Prolieve® Thermodilatation System

What is Prolieve^® Thermodilation?

Prolieve^® is a minimally invasive day procedure that uses heat to treat Benign Prostate Hyperplasia (BPH), the non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate.

Unlike traditional procedures where incisions need to be made, the single-session procedure uses  microwave energy and a dilating balloon to heat up the prostate, reducing enlarged tissues. This dual-action approach helps to reduce prostate obstruction and ease urinary symptoms without the need for more invasive surgical techniques.

When is Prolieve^® Thermodilation needed?

Prolieve® Thermodilatation is primarily recommended for men experiencing moderate to severe symptoms of BPH who have not responded well to conventional medical therapies. Prolieve® Thermodilatation may be considered as a treatment option for the following instances:

• Persistent Urinary Symptoms: Patients experiencing urinary frequency, urgency, weak stream, and difficulty starting urination despite using medication.
• Alternative to Invasive Surgery: This procedure is suitable for those who wish to avoid more invasive surgical procedures, such as transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) or prostatectomy, which typically require longer recovery times and carry higher risks of complications.
• Risk of Urinary Retention: Prolieve® is also considered for patients at an increased risk of urinary retention, where the person is unable to empty their bladder fully, causing frequent discomfort and potential for kidney damage.

What are the benefits of Prolieve^® treatment?

The benefits of the treatment include:

• No incisions, clips or foreign bodies left in the urinary tract
• Preserves sexual function
• Allows return of normal urine flow
• Alternative to medications and surgery with little to no downtime
• Over 100,000 cases performed successfully in the U.S.

What are the risks of Prolieve^® treatment?

BPH relapses are uncommon after treatment and side effects vary from one patient to another. After the procedure, some may experience bladder spasms, urethral irritations and temporary urinary retention. Minor side effects would resolve within two weeks to one month and require little to no medication.

What happens before Prolieve^® Thermodilation?

Patients should discuss their current medications with their doctor as some medication, especially those that affect blood clotting may need to be adjusted or temporarily discontinued before the procedure. Patients may be required to fast for several hours before the procedure.

What happens during Prolieve^® Thermodilation?

Your doctor will gently insert a catheter into your urethra after local anesthesia is applied. Once heat is turned on, it will be transmitted from a special antenna inside the catheter to the enlarged prostate tissue. A small balloon that is part of the catheter would inflate within the urethra, close to where the prostate is located. During the procedure, cool water will circulate inside the catheter. Temperature surrounding the treatment area will be monitored by the urologist via a computer throughout the procedure. If the temperature reaches 42°C, the system would automatically shut down to protect the urethra and rectum; preventing it from overheating.

What happens after Prolieve^® treatment?

Patients are generally allowed to be discharged after the procedure is complete. The patient will be observed for a short period to ensure there are no immediate complications before being allowed to go home. An appointment would be arranged thereafter for a follow-up review with the urologist.

Should you feel unwell after the procedure, contact your urologist immediately or call our 24-HR Medical Urgency Clinic at 65) 6705 2999.

For more information on Prolieve^®, consult your doctor or our panel of specialists below. Alternatively, you could also send us an enquiry here.