PlasmaButton™ for BPH
A weak urine stream, frequent urination, difficulty starting, incomplete bladder emptying, and repeated nighttime trips to the bathroom can occur when benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) enlarges the prostate and restricts the urethra.
PlasmaButton™ is a transurethral treatment that uses plasma energy to vaporize obstructing prostate tissue. By removing tissue contributing to the obstruction, the procedure creates more room for urine to pass.
At the Center for Advanced Urology, we evaluate your urinary symptoms, prostate anatomy, medical history, previous BPH treatment, and treatment goals before determining whether PlasmaButton™ is appropriate. Dr. Stuart M. Diamond, MD, FACS, is a board-certified urologist with more than 30 years of experience in urology and genitourinary surgery.
PlasmaButton™ treatment is available to patients throughout the South Jersey and Philadelphia regions.
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What Is PlasmaButton™?
PlasmaButton™ is a transurethral procedure used to remove prostate tissue that is obstructing urinary flow because of BPH. The procedure uses a specialized Plasma-OvalButton™ device to vaporize enlarged tissue under direct visualization.
The physician accesses the prostate through the urethra with a resectoscope, eliminating the need for an external surgical incision. A camera and light provide visualization of the treatment area while the PlasmaButton™ delivers controlled energy to the prostate tissue.
The objective is to remove enough obstructing tissue to create a wider urinary channel. PlasmaButton™ therefore addresses the physical obstruction caused by an enlarged prostate rather than simply treating the sensation of urinary symptoms.
Not every urinary problem is caused by BPH. Bladder dysfunction, infection, urethral narrowing, and other urologic conditions can produce similar symptoms. An evaluation is necessary before selecting a treatment.
How Plasma Vaporization Treats Prostate Obstruction
During plasma vaporization, the Plasma-OvalButton™ is guided through the urethra to the enlarged prostate. The device generates a plasma corona that allows the surgeon to vaporize obstructing tissue while maintaining direct visual control.
Center for Advanced Urology's patient information describes Plasma technology as using lower-temperature energy than some conventional energy treatments. The Plasma-OvalButton™ can also be used with a hovering technique that limits direct contact between the device and prostate tissue.
The amount and location of tissue treated depend on the patient's prostate anatomy and the nature of the obstruction. The procedure is therefore planned around the individual prostate rather than performed according to a fixed amount of tissue removal.
Who May Be a Candidate for PlasmaButton™?
PlasmaButton™ may be considered for men whose lower urinary tract symptoms are associated with prostate obstruction from BPH and who require a procedural treatment.
Your evaluation may include:
The presence of an enlarged prostate does not automatically mean that prostate tissue is the primary cause of your symptoms. Your urologist may recommend additional evaluation to determine whether obstruction is present and whether treating the prostate is likely to address the problem.
Recovery After PlasmaButton™
Recovery varies between patients. The prostate and urinary tract need time to heal after tissue has been vaporized, so urinary symptoms may temporarily change before longer-term improvement becomes apparent.
During the early recovery period, you may experience:
Your physician will provide instructions regarding hydration, activity, medications, catheter care when applicable, and returning to work or other activities.
The timing of recovery depends on the procedure and your individual response. Although some patients return to their usual routine relatively quickly, your treating physician should determine when specific activities are appropriate.
Before PlasmaButton™ treatment, we review your symptoms, medical history, medications, allergies, and previous treatment for BPH.
The evaluation may include testing that provides additional information about bladder and urinary tract function. Cystoscopy may also be used to examine the urethra, bladder, and prostate directly when appropriate.
Your physician will use the findings from the evaluation to determine whether PlasmaButton™ is suitable or whether another BPH treatment or management strategy should be considered.
Tell your physician about every prescription medication, over-the-counter medication, vitamin, and supplement you take. Some medications can affect bleeding risk or anesthesia considerations.
Do not stop blood thinners or other prescribed medications unless your physician specifically instructs you to do so. If anesthesia or sedation is planned, you may also receive instructions regarding when to stop eating and drinking before the procedure.
If you are discharged the same day and anesthesia or sedation affects your ability to drive, arrange transportation in advance. Your care team will provide preparation instructions specific to your procedure and medical history.
PlasmaButton™ is performed through the urethra rather than through an external incision.
A resectoscope is passed through the urethra to provide access and visualization of the prostate. Once the obstructing tissue is identified, the surgeon uses the PlasmaButton™ device to vaporize the enlarged tissue contributing to the blockage.
The treatment is performed under direct visualization, allowing the surgeon to control where and how much tissue is treated according to the patient's anatomy.
A urinary catheter may be placed afterward to drain the bladder while the urinary tract begins to recover. Whether a catheter is needed and how long it remains in place depends on factors such as the extent of treatment, urinary function, bleeding, and postoperative assessment.
Plasma procedures may be performed on an outpatient or day-case basis for appropriate patients, although some patients may require additional observation.
Some symptoms following prostate surgery require prompt medical attention. Contact your physician if you experience significant bleeding, a temperature above 101°F, chills or shaking, inability to urinate, or another concerning change.
Your postoperative instructions should identify the symptoms that warrant a call to the office or more immediate medical attention.
PlasmaButton™ is intended to address the obstructing prostate tissue responsible for restricted urinary flow.
Potential benefits of Plasma technology may include:
- Direct removal of obstructing prostate tissue
- Transurethral treatment without an external incision
- Direct visualization during tissue vaporization
- Potential improvement in urinary flow and BPH symptoms
- Outpatient treatment for appropriately selected patients
- Potentially shorter catheterization or recovery compared with some traditional approaches
Center for Advanced Urology's patient information also identifies less bleeding, shorter catheterization time, quicker return to normal activities, and the possibility of discontinuing BPH medications among potential benefits reported with Plasma technology.
These outcomes are not guaranteed. Medication changes should only be made under the direction of your physician, and the potential advantages of PlasmaButton™ should be considered alongside its risks and alternatives.
The primary goal of PlasmaButton™ is to relieve urinary obstruction by removing enlarged prostate tissue that narrows the urinary passage.
Urinary improvement may develop as the prostate and surrounding tissues heal. Early irritation or swelling can temporarily cause frequency, urgency, burning, or changes in urinary flow, so the immediate postoperative period does not necessarily reflect the eventual result.
Individual outcomes vary. Your physician can discuss what improvement may reasonably be expected based on your symptoms, prostate anatomy, and overall urinary function.
Follow-up appointments allow your urologist to assess your recovery and determine whether additional evaluation or treatment is needed.
Risks and Possible Side Effects
Every surgical procedure has potential complications. PlasmaButton™ can cause temporary urinary symptoms during the healing period, including frequency, urgency, burning, bladder cramping, and blood in the urine.
Other potential complications of prostate procedures may include:
Retrograde Ejaculation
Retrograde ejaculation is another potential consideration following Plasma therapy. Instead of leaving the penis during ejaculation, semen enters the bladder.
This can change the way ejaculation occurs but generally does not prevent sexual activity or sexual sensation. Men who have concerns about ejaculation or fertility should discuss them with their urologist before treatment.
Your individual risks depend on factors including your health, medications, prostate anatomy, and the procedure performed.
Why Choose Center for Advanced Urology?
More Than 30 Years of Urologic Experience
Individualized BPH Treatment Planning
BPH can produce different symptoms and anatomical findings from one patient to another. We evaluate the underlying cause of your urinary problems before determining whether PlasmaButton™ is appropriate.
A Broader Range of BPH Options
South Jersey Locations & Philadelphia
Center for Advanced Urology provides urologic care to patients throughout the South Jersey and Philadelphia regions. Patients can discuss their BPH symptoms and treatment options with our urology team at either location.
Our Clinics
The Center for Advanced Urology provides BPH evaluation and treatment at two clinic locations, each serving the communities listed below.
Moorestown
Salem
PlasmaButton™ FAQs
Yes. PlasmaButton™ is used to vaporize enlarged prostate tissue that contributes to urinary obstruction caused by BPH.
The procedure is used to remove obstructing prostate tissue and create more space for urine to pass through the urethra. It is intended for appropriately selected men with BPH-related obstruction.
Yes. The physician accesses the prostate through the urethra using a resectoscope and specialized PlasmaButton™ technology. No external surgical incision is required.
A urinary catheter may be placed after treatment. The need for a catheter and the duration of catheterization depend on your urinary function, the extent of treatment, and your physician's postoperative assessment.
Treatment time varies according to prostate anatomy, the amount of tissue being treated, and other individual factors. Your physician can provide a more specific estimate after evaluating your condition.
The procedure is designed to remove prostate tissue that obstructs urine flow. As healing progresses, appropriately selected patients may experience improvement in urinary flow and other BPH symptoms.
PlasmaButton™ removes the prostate tissue treated during the procedure, but no procedure can guarantee that BPH symptoms will never recur or that additional treatment will never be necessary. Individual outcomes vary.
Yes. Retrograde ejaculation can occur following Plasma therapy. It can change how semen exits during ejaculation and should be discussed with your urologist before treatment, particularly if fertility is an important consideration.
No. An enlarged prostate does not automatically make PlasmaButton™ the appropriate treatment. Your symptoms, prostate anatomy, urinary function, medical history, previous treatment, and goals all need to be considered.
Center for Advanced Urology offers PlasmaButton™ treatment to patients across South Jersey and the greater Philadelphia area. During a consultation, we can evaluate your BPH symptoms and discuss whether PlasmaButton™ or another treatment option is appropriate.
Contact Us
Discuss Your BPH Treatment Options
Persistent urinary symptoms can have more than one cause, and an enlarged prostate does not always explain the full picture. A urologic evaluation can help determine whether prostate obstruction is contributing to your symptoms and whether a procedural treatment is appropriate.
At the Center for Advanced Urology, Dr. Stuart M. Diamond evaluates your symptoms, prostate anatomy, medical history, and treatment goals before recommending a BPH treatment. Contact our office, serving the South Jersey and Philadelphia regions, to schedule a consultation.
