There are many different treatments for an enlarged prostate.  These treatments include medications, transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP), transurethral microwave therapy (TUMT), laser surgery, and open prostatectomy.  The treatment that you will undergo will depend on the extent of your enlargement, your age and your health.

Transurethral needle ablation or TUNA is an outpatient procedure to treat urinary problems and prostate enlargement.

TUNA is also called radiofrequency therapy.  It can reduce symptoms caused by an enlarged prostate.  TUNA uses radio waves to destroy the part of your prostate that is blocking urine flow.

TUNA works best for men who have a mild to moderate blockage of the urethra.  It does not work for men with very large prostates or for men who have obstruction caused by enlargement of the central part of the prostate that rests against the bladder.

A local anesthetic may be used to help control pain and you may have intravenous (IV) sedation.  With IV sedation, you’ll be drowsy but conscious.

Shortly before the procedure begins, you will be asked to urinate so your bladder is empty and you may be given an enema to clear your bowels and rectum.

During the procedure, your doctor will insert a numbing gel inside your urethra and may numb the prostate area with an injection into your rectum.  Next, your doctor will use a visual instrument called a cytoscope to place tiny needles into your prostate.  Once the needles are placed into your prostate, radio waves pass through them to heat and destroy excess prostate cells. You may feel a little pain or discomfort.

This entire procedure can take less than an hour.  It is usually done as an outpatient procedure, so you can go home the same day.

After the procedure, you may not be able to engage in any strenuous activities, such as heavy lifting, for at least three to five days.  You will also not be able to engage in any sexual activity until your doctor approves it, which usually is about a week or two after.

Additionally, you may need to have a catheter inside your penis to allow urine to pass from your bladder after the procedure.  If you’re unable to urinate after the tube is removed, your doctor may give you catheters you can insert on your own a few times a day until you can urinate again.  Your doctor may also prescribe antibiotics to prevent infection and medications to reduce pain.

The common side effects from this procedure are blood in your urine for a few days following; irritating urinary symptoms such as painful urination or difficulty urinating; and inflammation of the prostate.