Cooled ThermoTherapy covered by insurance?
Medicare and many commercial insurance plans provide coverage for the Cooled ThermoTherapy procedure. You need to contact your insurance company to find out if they provide coverage for the treatment. If your insurance plan needs more information before they will make a decision on coverage, ask your doctor's office for assistance.