Cooled Thermotherapy

Anyone had this procedure? Apparently it is a fairly new way of treating enlarged prostate with some type of micro waves that burn away the affected tissue without damaging the surrounding tissues. It can be done at the Urologists office with local anesthesia.

It's not that new and goes by a variety of other names. From what Imhave heard, it is prone to a lot of unpleasant side effects. The newer laser treatments are better as long as the gland isn't too large.

I don't blame you for wanting to avoid TURP (the traditional "gold standard" treatment for BPH). There are several newer and less invasive therapies, and you might want to discuss with your urologist if any would be suitable for you. If you would like more information about them here is a useful link:

www.urologychannel.com/prostate/bph/minimallyinvasive.shtml

Yes, I had this done. There are a few variations on how the heat is generated but essentially the idea is the same. Create a burn so that the resulting scar tissue pulls the prostate so that the urethra opens up more. My procedure was called TUNA. Trans Urethral Needle Ablation. In this case a rigid cystoscope is inserted into the urethra and a small needle inside the instrument is extended so that it pierces the prostate. Then the needle is heated by radio waves and it produces a burn. This process is repeated in about six locations in each lobe of the prostate. My prostate was numbed up by injections made through the rectum. The urethra is numbed with gel. The cystoscope is rigid and uncomfortable as it puts a lot of pressure on you as it straightens out the natural bend in your urethra. ( I think newer equipment uses a flexible scope.). When the needle is inserted you feel a small prick and then some heat but nothing really painful. The numbing injection stung a whole lot more. After it was over, my penis felt sore from having had a stick in it for 30 minutes. I had to have a Foley catheter overnight.

The procedure relieved my symptoms for about four years but they came back. Last year I had laser surgery to open everything up and I am much more satisfied with results. That procedure is done at the hospital under anesthesia.