Common Questions

Q: What is the prostate gland?

The prostate gland is part of the male reproductive system. The adult prostate is about the size and shape of a walnut. Its primary function is to produce semen, the fluid that carries sperm. It surrounds the urethra, the tube that carries urine from the bladder.

Q: What is BPH?

BPH (benign prostatic hyperplasia) is commonly known as enlarged prostate. BPH is a non-cancerous condition in which prostate cells grow, enlarging the gland and causing it to squeeze the urethra. A variety of symptoms may result, including difficult, frequent or urgent urination.

Q: How Common is BPH?

It is very common. An estimated 50% of all men over the age of 60 suffer from BPH.

Q: When should I seek treatment for BPH?

If you are experiencing symptoms of BPH that are affecting your quality of life, such as losing sleep because you need to wake during the night to urinate, you are unable to urinate, you are unable to delay urination, have hesitancy, or a weak urine stream, check with your urologist to discuss if it is time to seek treatment.

Q: What treatments are available?

Typically, three treatment options are available. The most common forms of treatment have been drug therapy or surgery. However, medication is not always effective, may cause unwanted side effects, and can cost thousands of dollars per year. Surgery effectively removes the enlarged prostate tissue but requires anesthesia and hospitalization. Cooled ThermoTherapy is a minimally invasive, non-surgical outpatient procedure that improves symptoms and urine flow without the serious side effects or costs associated with other forms of treatment.

Q: What is Cooled ThermoTherapy?

Cooled ThermoTherapy, also known as transurethral microwave thermotherapy, has been available since 1997. It is an outpatient, non-surgical procedure that delivers precise energy to destroy enlarged prostate tissue while unique cooling mechanisms protect healthy, surrounding tissue. This combination creates an effective, yet minimally invasive treatment, and also distinguishes Cooled ThermoTherapy microwave technology from other microwave treatments currently on the market.

Q: Why is cooling important?

Cooling is important for two reasons. First, cooling the urethra reduces the need for anesthesia and provides a more rapid recovery after the treatment. Second, cooling the urethra allows for more energy and heat to be applied to the diseased tissue, providing a long lasting reduction in the symptoms associated with BPH.

Q: Why should I choose Cooled ThermoTherapy?

• Clinical studies show that Cooled ThermoTherapy produces significant relief without the risks associated with more invasive surgery or the side effects that drug therapy can cause.
• Cooled ThermoTherapy does not require hospitalization, anesthesia or the long recovery time some surgical patients must face.
• Cooled ThermoTherapy has been shown to be more cost effective than other treatments, costing a fraction of the thousands of dollars some patients spend on a lifetime of drug therapy.
• The unique cooling, only offered with the Prostatron and Targis Systems, relieve the symptoms of enlarged prostate safely and effectively.
• Cooled ThermoTherapy, designed to maximize patient comfort, requires a single office visit for a full treatment.

Q: What is the difference between Prostatron and Targis?

The two treatments are very similar and provide lasting results. Talk to your urologist about which treatment is available to you.

Q. Is Cooled ThermoTherapy expensive?

From the perspective of payor, physician and patient, Cooled ThermoTherapy is the most cost-effective treatment available. Most medication therapies must be taken daily, generally only relieve symptoms of BPH, and may cost a patient up to $10,000 annually. Surgery, while effective in treating BPH, is more expensive than Cooled ThermoTherapy.

Q: How long does the treatment take?

The treatment typically takes between 30-60 minutes.

Q: Is the treatment painful? Does the treatment require anesthesia?

To maximize patient comfort, your urologist may use local anesthesia to minimize discomfort during the treatment. Most patients feel heat during the treatment and some patients experience discomfort. Individual responses vary.

Q: What are the side effects of Cooled ThermoTherapy?

Cooled ThermoTherapy is proven to be safe and effective; however, some side effects have been reported. Your urologist can explain the potential side effects, including how they compare to other treatments in more detail.

Q: Can I go home right after the procedure?

Yes. You should arrange for someone to drive you home because you may have been given some medication to help you relax during the procedure. Your urologist will give you post-treatment instructions and explain the recovery period to you.

Q: Will I need a catheter after the treatment?

Most patients need a catheter to aid in urination for a few days following treatment.

Q: Does Cooled ThermoTherapy treatment provide lasting results?

During the last 10 years more than 100,000 men worldwide have been successfully treated. More than five years of clinical data shows that Cooled ThermoTherapy is an effective and lasting treatment.

Q: Is Cooled ThermoTherapy covered by insurance?

Medicare provides coverage for Cooled ThermoTherapy and many commercial insurance plans also pay for the procedure. You need to contact your insurance company to find out if they provide coverage for the treatment. If your insurance plan needs more information before they will make a decision on coverage, ask your doctor's office for assistance.