TUMT - POSTOPERATIVE:

POSTOPERATIVE INSTRUCTIONS

You have received a procedure to your prostate gland which entails
the administration of microwave energy directly to the prostate
through a catheter (specially modified "rubber" tube passed down
your urethra -penis channel.) This energy was specially directed
and controlled by computers which monitored the temperature of
your urethra and rectum to coordinate the intensity and duration of
the microwave energy. The result of this treatment will be the
disintegration of a significant portion of your prostate that was
obstructing your urinary flow. The disintegration of the prostate will
be slow and associated with some symptoms that you should be
aware of and be prepared to manage.

In the immediate postoperative period and for several days
thereafter, there will be significant swelling of the prostate which
may lead to blockage of your urinary flow. You should therefore be
prepared to either perform intermittent self-catheterization or to
have an indwelling foley catheter placed (see other patient
education information hand-outs.) This period of assisting your
bladder in drainage of urine will need to continue until the
postoperative swelling of the prostate recedes as the prostatic
tissue disintegrates.

You will have urinary urgency, frequency, and some burning on
urination. This will resolve with time and can be managed, although
unlikely eliminated, with the use of medications which you will be
prescribed. You need to be tolerant of these irritable voiding
symptoms, as they are a trade-off of transurethral microwave
thermotherapy, a result of the treating microwave energy
destroying the obstructing tissue and the body's reaction to that
energy with subsequent slow dissolving of the treated prostate
gland overgrowth. In most men this symptomatic period is six to
twelve (6-12) weeks, with the most annoying symptoms occurring
in the first seventy-two (72) hours after surgery.

Although bleeding is not common, it can occur and should be
managed by lightening your activity and increasing your fluids. If
the urine turns dark red like tomato soup, you need to contact us
and be prepared to come to the emergency room. During the
postoperative period, and especially if bleeding is encountered,
avoid aspirin or other drugs which "thin the blood" unless
specifically advised that you can continue their use.

Most of your concerns in the postoperative period can be
addressed by patience and common sense. Be sure to review the
literature you have been provided, and make sure you have a
postoperative appointment scheduled for approximately six weeks
after your procedure. When you arrive for that appointment, please
have a full bladder prepared to give a urine sample.


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