Healing Microwaves Treat Prostate

Benign prostatic hyperplasia, or enlarged prostate, can be effectively treated with microwaves in a treatment newly available in Connecticut at New Britain General Hospital.

Introduced to the state last summer by urologist Rafael S. Wurzel, the technique uses microwave-generated heat to shrink the prostate without affecting any surrounding organs. During the two-hour procedure, which can be performed in a doctor’s office, a catheter is inserted into the prostate. A computer pulses microwaves through the catheter, heating the prostate to at least 122 degrees F, which kills prostate tissue. This opens up space for the urethra to function properly.

A study shows that although treating the problem with medication provides more immediate improvement, the microwave procedure offers better results in the long term.