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BAP treats patients who suffer from BPH (benign
prostatic hyperplasia) of the prostate with FDA approved technology
known as TransUrethral Microwave
Thermotherapy (TUMT). The equipment we use for TUMT is the Prolieve or CoolWave Systems.
Our Systems are easily portable and travel throughout the State of Florida to
urologist’s offices to treat TUMT patients. Please contact
us at any time to find the location nearest you.
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TUMT is a procedure that is performed in your urologist’s
office. Personnel in your urologist’s office will compile
and review your pre-test results, have you sign a consent form, and
have you change into a patient gown. Medication may be given by
injection, orally, or the urologist may perform a prostatic block to
aid in preventing discomfort during the procedure.
After undressing, you will be asked to lie down. First, the urethra
is locally anesthetized by inserting a local anesthetic. Then, the
bladder may be emptied by inserting a urethral catheter. Next, the
treatment catheter is positioned in the penis. Subsequently, you are
positioned on your side to facilitate the introduction of a small probe
in the rectum. This probe is equipped with temperature sensors that can
continuously measure the rectal temperature during treatment. The
TUMT device sends computer-regulated microwaves through the catheter to
heat selected portions of the prostate.
After initiation of the treatment, you may experience an urge to
urinate. This is not caused by a full bladder but is due to the heat
delivered to the prostate. If this intense urge is causing too much
discomfort, medication can be given. The treatment itself takes
approximately one hour. With the time for preparation, treatment, and
recovery time, the entire procedure can take a total of 2 hours. After
treatment and removal of the treatment catheter, there may be a
swelling of the prostate that causes a temporary difficulty to urinate.
(In approximately 30% of cases this can lead to urinary retention.) If
you are not able to urinate, a catheter may need to be inserted. In
most cases, this catheter can be removed within a week.
The urologist will talk with your family at the end of the procedure
and they will be asked to join you. Usually you will be discharged once
you have urinated or a catheter has been placed. This time varies
greatly from patient to patient. You MUST have someone drive you home.
Your physician may prescribe anti-inflammatory, antibiotic, and
sedative/analgesic medications to be taken prior to and after your
procedure. Please take these medications as directed. They will assist
to minimize swelling and prevent infection. Prescription medications
should be taken at their assigned times.
Several days before your procedure, you may be scheduled for tests
that may include blood work, ECG, urinalysis, urinary flow study, transrectal ultrasound, and, possibly, cystoscopy. These tests will assist your urologist
in providing you the very best of care.
In preparation for your procedure, you may have solid food up to 12
midnight prior to your procedure. Clear liquids may be consumed up to
six hours prior to your procedure. Please take all prescribed heart
and/or blood pressure medications with just a sip of water at the
prescribed times. You must also administer a fleet enema to yourself
approximately 4 to 6 hours prior to your procedure time.
If a change in your physical condition develops prior to treatment,
notify your urologist before leaving home.
You may experience some general soreness after your procedure. You
may also have some blood in your urine. Some patients will have an
increase in urinary symptoms, or may be unable to urinate due to excessive
swelling. If this occurs, a catheter may need to be placed. Any severe
pain, bleeding, fever, etc. should be reported to your urologist
immediately.
It is highly recommended that you schedule follow-up visits with
your urologist to monitor your progress. You should see your urologist
at 3 months, 6 months, and 12 months after your TUMT procedure or as
requested by your urologist.
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TUMT provides relief from
urinary frequency. They are an anesthesia-free alternative to
surgery and drug regimens. TUMT is truly minimally invasive. It
works with gentle, precisely-controlled heating of the prostate. In
most cases, TUMT provides long-term relief from symptoms and
restoration of urinary flow consistent with your age group.
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