Transurethral Microwave Thermal Prostate Therapy (TUMT) is an innovative medical procedure used to treat urinary symptoms associated with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), a common condition among men as they age. This treatment is a non-surgical, outpatient option that is an effective and safe solution for many patients who experience uncomfortable symptoms and do not want to undergo traditional surgery.
What is Transurethral Microwave Thermal Prostate Treatment?
Transurethral microwave prostate thermotherapy is a procedure used to shrink the prostate by shining microwaves on the enlarged tissue that obstructs the flow of urine. A catheter is inserted through the urethra until it reaches the prostate, where it emits microwave energy that heats the tissue and destroys the enlarged parts.
Why transurethral microwave prostate thermal therapy?
Transurethral microwave prostate thermotherapy is used to relieve urinary symptoms caused by benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), including:
- Frequent need to urinate
- Difficulty starting to urinate
- Slow urination
- Interrupted urine flow during urination
- Increased nighttime urination
This treatment is a less invasive option compared to traditional surgery, such as transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP), as it does not require hospitalization or a lengthy recovery period.
Advantages of transurethral microwave thermal prostate treatment compared to surgical treatment
Many patients prefer transurethral microwave thermal prostate treatment because of its many benefits over complex surgery. Features that can be expected from this treatment include the following:
- No hospitalization is required: Without unexpected complications, the patient can return home within a few hours of completing TURP.
- Reduced risk of bleeding: Since the treatment does not require an incision, blood loss is rare. This is especially important for patients on blood-thinning medications.
- Reduced fertility-related complications: Unlike some other treatments for BPH that may lead to retrograde ejaculation, this treatment minimizes the likelihood of retrograde ejaculation. Retrograde ejaculation does not pose a threat to health, but it can affect a normal pregnancy.
Potential Risks of Transurethral Microwave Thermal Prostate Therapy
Although TUMT is generally considered safe with few to no complications, there are some potential risks that patients should be aware of:
- New or worsening urinary symptoms: In some cases, TUMT treatment may lead to chronic inflammation within the prostate, causing symptoms such as frequent or urgent need to urinate and painful urination.
- Temporary difficulty urinating: Some patients may have trouble urinating for a few days after treatment. In this case, a catheter may need to be inserted into the urethra to facilitate urination until the situation returns to normal.
- Urinary tract infection: Infection is a possible complication after a TUMT procedure, especially if the catheter is in place for a long time. Antibiotics may be required to treat the infection.
- The need for re-treatment: In some cases, TUMT treatment may not be as effective as other treatments or surgery and may need to be repeated.
In addition, TUMT treatment may not be appropriate if you have certain health conditions such as:
- Penis implant
- Narrowing of the urethra
- Certain treatments for BPH that affect specific areas of the prostate (such as the median lobe)
- Having a pacemaker or defibrillator
- A metal implant in the pelvic area, such as a hip replacement
Suppose you have conditions that increase the risk of bleeding or are taking blood-thinning medications such as warfarin or clopidogrel. In that case, your doctor may recommend an alternative treatment to manage urinary symptoms.
Transurethral Microwave Thermal Prostate Treatment Procedure Stages
The transurethral microwave prostate thermotherapy procedure involves going through three main stages:
Preparing for the procedure
Before undergoing transurethral microwave thermotherapy, the doctor will thoroughly examine the patient’s health status. The doctor may prescribe antibiotics to reduce the risk of infection, and it is important for the patient to provide transportation home after treatment, as some of the medications used for anesthesia may affect their ability to drive.
During transurethral microwave prostate thermal therapy
The doctor inserts a catheter with a microbeam transmitter into the urethra through the penis. Temperature is monitored by inserting a thermometer into the rectum. The antenna and thermometer have fixed balloons to ensure they stay in place. Your doctor may use an ultrasound device to check the position of the catheter and thermometer.
During the procedure, the transducer generates enough heat to destroy the enlarged tissue in the prostate that obstructs the flow of urine without affecting other tissues. The water surrounding the tip and sides of the antenna protects the urethra from heat. The patient may feel some heat and discomfort in the prostate and bladder area.
The doctor monitors the patient’s pain condition and adjusts the treatment to ensure the right temperature is reached to improve the symptoms. It is important to stay as calm as possible during the treatment, as the treatment time varies according to the doctor’s preferences and the type of device used. It is quite normal to feel the urge to urinate or bladder spasms, which usually disappear after the end of the treatment.
Recovery period after treatment
Most men can go home the same day after the procedure and recover within a few days. A urinary catheter may be inserted due to swelling that may obstruct the flow of urine. The patient may also need to take antibiotics to prevent urinary tract infections. It is expected to notice the following:
- Blood in the urine: This usually goes away after a few days.
- Unpleasant urinary symptoms: You may feel an urgent or frequent need to urinate, or you may have to wake up several times during the night to urinate. Most men experience a burning sensation, especially at the tip of the penis near the end of urination, which usually lasts for about a week.
- Difficulty holding urine: Urinary incontinence may occur because the bladder is used to pushing urine through a narrow urethra due to enlarged prostate tissue and gradually improves over time.
- Urinary tract infection: This is a possible complication after any procedure to treat an enlarged prostate. The risk of infection increases the longer the catheter remains in place.
Transurethral microwave thermal prostate treatment (TUMT) is an effective and safe option for men with symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia. This treatment offers several advantages over traditional surgical treatments, such as reduced risks and recovery time. However, discussing all treatment options with your doctor is essential to determine the most appropriate treatment based on your health and symptoms.
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