Transurethral microwave thermotherapy (TUMT). Uses microwaves sent through a catheter to heat and destroy excess prostate tissue. For most TUMT devices, a cooling system protects the portion of the urethra that goes through the prostate during the procedure.
The TUMT procedure takes about one hour and can be an option for men who should not have major surgery because they have other medical problems. Microwave therapy does not cure BPH, but it reduces urinary frequency, urgency, straining, and intermittent flow. It does not completely correct the problem of incomplete emptying of the bladder.
TUMT has limited long-term effects. Up to 40 percent of men treated may need re-treatment a few years later. Though rare, there have been cases reported of incontinence and impotence with this procedure.
Although microwave thermotherapy has been demonstrated to be safe and effective, the FDA has been concerned in the past about unexpected procedure-related complications that occurred since these devices were marketed.
http://www.fda.gov/fdac/features/2006/306_prostate.html
