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Transurethral Microwave Thermotherapy (TUMT)
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Use microwave energy to shrink enlarged prostate tissue effectively.
Transurethral Microwave Thermotherapy, commonly known as TUMT, is a modern medical procedure used to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), a prevalent condition characterized by the enlargement of the prostate gland. This advanced therapeutic intervention utilizes microwave energy to precisely heat the prostatic tissue through a minimally invasive approach. By employing thermotherapy, TUMT aims to alleviate or diminish the obstructive symptoms associated with BPH, including frequent urination, urgent need to urinate, weak urine flow, and incomplete emptying of the bladder.
The procedure involves inserting a specialized microwave antenna into the urethra under direct visualization using an endoscope. Once placed within the prostate tissue, electromagnetic waves are emitted from the antenna and absorbed by water molecules present in nearby tissues. As a result, rapid heating occurs, leading to coagulative necrosis of affected cells. The increased temperature achieved during TUMT reduces the size of the prostate and triggers cellular apoptosis while ensuring that neighboring structures like nerves and blood vessels remain unharmed.
When it comes to managing BPH, Transurethral Microwave Thermotherapy is an innovative method that combines accuracy and minimal invasiveness. By using microwave energy to gently warm the prostate tissue without causing significant damage to nearby areas, this approach provides patients with a non-surgical alternative that effectively relieves symptoms and enhances their overall quality of life.
As with any medical procedure, it is essential to consult with a qualified medical physician like Dr. Raj to determine if Transurethral Microwave Thermotherapy (TUMT) is suitable and safe for you. Dr Raj will consider your unique circumstances and discuss potential benefits as well as any associated risks or limitations.
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Dr. Eugene Rajaratnam
MD, FACS, ABAARM
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Medical Director, Urology Specialist
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Who is Transurethral Microwave Thermotherapy for:
Male patients experiencing an increased need to urinate frequently (pollakiuria), waking up at night to urinate (nocturia), a reduced force of urine stream (weak flow), hesitation before starting to urinate, incomplete emptying resulting in leftover urine, and intermittent disruptions in urinary flow. In more severe cases, complications such as acute urinary retention - a sudden inability to voluntarily pass urine requiring urgent catheterization or intervention, recurrent urinary tract infections due to incomplete emptying facilitating bacterial growth within residual urine.
Why is Transurethral Microwave Thermotherapy beneficial:
TUMT presents a range of beneficial qualities that position it as a hopeful substitute for traditional treatments. Firstly, TUMT offers enhanced efficacy while minimizing invasiveness and associated complications. Through precise delivery, this technique achieves selective heating and effectively mitigates damage to surrounding healthy tissues and organs, thereby reducing adverse effects commonly observed in more invasive surgical interventions. Furthermore, TUMT procedures can be conveniently performed on an outpatient basis, eliminating the need for hospital stays and protracted recovery periods.
What to expect from Transurethral Microwave Thermotherapy:
Our doctor typically commences with an initial assessment of the patient's condition and identification of the affected prostatic region necessitating intervention. Once the evaluation is complete, local anesthesia is used, wherein a specialized catheter equipped with a microwave antenna is inserted into the patient's urethra and subsequently guided to the prostatic region under direct visualization through an endoscope. Once positioned within the prostatic tissue, electromagnetic waves are emitted from the antenna and absorbed selectively by water molecules present in the surrounding tissue.
After undergoing TUMT, patients typically notice an improvement in bothersome urinary symptoms associated with BPH within 4-6 weeks. This is due to the decreased obstruction in the prostate and enhanced dynamics of urine flow.
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Where to schedule a consultation:
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