Surgery Overview
In transurethral microwave therapy (TUMT), an
instrument (called an antenna) that sends out microwave energy is inserted
through the
to a location inside the prostate. Microwave
energy is then 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. To prevent the temperature from getting too high outside the
prostate, a temperature sensor is inserted into the man's rectum during the
procedure. If the temperature in the rectum increases too much, the treatment
is turned off automatically until the temperature goes back down.
The temperature becomes high enough inside the prostate to kill some of
the tissue. As this part of the prostate heals, it shrinks, reducing the
blockage of urine flow.
This treatment is done in a single
session. It usually does not require an overnight stay in the hospital. A
or
is needed during the
procedure.
Microwave therapy is also known as cooled thermal
therapy or by the name of the equipment used.
What To Expect After Surgery
You are generally able to go home after
surgery. You may not be able to urinate and may require catheterization to
drain your bladder. For most men, this lasts for a week or less. You may also
have to take antibiotics or anti-inflammatory medicines.
You can
generally return to work 1 to 2 days after treatment. Sexual activity can be
resumed 1 to 2 weeks after surgery.
Why It Is Done
TUMT is done to help relieve the
symptoms of
. It is an option
for men who want more than medicines for treatment of their symptoms.
How Well It Works
Studies note that TUMT is more
effective than treatment with the alpha-blocker terazosin when checked 18
months later.2
In a summary of very small
studies, TUMT did not improve symptoms and urine flow as much as transurethral
resection of the prostate (TURP) did. But men seemed equally happy with either
surgery.2
Risks
The main complication of TUMT is the inability to
urinate (urinary retention) for more than a week.
This condition is treated by inserting a tube directly through the abdominal
wall into the bladder to drain urine (suprapubic catheter).
and retrograde ejaculation
(ejaculation backward into the bladder) appear to be less common after TUMT
than after TURP.1