Vaporization is effective right away. It should be noted that these are all new procedures and patients should be sure their physician has experience with them. They can be performed even on men who are taking anti-clotting medications, such as coumadin or aspirin. Most studies report improvements in symptoms after coagulation and vaporization procedures equal to those resulting from TURP, although urinary flow rate is less improved. In fact, after these procedures, especially laser coagulation, the prostate temporarily enlarges and causes obstruction and irritation, which can be severe.
Most men require a temporary catheter to drain urine afterward.
In one study, there were no impotence complications after laser coagulation. Temporary incontinence and retrograde ejaculation are still common in this procedure. Microwave Therapy . Such therapy may be beneficial for men with larger prostates and moderate to severe bladder obstruction. Microwave devices include Prostatron, Targis, and Urowave.