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Transurethral microwave thermotherapy (TUMT) is a minimally invasive procedure designed to treat benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH), a condition characterized by the enlargement of the prostate gland that can lead to urinary difficulties. During this procedure, the patient remains awake and is positioned supine, allowing for easy access to the urethra. To ensure comfort, an antiseptic solution is applied to the penis, and a local anesthetic, typically 10-20 mL of 1-2% lidocaine gel, is instilled into the urethra. This local anesthesia helps to minimize discomfort during the procedure.
A specialized catheter is then inserted through the urethra and advanced to the bladder, where it is secured in place with a balloon tip. This catheter is equipped with a microwave antenna that is strategically positioned within the prostatic urethra. The correct placement of the catheter may be confirmed using a transrectal ultrasound, which is a separate procedure that can be reported independently. Additionally, a temperature-monitoring probe is placed in the rectum to ensure that the temperature during the procedure remains within safe limits.
Once the setup is complete, the microwave thermotherapy machine is activated, initiating the treatment. The microwave currents generated by the antenna raise the temperature of the prostate tissue to above 45 degrees centigrade, effectively destroying the excess tissue that contributes to BPH symptoms. To protect the surrounding urethral tissue from thermal damage, water circulates through the catheter, cooling the urethra throughout the procedure. The entire process typically lasts between 30 to 60 minutes, during which the patient is closely monitored for any signs of pain or discomfort. Upon completion of the treatment, the catheter used for the microwave therapy is removed and replaced with a Foley catheter, which is inserted transurethrally to facilitate urinary drainage during the recovery period.
© Copyright 2025 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.
The transurethral microwave thermotherapy (TUMT) procedure is indicated for the treatment of benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH), a condition that leads to the enlargement of the prostate gland and can cause various urinary symptoms. The procedure is typically recommended for patients experiencing moderate to severe symptoms related to BPH, which may include:
The transurethral microwave thermotherapy (TUMT) procedure involves several key steps to ensure effective treatment of benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH). The first step is the preparation of the patient, who is positioned supine on the examination table. The penis is cleaned with an antiseptic solution to reduce the risk of infection. Following this, a local anesthetic, typically 10-20 mL of 1-2% lidocaine gel, is instilled into the urethra to provide localized pain relief during the procedure.
After the transurethral microwave thermotherapy (TUMT) procedure, patients are typically monitored for a short period to ensure there are no immediate complications. The Foley catheter that is placed during the procedure may remain in place for a few days to help drain urine and allow the bladder to heal. Patients may experience some discomfort, urinary urgency, or frequency as the body adjusts post-treatment. It is important for patients to follow any specific post-procedure care instructions provided by their healthcare provider, which may include recommendations for hydration, pain management, and follow-up appointments to assess recovery and symptom relief. Regular follow-up is essential to monitor the effectiveness of the treatment and to address any ongoing symptoms related to BPH.
| Short Descr | PROSTATIC MICROWAVE THERMOTX | Medium Descr | TRURL DSTRJ PRSTATE TISS MICROWAVE THERMOTH | Long Descr | Transurethral destruction of prostate tissue; by microwave thermotherapy | Status Code | Active Code | Global Days | 090 - Major Surgery | PC/TC Indicator (26, TC) | 0 - Physician Service Code | Multiple Procedures (51) | 2 - Standard payment adjustment rules for multiple procedures apply. | Bilateral Surgery (50) | 0 - 150% payment adjustment for bilateral procedures does NOT apply. | Physician Supervisions | 09 - Concept does not apply. | Assistant Surgeon (80, 82) | 1 - Statutory payment restriction for assistants at surgery applies to this procedure... | Co-Surgeons (62) | 0 - Co-surgeons not permitted for this procedure. | Team Surgery (66) | 0 - Team surgeons not permitted for this procedure. | Diagnostic Imaging Family | 99 - Concept Does Not Apply | APC Status Indicator | Hospital Part B services paid through a comprehensive APC | ASC Payment Indicator | Office-based surgical procedure added to ASC list in CY 2008 or later with MPFS nonfacility PE RVUs; payment based on MPFS nonfacility PE RVUs. | Type of Service (TOS) | 2 - Surgery | Berenson-Eggers TOS (BETOS) | P1G - Major procedure - Other | MUE | 1 | CCS Clinical Classification | 113 - Transurethral resection of prostate (TURP) |
| 51 | Multiple procedures: when multiple procedures, other than e/m services, physical medicine and rehabilitation services or provision of supplies (eg, vaccines), are performed at the same session by the same individual, the primary procedure or service may be reported as listed. the additional procedure(s) or service(s) may be identified by appending modifier 51 to the additional procedure or service code(s). note: this modifier should not be appended to designated "add-on" codes (see appendix d). | 58 | Staged or related procedure or service by the same physician or other qualified health care professional during the postoperative period: it may be necessary to indicate that the performance of a procedure or service during the postoperative period was: (a) planned or anticipated (staged); (b) more extensive than the original procedure; or (c) for therapy following a surgical procedure. this circumstance may be reported by adding modifier 58 to the staged or related procedure. note: for treatment of a problem that requires a return to the operating/procedure room (eg, unanticipated clinical condition), see modifier 78. | 59 | Distinct procedural service: under certain circumstances, it may be necessary to indicate that a procedure or service was distinct or independent from other non-e/m services performed on the same day. modifier 59 is used to identify procedures/services, other than e/m services, that are not normally reported together, but are appropriate under the circumstances. documentation must support a different session, different procedure or surgery, different site or organ system, separate incision/excision, separate lesion, or separate injury (or area of injury in extensive injuries) not ordinarily encountered or performed on the same day by the same individual. however, when another already established modifier is appropriate it should be used rather than modifier 59. only if no more descriptive modifier is available, and the use of modifier 59 best explains the circumstances, should modifier 59 be used. note: modifier 59 should not be appended to an e/m service. to report a separate and distinct e/m service with a non-e/m service performed on the same date, see modifier 25. | 78 | Unplanned return to the operating/procedure room by the same physician or other qualified health care professional following initial procedure for a related procedure during the postoperative period: it may be necessary to indicate that another procedure was performed during the postoperative period of the initial procedure (unplanned procedure following initial procedure). when this procedure is related to the first, and requires the use of an operating/procedure room, it may be reported by adding modifier 78 to the related procedure. (for repeat procedures, see modifier 76.) | GV | Attending physician not employed or paid under arrangement by the patient's hospice provider | RT | Right side (used to identify procedures performed on the right side of the body) |
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| 1998-01-01 | Added | First appearance in code book in 1998. |
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