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Did you know there are alternatives to lifelong drug therapy for the symptoms of enlarged prostate?
Consider PROSTIVA RF Therapy, a minimally-invasive procedure that destroys excess prostate tissue, which may improve urination.
In the decade RF therapy for enlarged prostate - also know as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) - has been on the market, over 80,000 men worldwide have chosen this minimally invasive option to treat the symptoms of their BPH.
Is this a recommended treatment for BPH?
Yes, RF therapy for BPH is one of only a few minimally-invasive treatments recommended by the American Urological Association Guideline on Management of BPH.
Is RF therapy effective long-term?
Yes. In a study published in 2004, data reported that RF therapy is effective and provides good long-term clinical improvement at 5-year follow-up. Only 14 percent of patients treated for this study required the more invasive transurethal resection of the prostate surgical procedure within a five year span following their RF therapy treatment.
Is the procedure safe?
Yes, the procedure is safe. The instruments used in PROSTIVA RF Therapy contain several important safety features. For example, the device constantly measures temperature in the treatment area and automatically shuts off if it detects that is is getting too hot.
Day of Procedure
What will happen when I get to my doctor's office?
When you arrive, your physician will review the procedure with you. You may be given an oral sedative to help you relax. You will have a numbing jelly placed into your urethra to anesthetize it. Additional anesthesia such as a prostate block may be administered if your physician thinks it is necessary. In some cases, spinal or general anesthesia is used, but only when necessary. After the anesthesia has taken effect, your physican will begin the procedure.
What will happen during the procedure?
You will lie on your back, sedated and comfortable. You will usually be able to listen to music of your choice on a headset, if you choose to bring one with you. Your physician will pass the instrument through the eurethra directly into the prostate. Two small probes deliver RF energy to destroy the obstructive prostate tissue which is restricting your urine flow.
The physician will likely treat four to eight sites within your prostate.
After one site is treated, your physician will move probes and instruments to the next site and repeat the treatment until he determines he has treated enough sites to relieve your symptoms.
What will happen after the procedure?
After the procedure is complete, you will be given fluids to drink and asked to remain in the office until you urinate. PROSTIVA RF Therapy was designed for use in an office or a hospital outpatient setting, so you will not need to spend the night in a hospital. Most men go home the same day.
There is minimal discomfort after a PROSTIVA RF Therapy treatment. This can be relieved with over-the-counter pain medicines as needed. Consult your physician for further information. You should relax and take it easy when you get home.
If you are not able to urinate after the procedure, your doctor may elect to insert a catheter toensure your comfort. Catheterization is required only as needed and, when required, the duration is usually 0-2 days. A majority of patients do not require a catheter. In initial studies, physicians placed a catheter in about 40 percent of the patients for a few days. In later studies, physicians catheterized only 6 to 15 percent of patients.
When can I return to normal activities?
This in-office, minimally invasive procedure allows most patients to resume most activities within a few days.
When can I expect BPH symptoms to go away?
Most patients will notice improvement within two to six weeks. However, results may vary depending on the severity and duration of symptoms and the size of the prostate treated. Full improvement may not occur for two to three months. Follow your physician's instructions as to when to stop taking your BPH medication.
What side effects are associated with PROSTIVA RF therapy?
Possible side effects include obstruction, bleeding, blood in urine, pain/discomfort, urgency to urinate, increased frequency of urination and urinary tract infection. Patients may also experience a minor burning sensation when urinating for one to two weeks following the treatment.
What is the risk of incontinence?
There were no reported cases of incontinence in the original cllinical study conducted by Medtronic for approval of the therapy. In some other clinical studies, incontinence has occurred in 3.1% of patients.
Will there by any sexual side effects?
During the original clinical study conducted by Medtronic for the approval of the therapy, less than two percent of RF therapy patients experienced impotence and less than one percent of patients experienced retrograde ejaculation.