Microwave treatment for BPH
This in office treatment for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is reasonably effective and has a low incidence of sexual compromise and other side effects. Furthermore,the treatment usually takes less than an hour and the patient can usually go home without a catheter.
Prior to the transurethral microwave procedure,the patient will take a fleet enema some 2 hours prior to the treatment.
Before the treatment he will take a sedative,a pain pill,antibiotics, an anti inflammatory, an alpha blocker and an antispasmodic.
Once the patient is lying comfortably,the penis is prepped with iodine and then an anesthetic jelly instilled down the urethra. A special urethral catheter containing the microwave antenna is then passed down the urethra,past the prostate and into the bladder. Based on the dimensions of the prostate (which have been determined through a transrectal ultrasound prior to the treatment),the appropriate size microwave catheter is placed. A small balloon is inflated to secure the catheter in place. Microwave energy is then delivered to only the prostatic urethra with the aim of causing heat desiccation and eventual shrinkage of the obstructing lobes of the prostate and in time, resolution and relief of voiding symptoms. (see Thermatrix)
Other microwave therapy options utilize a higher wattage ( than the low wattage used by Thermatrix) and treatment success appears improved with relief of obstruction due to increased necrosis of prostatic tissue. For example Thematrix uses about 23 watts while Prolieve uses about 50 watts,Targis (cooled thermo therapy) about 60 watts and CTC advance cooled thermo therapy about 75 watts.
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