Transurethral microwave thermotherapy (TUMT)

Transurethral microwave thermotherapy (TUMT) is an outpatient procedure to treat urinary symptoms caused by an enlarged prostate, a condition known as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). TUMT is generally considered a safe procedure with a low risk of side effects. It's generally used for men with other health conditions for whom more invasive surgery isn't recommended.

TUMT helps reduce urinary symptoms caused by BPH , including: Frequent, urgent need to urinate Difficulty starting urination Slow (prolonged) urination Increased frequency of urination at night Stopping and starting again while urinating The feeling you can't completely empty your bladder Urinary tract infections TUMT can offer advantages over other methods of treating BPH , such as transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) and open prostatectomy. The advantages might include: Lower risk of bleeding. TUMT can be a good option for men who take medication to thin their blood or who have a bleeding disorder that doesn't allow their blood to clot normally. No hospital stay. TUMT is generally done on an outpatient basis and might be a safer option than surgery if you have certain other health problems. Lower risk of dry orgasm. TUMT is less likely than some other BPH treatments to cause the release of semen into the bladder during ejaculation instead of out the body through the penis (retrograde ejaculation). Retrograde ejaculation isn't harmful but can interfere with your ability to father a child.

TUMT is generally safe with few if any major complications. Possible risks of TUMT might include: New onset or worsening urinary symptoms. Sometimes TUMT can result in chronic inflammation within the prostate. The inflammation can cause symptoms such as a frequent or urgent need to urinate, and painful urination. Temporary difficulty urinating. You might have trouble urinating for a few days after the procedure. Until you can urinate on your own, you will need to have a tube (catheter) inserted into your penis to carry urine out of your bladder. Urinary tract infection. This type of infection is a possible complication after any prostate procedure. An infection is increasingly likely to occur the longer you have a catheter in place. You will likely need antibiotics to treat the infection. Need for re-treatment. TUMT might be less effective in the treatment of urinary symptoms than other minimally invasive treatments or surgery. You might need to be treated again with another BPH therapy. Because of potential complications, TUMT might not be a treatment option if you have or have had: A penile implant Narrowing of the urethra (urethral stricture) Certain types of BPH treatment affecting a specific area of the prostate (median lobe) A pacemaker or defibrillator Metal implants in the pelvic area, such as a total hip replacement If you have other conditions that increase your risk of bleeding or if you take blood thinners — such as warfarin (Jantoven) or clopidogrel (Plavix) — your doctor may recommend a different procedure to treat your urinary symptoms.

You'll be given a local anesthetic to numb the prostate area. The anesthetic might be inserted through the tip of your penis, or given in a shot via your rectum or in the area between your scrotum and anus. You might also have intravenous (IV) sedation. With IV sedation, you'll be drowsy but remain conscious during the procedure.