CoreTherm® is a non-surgical treatment for men with benign prostate enlargement and urinary symptoms. During a CoreTherm® treatment, parts of the prostate gland are heated using microwaves. The heat causes prostate cells to die. After the treatment, the body naturally removes the dead tissue, leading to a reduction in prostate size. This relieves pressure on the urethra and eliminates urinary problems.
Is CoreTherm® a new treatment method?
CoreTherm® is a Swedish innovation that has been continuously developed and improved for over 25 years. The treatment has been studied in multiple clinical trials, and more than 30,000 men have been treated with CoreTherm®.
How effective is CoreTherm® compared to surgery?
CoreTherm® has been shown to provide symptom relief comparable to traditional surgery (TURP), but with a lower risk of serious complications. The treatment is performed during an outpatient visit. You can go home immediately after the procedure and do not need to stay overnight at the hospital. CoreTherm® treatment is carried out under local anesthesia, with no need for general or spinal anesthesia.
What examinations are required before CoreTherm®?
Before undergoing CoreTherm® treatment, a urologist must conduct an examination to ensure that benign prostate enlargement is the cause of your symptoms and that CoreTherm® is a suitable treatment for you. This examination typically includes a questionnaire, flow measurement, ultrasound of the prostate, and a digital rectal examination. A PSA test and additional evaluation to rule out prostate cancer may also be necessary before proceeding with CoreTherm® treatment.
How is a CoreTherm® treatment performed?
The treatment is performed during a standard outpatient visit and takes less than 15 minutes. You can go home afterward and do not need to stay overnight. Before the procedure begins, local anesthesia is administered into the urethra and prostate via a special catheter inserted through the urethra. General or spinal anesthesia is not required. The treatment is carried out using a therapy catheter inserted into the urethra, which contains a microwave antenna. After the procedure, the urethra needs temporary relief with a urinary catheter for approximately 3-6 weeks.
Is the treatment painful?
The level of discomfort varies from person to person. Some experience little to no discomfort, while others feel intense heat sensations and strong urinary urgency during the procedure. Urinary urgency typically occurs toward the end of the treatment. While these urges can be intense, they are a “false alarm” since the bladder is emptied just before the procedure begins. Any discomfort from heat or urgency usually subsides shortly after the treatment is completed. It is important to inform your doctor if you experience discomfort during the procedure.
Do I need to take medications after the treatment?
It is common to take antibiotics while using a urinary catheter. In the days following the treatment, some patients may need pain-relieving medication. Speak with your urologist about what applies to your specific case. In the long term, most patients do not require any follow-up treatments or medication and are satisfied with the results.
Can I go home after the treatment?
The treatment itself takes less than 15 minutes. You can go home after the procedure and do not need to stay overnight.
Do I need a urinary catheter after the procedure?
After a CoreTherm® treatment, the prostate will swell. This swelling can persist for several weeks and will gradually decrease. Therefore, the urethra needs temporary relief with a urinary catheter for 3 to 6 weeks. The duration depends on the size of the prostate, bladder function, and whether a catheter was needed before treatment. Your doctor or nurse will determine what is best for you.
Will I feel discomfort after the treatment?
It is common to experience burning sensations and urinary urgency after the treatment. This is due to irritation and swelling in the prostate, which gradually subsides. Some patients may find this urgency bothersome, especially during the first day after treatment. The discomfort decreases as the swelling goes down and eventually disappears completely. Ask your doctor about pain relief and/or medication to ease the urgency.
What side effects can the treatment have?
After the treatment, you may experience burning sensations, urgency, and blood in the urine. These issues are temporary. During the period when the urinary catheter is in place, there is an increased risk of urinary tract infections. Reduced or dry ejaculation occurs in 30-40% of patients after treatment.
Does the treatment affect sexual function?
Erection is usually not affected. If you had normal erectile function before the treatment, you can expect it to remain the same afterward. Reduced or dry ejaculation occurs in 30-40% of patients after treatment. This is due to retrograde ejaculation, where semen is redirected into the bladder instead of exiting through the urethra. The risk of retrograde ejaculation is lower with CoreTherm® than with traditional surgical treatments.
When will I feel better after the treatment, and how long do the results last?
Your symptoms will gradually improve over the first few months following treatment. After 4-6 months, the vast majority of patients experience very good results. Most patients do not require any follow-up treatments or medication and are satisfied with the outcome.
Am I eligible for a CoreTherm® treatment?
Most patients diagnosed with benign prostate enlargement can be treated with CoreTherm®. However, there are exceptions. Discuss this with your doctor. If you have undergone radiation therapy in the pelvic or prostate area, CoreTherm® treatment is not recommended.