Transurethral Microwave Therapy (TUMT) for Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia

The main complications of TUMT include:^{Reference 1}

• A complete inability to urinate (urinary retention). You may need to have a tube inserted directly through the abdominal wall into the bladder to drain urine (suprapubic catheter).
• A strong urge to urinate (overactive bladder), which can also cause leaking of urine (urge incontinence).
• Irritation of the urethra and blood in the urine (though not as much as with TURP).

Men who have TUMT don't lose as much blood as men who have TURP. So men who have TUMT have less need for a blood transfusion. They also have less of a problem with retrograde ejaculation than men who have TURP.

Reports have warned that in a small number of cases the procedure has caused serious injuries and complications, including damage to the penis and urethra. Injuries have required Reference urostomies Opens New Window, partial amputation of the penis, and other procedures. In December 2000, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a warning about these injuries.

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