ThermoTherapy Treatment

What to expect before Cooled ThermoTherapy treatment:

• You'll need to have a physical examination with a urologist trained in performing the treatment. He will explain the treatment to you in detail and answer any questions you may have.
• Your urologist will provide specific pretreatment instructions such as reducing fluid intake or modifying your diet the day of treatment.

What to expect during treatment:

• Cooled ThermoTherapy is performed in your urologist's office. You will be awake during the entire procedure. The treatment itself generally takes between 30 minutes to an hour although you should allow 2 to 3 hours for the entire office visit.
• You'll be positioned on a treatment bed in a comfortable position. You may be able to watch television, read a book or listen to music while the treatment is being done. You may be given medication to help you relax before beginning the treatment.
• To start the procedure, your urologist will insert a flexible catheter into your urethra and position it in the prostate. A soft balloon catheter will then be placed in your rectum to monitor rectal temperatures during the procedure.
• Once the treatment begins you may experience some discomfort such as:
  
  • Bladder spasms
  • The sensation of having to empty your bladder
  • The sensation of needing to have a bowel movement
  • A warm or burning sensation in your abdomen
  • Pressure in the rectum

During the procedure, the office staff will do their best to make you as comfortable as possible.

What to expect after the treatment:

• Arrange in advance for someone to drive you home after the treatment. You may not drive if you receive narcotics.
• Because the tissue surrounding the urethra may be irritated after the treatment, you may go home with a urinary catheter.
• You may experience a couple of side effects from the treatment such as:
  
  • Soreness in the lower abdomen
  • Frequent urination

How the healing process works:

You may notice no change in your BPH symptoms immediately after treatment. However, your body is actively working to heal itself. In the 6 to 12 weeks after treatment, your body will gradually reabsorb the tissue treated with Cooled ThermoTherapy, and your enlarged prostate will get smaller. As your prostate shrinks, the pressure on your urethra decreases and your BPH symptoms will be reduced. The shrinkage may continue for several months.

Most men start to see improvement in symptoms in 6 to 12 weeks, although this varies with the individual.

Frequently Asked Questions

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 is not always effective, may cause unwanted side effects, and can cost thousands of dollars per year. Surgery effectively removes the enlarged prostate tissue but requires anesthesia and hospitalization. Cooled ThermoTherapy™ is a minimally invasive, non-surgical, office-based procedure that usually improves symptoms and urine flow without the serious side effects or costs associated with other forms of treatment.

Q: What is Cooled ThermoTherapy?
Cooled ThermoTherapy, also known as transurethral microwave thermotherapy, has been available in the US since 1996. 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, yet minimally invasive 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 allows for more energy and heat to be applied to the diseased tissue, providing a long lasting reduction in the symptoms associated with BPH.

Q: Why should I choose Cooled ThermoTherapy?

Q. Is Cooled ThermoTherapy expensive?
From the perspective of payor, physician and patient, Cooled ThermoTherapy is the most cost-effective treatment available. Most medication therapies must be taken daily, generally only relieve symptoms of BPH, and may cost a patient thousands of dollars annually. Surgery, while effective in treating BPH, is more expensive than Cooled ThermoTherapy.

Q: How long does the treatment take?
The treatment typically takes between 30-60 minutes.

Q: Is the treatment painful? Does the treatment require anesthesia?
To maximize patient comfort, 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?
More than five years of clinical data shows that Cooled ThermoTherapy is an effective and lasting treatment.

Q: Is Cooled ThermoTherapy covered by insurance?
Medicare provides coverage for Cooled ThermoTherapy and many commercial insurance plans also pay for the 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.