Questions and Answers – Getting RF Therapy

What do I need to do before the procedure?

Instructions differ among doctors. Your doctor will give you detailed instructions about what to do before the procedure and on the day of the procedure. Please follow the instructions carefully.

What should I do on the day of the procedure?

RF therapy for enlarged prostate symptoms can be performed in your doctor’s office. Planning for the day of your procedure is simple:

Arrange for someone to take you to and from your treatment
Take a shower in the morning
Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothes
Bring a book, magazine, or portable music player if you’d like to read or listen to music during the procedure

Expect your visit to last about 60 to 90 minutes, which includes preparation time, the procedure, and after-procedure care. The average actual treatment time is 15 to 20 minutes.

What will happen when I get to my doctor's office?

Your doctor will go over the procedure with you and answer your questions. You may be given some medication to help you relax. Your doctor will talk with you about the anesthesia he or she will use to minimize discomfort. After the anesthesia has taken effect, your doctor will begin the procedure.

What will happen during the procedure?

You will lie on your back, sedated and comfortable. You will usually be able to read or listen to music, if you bring a portable music player and headphones with you.

Your doctor will pass a tube through the urethra to the prostate. Two small antennae at the end of the tube deliver RF energy to destroy the excess prostate tissue that is "squeezing" the urethra and blocking the flow of urine.

The doctor will probably treat 4 to 8 problem sites within the prostate. After one site is treated, your doctor will move the antennae and instrument to the next site and repeat the treatment until he or she thinks that enough prostate tissue has been treated to relieve your urinary symptoms.

What does it feel like? Does it hurt?

Individual experiences vary. Some men describe the procedure as causing some discomfort, while others report no discomfort at all.

Your doctor will give you anesthesia to make you as comfortable as possible. Talk with your doctor about the anesthesia he or she uses so that you'll know what to expect. If you feel discomfort during the procedure, don't be afraid to tell your doctor.

What will happen after the procedure?

After the procedure, you will be given fluids to drink and asked to stay in the office until you urinate. If you are not able to urinate, your doctor may insert a catheter to make sure you can empty your bladder. The catheter is usually removed within 1 to 3 days.^1,2

RF therapy was designed for use in an office or a hospital outpatient setting, so you will not need to spend the night in a hospital. Most men go home the same day.

There is usually some discomfort after an RF therapy treatment. Follow your doctor's directions for pain medication, if needed. You should relax and take it easy when you get home.

When can I return to my normal activities?

Most men resume most of their normal activities 2 to 3 days after the treatment.³

How long will it take to notice results?

Most men notice that their enlarged prostate symptoms improve within 2 to 6 weeks. However, you may not experience the maximum improvement for 3 months.⁴ Results may vary depending on the severity of your symptoms, the size of your prostate, number of sites treated, and the length of time it was treated. Follow your doctor's directions about when to stop taking your BPH medication.

What side effects can happen with RF therapy?

Possible side effects include obstruction (blockage), urinary retention, bleeding, blood in urine, pain/discomfort, urgency to urinate, increased urinary frequency, and urinary tract infection. You may also experience a minor burning sensation when urinating for 1 to 2 weeks following the treatment.⁵

What is the risk of sexual side effects?

During the original clinical studies for RF therapy, less than 2% of men treated with RF therapy experienced impotence, and less than 3% of men treated experienced retrograde ejaculation.⁵

References

Bruskewitz R, Issa MM, Roehrborn CG, et al. A prospective, randomized 1-year clinical trial comparing transurethral needle ablation to transurethral resection of the prostate for the treatment of symptomatic benign prostatic hyperplasia. J Urol 1998;159:1588-1594.
Roehrborn CG, Issa MM, Bruskewitz RC, et al. Transurethral needle ablation for benign prostatic hyperplasia: 12-month results of a prospective, multicenter U.S. study. Urology 1998;51:415-421.
Campo B, Bergamaschi F, Corrad P, Ordesi G. Transurethral Needle Ablation (TUNA) of the prostate: A clinical and urodynamic evaluation. Urol 1997; 49:847-850.
Naslund. Transurethral Needle Ablation of the Prostate, Urology 1997; 50:167-172.
Prostiva RF Therapy System User Guide Clinical Data. Safety information from System User Guide.

Next: Life After Radio Frequency Therapy

Information on this site should not be used as a substitute for talking with your doctor. Always talk with your doctor about diagnosis and treatment information.

Last updated: 3 Aug 2008