Non-surgical or "minimally invasive" treatments

New technologies. More options.

Doctors can now remove parts of the prostate without surgery, using several different devices that reach the prostate through thin tubes inserted into the urethra. The devices use heat from microwaves, radio waves, lasers, heated water, or other sources to remove excess prostate tissue and relieve the pressure on the urethra. These are called "transurethral" or "minimally invasive" procedures. Medicines to prevent pain or discomfort are usually given during the procedures. The procedures can be done in a clinic or in the hospital without the need to stay overnight.

Transurethral microwave thermotherapy (TUMT): This procedure, which takes about 1 hour to perform, uses a highly targeted process to heat and remove excess prostate tissue, while a cooling system protects the urinary tract.2 The procedure is usually not done under general or spinal anesthesia.4 TUMT does not cure BPH or solve the problem of incomplete bladder emptying but it does reduce many BPH symptoms such as frequent urination and straining to urinate.2 TUMT has not been reported to cause problems with erection or incontinence (inability to control urination).2

Transurethral needle ablation (TUNA): This procedure also uses heat, but from low-level radiofrequency energy delivered by needle-like devices. Special shields are used to protect the urinary tract during the procedure. TUNA helps improve urine flow and relieve symptoms, usually without causing incontinence or impotence afterwards.2

Interstitial laser coagulation (ILC): In this procedure, a laser fiber is inserted into the urethra to heat specific areas of the prostate. The procedure may be done in a clinic under local, regional, or general anesthesia. The advantage of this laser procedure is that it does not damage the urinary tract so irritative symptoms such as frequent urination and sudden urge to urinate are relieved after surgery.7 Although ILC has been shown to improve symptoms better than an alpha-blocker, symptom relief may not be as fast.7

Water-induced thermotherapy: In this technique, a tube containing multiple shafts is inserted into the urethra such that a treatment balloon rests in the middle of the prostate. Hot water is then passed through the balloon to heat specific areas of the surrounding prostate tissue. Tissue in the urethra and bladder are protected. The destroyed tissue is either passed out with the urine or is reabsorbed by the body.2

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