Why is this procedure done?
The prostate is a gland at the base of the bladder in men. Sometimes, the prostate may become too large. Then, less urine flows out of the bladder opening. The bladder may not empty fully. An enlarged prostate is called benign prostatic hypertrophy or BPH. Doctors may do a procedure to help with this problem. The doctor uses radiofrequency energy or heat to make cuts in the prostate. This procedure is called transurethral needle ablation of the prostate. ‚
This procedure is done: ‚
- To help with problems passing urine caused by an enlarged prostate
- To get back prostate function
- When you have mild to moderate blocks in your urethra
- When the enlargement is in the front or back lobe of the prostate
- Instead of a transurethral resection of the prostate or TURP, which is the surgical removal of the prostate
- When you are not well enough to undergo TURP
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What will the results be?
You will be able to pass urine more easily. Your doctor may also take small pieces of the prostate to look for signs of illness or cancer. ‚
What happens before the procedure?
- Your doctor will take your history. Talk to the doctor about:
- All the drugs you are taking. Be sure to include all prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) drugs, and herbal supplements. Tell the doctor about any drug allergy. Bring a list of drugs you take with you.
- Any bleeding problems. Be sure to tell your doctor if you are taking any drugs that may cause bleeding. Some examples are Coumadin, ibuprofen, Aleve (naproxen), or aspirin. Certain vitamins and herbs, such as garlic and fish oil, may also add to the risk for bleeding. You may need to stop these drugs as well. Talk to your doctor about all of your drugs.
- When you need to stop eating or drinking before your procedure.
- Your doctor will do an exam and may order:
- Digital rectal exam ¢ ˆ ’ You would be asked to bend over a table or to lie on your side holding your knees close to your chest. The doctor would put a finger into your rectum to feel the prostate.
- PSA blood test
- Urine test
- Ultrasound
- You will not be allowed to drive right away after the procedure. Ask a family member or a friend to drive you home.
What happens during the procedure?
- Once you are in the operating room, the staff will put an IV in your arm to give you fluids and drugs. You will be given a drug to make you sleepy. The drug will also help you stay pain free during the surgery.
- Sometimes, the doctor will give you a special drug to make you numb for the surgery. Other times, you are fully asleep.
- The doctor will put a scope into the opening at the end of your penis. The opening is your urethra and connects to your bladder.
- The doctor will put small needles into the scope. The needles send radio waves and heat to cut out prostate tissue. The doctor will be able to look at your urethra on a screen in the procedure room.
- The doctor will take out the scope. The doctor will put a tube into the urethra to keep your urethra open. The tube is secured in place.
- The procedure takes about 45 minutes.
What happens after the procedure?
- You will go to the Recovery Room and the staff will watch you closely.
- You will have a small tube called a catheter in your bladder. The catheter will help drain urine. Your urine may contain blood and small clots.
- You may feel the need to pass urine or have some pain while you pass urine. Your doctor may give you drugs for the pain.
What care is needed at home?
- Ask your doctor what you need to do when you go home. Make sure you ask questions if you do not understand what you need to do.
- You need to limit your activity and rest after the procedure for 1 to 2 days. Your doctor will tell you when you can go back to your normal activities.
- You need to drink 6 to 8 glasses of water each day. Drinking water is very important if your urine becomes red. Red urine means your treated area is bleeding.
- Avoid constipation or straining for bowel movements.
- Your doctor will give you drugs to prevent infection. Follow the instructions given to you with the drugs.
- You will need to care for your catheter:
- Keep your catheter bag lower than your bladder at all times.
- Empty your catheter bag when it is half full.
- Take extra care when moving around. Tape the catheter on your skin to avoid pulling on it.
- You need to keep your penis clean to prevent infection. Wash your penis with soap and water at least two times each day.
What follow-up care is needed?
- Your doctor may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your progress. Be sure to keep your visits.
- Your doctor may send the cut tissue to a lab for testing. Ask your doctor when you can get the results.
- The urine catheter will be removed. Do not try to take the catheter out by yourself.
- Your doctor will tell you if you need to see an urologist.
What drugs may be needed?
The doctor may order drugs to: ‚
- Help with pain
- Prevent infection
- Ease spasms
- Prevent constipation
Will physical activity be limited?
- You may have to limit your activity. Talk to your doctor about the right amount of activity for you.
- You need to limit your sexual activity after the procedure. Ask your doctor when you can have sex again.
What problems could happen?
- Infection
- Bleeding
- Very bad pain or bladder spasms
- Hole in the bladder
- Trouble passing urine
- Sex problems like problems with erection, lower desire for sex, and problems with ejaculation
When do I need to call the doctor?
- Signs of infection such as a fever of 100.4 ‚ °F (38 ‚ °C) or higher, chills, pain with passing urine.
- Very bad pain in the belly that is not helped by pain drugs
- Not able to eat or drink
- Problems with your urine such as thick, yellow, green, or milky drainage; burning feeling when you pass urine; little urine or no urine at all; urine smells bad.
- You are not feeling better in 2 to 3 days or you are feeling worse
If you go home with a tube in your urethra, call your doctor for these signs: ‚
- Pain near the catheter
- Leaking urine
- More blood in your urine
- Tube seems blocked or you see grit or stones in your urine
- Catheter falls out
Helpful tips
- Always keep the tubes drainage bag below the level of your bladder.
- You may take showers. Check with your doctor before taking a bath or using hot tubs or swimming pools.
Where can I learn more?
American Urological Association Foundation ‚
http://www.urologyhealth.org/content/moreinfo/bphtreatment.pdf ‚
National Kidney and Urologic Disease Information Clearinghouse ‚
http://kidney.niddk.nih.gov/kudiseases/pubs/prostateenlargement/ ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
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Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚