Transurethral microwave therapy (TUMT) for benign prostatic hyperplasia:
"TUMT is done to help relieve the symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). It is an option for men who want more than medications for treatment of their symptoms.
How Well It Works
Studies note that TUMT is more effective than treatment with the alpha-blocker terazosin when checked 18 months later.1
TUMT improved symptoms more than transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) in one study but not in two others.
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Risks
The main complication of TUMT is the inability to urinate (urinary retention) for more than a week.2 This condition is treated by inserting a tube directly through the abdominal wall into the bladder to drain urine (suprapubic catheter). Erection problems and retrograde ejaculation (ejaculation backward into the bladder) appear less common after TUMT than after TURP.2
Other complications include persistent irritation of the urethra and blood in the urine.1
Recent reports have warned that the procedure has in a small number of cases caused serious injuries and complications, including damage to the penis and urethra. Injuries have required colostomies, partial amputation of the penis, and other procedures. In December 2000, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a warning on these injuries.3
What To Think About
Most trials using TUMT have been limited by a small number of participants, a short length of time of study, and limited follow-up of the participants after the trial ended.1"
