TUMT preop

TUMT - TRANSURETHRAL MICROWAVE THERMOTHERAPY OF THE
PROSTATE

PREOPERATIVE INSTRUCTIONS

You have selected treatment of your enlarged prostate with the administration of microwave energy. This will be delivered via a specially constructed catheter ("rubber" tube passed down your urethra -penis channel.) This procedure is performed in the Day Surgery Unit. You will not be "put to sleep" for this procedure. You will receive medication to help with the discomfort so that you can relax for the thirty (30) minute procedure.

On the morning of the procedure, before coming to the hospital, you will need to evacuate your colon with a Fleets enema. This can be obtained over the counter at your local drugstore. You will also be given a prescription for an oral antibiotic and a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication. Please obtain the medicines as prescribed. If your insurance formulary plan does not cover these medicines, please pay for them "out of pocket." There are only a few pills required, and they have been selected because of their superior benefit for this procedure.

You will need to abstain from all food and drink two hours prior to your posted time of TUMT. You will need to have someone to drive you home from the procedure. You will need to be familiar with self-catheterization (passage of a rubber tube up your urethra -penis channel) if that should become necessary after the procedure due to transient urinary retention.
You will need to abstain from "blood thinners" including aspirin several days
prior to the procedure. Make sure that if you are taking such medications, you have informed us well in advance. similarly, if you have a pacemaker, we need to be informed.

If you should have further questions concerning this procedure, prior to calling us, we suggest that you visit the website of the manufacturer of the technology we are using at http://www.urologix.com/html/cooledthermo.htm, or call the toll free number 1-800-475-1403.

It is important prior to going into this procedure that you realize postoperatively there will be a period of urinary urgency, frequency, and burning with possible urinary retention as the prostate which has received microwave energy swells and ultimately shrinks. You will receive postoperative instructions concerning your self-management.