Overview
Prolieve is a unique combination therapy used in treating lower urinary tract symptoms that are caused by benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) or an enlarged prostate. It is similar to a Cool Wave Microwave Thermotherapy in that they both use microwaves to shrink prostatic tissue. The difference is that Prolieve also uses a balloon dilation system to gently open the urethra and allow for better urine flow directly after treatment.
Prolieve combines microwave healing with balloon dilation therapy during a 45-minute, in-office procedure. Unlike other forms of BPH treatment, Prolieve patients typically do not require a catheter after the procedure and usually experience significant and immediate relief of their urinary symptoms.
What to Expect
During this outpatient procedure, a special microwave catheter is inserted into the urethra. The antenna within the catheter will emit microwaves to heat and destroy the large, prostatic tissue that is blocking urine flow. During this process, a small balloon that is attached to the catheter will inflate, opening up the urethra near the prostate.
The prostate may be swollen and irritated following treatment, but patients are able to go home after the procedure. Most patients will experience significant relief of their BPH symptoms two weeks following the Prolieve treatment.
