FAQ

Your questions and answers

Which patients is SoracteLite TPLA^TM indicated for?

SoracteLite TPLA^TM is indicated for patients with symptoms affecting the bladder and urethra that derive from enlargement of the prostatic volume caused by Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia.

How is the treatment carried out?

SoracteLite TPLA^TM is carried out in a gynaecological position under local anaesthesia, in premises equipped with an ultrasound guidance system coupled to a multi source laser that performs the treatment. A two-way urethral catheter is inserted into the patient’s urethra so that during the treatment a continuous flushing/cooling circuit can be activated to prevent overheating of the urethra and any possible pain. One or two optical fibres are introduced through very small-gauge introducers on each side of the prostate under trans-rectal ultrasound guidance; by delivering energy they cause the destruction of excess prostate tissue. The treatment lasts from 10 to 30 minutes depending on the size of the prostate and the patient’s conditions. No incisions or stitches are required, and the entire session only takes about 60 minutes, including preparation of the patient and planning of the treatment. The patient does not feel any pain during the procedure, except a slight sensation of heat.

Is it painful?

No, the treatment only requires a mild local anaesthetic. The patient may feel a slight sensation of heat in the treated area, which is nevertheless reduced or eliminated thanks to the continuous flushing/cooling circuit through the urethral catheter.

Are there any risks?

Few patients have reported minor side effects such as a feeling of tightness or local pain; however they disappear in a few hours or days.

Does the catheter have to remain in place after the treatment?

Leaving the catheter in for a few days after the treatment may be necessary in order to help the patient urinate and ensure that the urethra remains open during the initial healing process.

What are the recovery times and post-treatment follow-up?

The patient can resume his daily routine the day after treatment already. During the following months it will only be necessary to have specialist and ultrasound check-ups of the urinary tract to establish how much the prostate volume has reduced and any consequent changes in the local symptoms at 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, as well as any subsequent check-ups according to the doctor’s opinion.

What improvements can the patient expect after undergoing the SoracteLite TPLA^TM treatment?

Even though the body has already started the healing process, the patient will not notice any improvement in the symptoms of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia immediately after the treatment. The process of prostate volume reduction is a consequence of the natural cellular repair mechanisms of the body that will take a few months. Within 4-8 weeks (variable depending on the patient) afterwards, the patient will start to benefit from the results of the treatment. In fact, the body will gradually reabsorb the treated necrotic tissue and consequently pressure on the urethra will decrease, as well as the symptoms. At 1-2 years after treatment it will be possible to obtain maximum effectiveness with stable maintenance of the prostatic size thereafter.

How many sessions are necessary?

The effectiveness of SoracteLite TPLA^TM makes it possible to achieve positive results in one single treatment. If necessary however, especially in the case of a large prostate, the treatment can be repeated without any contraindications.

IS SORACTELITE REIMBURSED?

Yes, in Italy it is reimbursed through National Health System (ask your clinic to find the applicable regional DRG). If you have a private health plan, please verify code and procedure description to be used to claim reimbursement. For example, if you are covered by FASI or FASCHIM, you should make reference to the procedure description “Prostata: interventi con laser o metodiche interstiziali”, associated with 1665 (FASI) or 1552 (FASCHIM) codes.
Other costs associated with the procedure may also be reimbursed (e.g.: ultrasound, use of operating theater, part of consumables).