Thermotherapy

ALTHOUGH THERMOTHERAPY TREATMENT DOES NOT REQUIRE ANESTHESIA OR A HOSPITAL STAY, YOU'LL NEED TO ARRANGE IN ADVANCE FOR SOMEONE TO DRIVE YOU TO AND FROM OUR OFFICE.

PRETREATMENT INSTRUCTIONS

• Avoid coffee and caffeinated beverages the day before and the day of the procedure.
• You may eat a normal diet on the day of the procedure.
• You will take the following medication:
  • Levaquin 500 mg by mouth with breakfast
  • Detrol LA 4 mg by mouth with breakfast
  • Toradol 10 mg tablet, two tablets by mouth, 1 hour before procedure
  • Ativan 1 mg tablet, 1 hour prior to procedure. The second pill will be given at the office if needed.
  • Take all your normal medications unless otherwise directed to do so by your physician.
• Take a Fleets enema the night before the procedure.
• Bring doctor referrals, if required.
• Bring your current insurance card(s) and co-pay with you.

WHAT TO EXPECT DURING THE TREATMENT

• The treatment itself generally takes between 30 minutes and an hour, although you should allow 2-3 hours for the entire visit. You will be positioned on a treatment bed in a comfortable position.
• First, a flexible catheter will be used to drain your bladder. A topical anesthetic will be used to help numb the bladder and reduce discomfort during the treatment.
• Next, the flexible treatment catheter will be inserted. A balloon will be inflated in your bladder to keep the catheter positioned in the prostate. · After the treatment catheter is in place, an ultrasound will be performed to verify that the catheter is properly positioned.
• A monitor will then be inserted into your rectum to measure temperatures during the procedure.
• During the procedure you may experience some discomfort, such as bladder spasms, the sensation of having to empty your bladder, or a warm sensation in your abdomen.

If you are unable to make your appointment on the scheduled date and/or time, please contact our office at (609) 267-6800.

AFTER YOUR THERMOTHERAPY

At the end of your treatment, you are to drink freely and contact our office if you cannot void. Most patients experience several days of prostatic discomfort and increased irritative symptoms following the TUMT® procedure. Overall, post-treatment side effects vary in duration and intensity. Occasional, self-limited blood in the urine or burning may occur, and in most cases does not require medical intervention. It is important that you understand that there is a possibility that your symptoms may worsen after treatment, and that it may take up to several weeks before noticing significant improvement. The optimal effect may be noted at six months.

ALTHOUGH THERMOTHERAPY TREATMENT DOES NOT REQUIRE ANESTHESIA OR A HOSPITAL STAY, YOU'LL NEED TO ARRANGE IN ADVANCE FOR SOMEONE TO DRIVE YOU HOME.

IN THE DAYS FOLLOWING YOUR TREATMENT:

MEDICATIONS

• You may notice a small amount of blood in your urine - this is normal. If the bleeding seems excessive, call your urologist.
• Avoid excessive activity.
• Avoid "straddling" sports such as bike riding, horseback riding etc. for two weeks.
• Take one (1) Levaquin a day for five (5) days
• Take one (1) Toradol (10mg) every six (6) hours for five (5) days
• Drink lots of fluids

YOU SHOULD CONTACT US IMMEDIATELY IF

• You develop a high fever, with a temperature above 102° F.
• You notice a painful, swollen and/or inflamed testicle(s) or scrotum
• You are not able to void spontaneously
• You have difficulties with moving your bowels.
• You develop other conditions that may concern you.