Posted , 56 users are following.
Has anyone in this discussion have experience with this new and quite remarkable procedure? A device is implanted then removed in five days and none of the usual negative side effects occur.
5 likes, 203 replies
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marx james87669
Posted
Greetings,
Let me say this first, I contacted Medi-Tate last week about the availability of iTind in the USA. I was informed that, “We currently do not have FDA approval, but expect to receive it by April, 2020.”
I’m so glad I found this website. Thanks to everyone for sharing your stories and knowledge. I’m going to be 70 years old next summer (2020) and have been treating with Avodart for the past 10 years for BPH. I recently saw a urologist because the Avodart does not seem to be working very well any more. My primary doctor added Tamsulosin to the mix, but after a week I stopped taking it, as it made me light headed with a lack of energy. It was not helping much, anyway.
I had a pelvic ultrasound last week so my urologist could see what was going on with my bladder and prostate and to get a measurement of my prostate. I will see him next week for the results. I was planning on getting a Urolift if I qualify, but then I heard about the iTind procedure and I would prefer to try that first, as it seems to be the least invasive procedure and I like the fact that the hardware that is installed is just temporary. I’m hoping that I can wait until it gets FDA approval, and then wait a bit longer for some doctors to get some experience performing the procedure (I do not want to be the first in line).
My main concern about waiting is a fear that I will get up in the middle of the night and not be able to void at all (which almost happened to me a few weeks ago, which is why I am now considering some type of procedure). Has anyone here had any experience with self-catheterization? I’ve never been cath’d , but I was thinking that I could have a catheter at the ready at home if I needed it in the middle of the night. It might enable me to wait until I can get an iTind procedure performed. Any thoughts or suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks.
tom86211 marx
Posted
marx,
The iTind procedure could only be described as experimental at this point. I would not want to be one of the first to have it done to me when there are other procedures that are widely done and have a history of outcomes that can be traced. For example, there are many here who have had a PAE (myself included) and that doesn't involve any cutting or heating of the prostate tissue. Many here has had some experience with self cath. The longer you wait the more likely it is that you can cause bladder damage, so if you are having issues that bring you to near total retention it might be time to move forward with some proven treatment. It's always a good idea to have some catheters ready in case of an emergency retention situation, but you need to know how to self cath and have the right type and size of catheter and adequate lubrication. There is a learning curve with self cath, so don't expect that you can just get some catheters and lube and do it correctly the first time. Many here are experts and are happy to offer instruction and advice.
Tom
marx tom86211
Posted
Tom,
Thanks for your response. I really appreciate the information you provided to me. I am seeing my urologist on Thursday and will ask him about self-catheterization if I find myself at night unable to void at all. I have no problem voiding during the day, once I am up and active, although my stream is certainly weaker than in my youth. I have found that at night, once I get a flow started (drip, drip, dribble, dribble, slow stream, ah – relief) I am able to empty my bladder completely (as best I can tell), as I usually do not have to get up again for the rest of the night.
As far as the iTind procedure, I would have to wait until there is FDA approval before proceeding. I was able to find a report from July 2018 of a 3-year follow-up. It was a small study (32 patients) that was performed by the Division of Urology, Department of Oncology - School of Medicine, San Luigi Hospital, University of Turin, Orbassano (Turin), Italy. They reported that all the implantations were successful with no complications. The conclusion of the report stated, “The extended follow-up period corroborated our previous findings and suggests that TIND implantation is safe, effective and well-tolerated, for at least 36 months after treatment.”
There was other information in the report that I did not understand (i.e.: The change from baseline in IPSS, QoL score and Q was significant at every follow-up time point. After 36 months of follow-up, a 41% rise in Q was achieved (mean 10.1 mL/s), the median (IQR) IPSS was 12 (6-24) and the IPSS QoL was 2 (1-4).) Clearly I need to do more research, so that I understand what all of this means.
I’ll post back here after I see my doctor on Thursday with an update. Fortunately, unless there is some surprise with my ultrasound report, I feel like I can wait a while before having any procedures done, especially if that one incident of extreme difficulty getting a flow started in the middle of the night was a one-time exception a few weeks ago (it has not happened since).
marx james87669
Posted
Hey guys, I just followed-up with Medi-Tate and found out that the iTind procedure is now FDA cleared for the U.S. I've been doing OK with just the Avodart (dutasteride), but when I get up in the middle of the night to pee it takes me a long time to get a stream started and a long time to empty my bladder, but at least it is still flowing. It may be a while before any surgeons in my area (Sarasota, Florida) get trained and experienced in the procedure. Hopefully, I can continue to wait until I have access to a surgeon with some good experience with the iTind. It sure would be great to have a strong stream again.
Anyone in this forum have any updated information to share about how you are now doing after some time has passed after having the iTind procedure? I would love to hear how well guys are doing after some time has passed post-procedure. Do the beneficial results continue to last? Any lasting problems or complications? I hope you are all doing well and staying safe these days.
Camster james87669
Posted
Bobby T or anyone that had the iTind done, I would like to get an update on your progress. As of this time, it is very hard to find physicians that do this procedure but I'm working on it.
paul44367 james87669
Posted
Hi James, Motoman, BobbyT, ChuckP, and everyone else on this thread!
My name's Paul.
I'm a 51 year old man with severe/advanced BPH symptoms who was assessed to be an excellent candidate for ITIND by my urologist/surgeon, and we have scheduled it for this coming Friday, August 6th.
I am very confident that the results will work for symptoms, but I am still VERY concerned about ANY risk/possibility of effects/reduction of sexual function. I am very sexually active, and hope to be for a long time, and just would HATE to have something done that could permanently eliminate or reduce my ability to ejaculate or get erect.
I have not read much discussion at all about sexual health/condition after ITIND on this thread. I think Motoman said he experienced no RE and that his sexual function was "pretty much the same as before." But that's about all I've seen. Is there anyone else who's had the procedure that can attest that their sexual performance is the same/better/worse after the ITIND?
Please respond at your very first opportunity, as I have to decide before next Friday whether or not to postpone my procedure.
And yes, I have read all the clinical trials that say there was "no sexual dysfunction reported" in any trials, but many of those were based on a two-question survey: 1.Are you able to have sex? and 2. Do you ejaculate upon orgasm? They ask nothing about the force, quality, volume, or satisfaction of those ejaculations, and it's important to know that not just the ABILITY to ejaculate remains after procedure, but the same LEVEL remains.
SINCERE THANKS to anyone who is able to reassure me here in a speedy manner!
Best of luck to all fellow-sufferers!
Warm regards,
Paul
gregory17255 james87669
Edited
Hey Guys, I just had the itind procedure on October 14, 2021. Dr. Naveen Kella in San Antonio, TX performed the procedure. The procedure was done at the Foundation Surgical Hospital. The procedure went well. I'm on day 3 now. I will have the itind removed on October 19, 2021. I read all the literature and watched all the videos before the Procedure. However, I was not expecting the bladder spasms and the burning when I urinated. My eyes were watering every time I emptied my bladder. It felt like I was peeing razor blades or hot lava!! On a scale of 1-10, I would rate my pain at a solid 9. Also, my meatus has been irritated from the string hanging out of it. I called the doctor to explain my pain. He prescribed a med for the bladder spasms and hydrocodone for the pain. I'm feeling much better now. Pain is still there when i pee, but the pain is down to a 4 out of 10. I can handle that. Hopefully, I'll have the results I'm expecting when the device is removed on Tuesday. If anyone has any questions, I would be happy to answer them.
Greg
Gerry01 gregory17255
Posted
Hi Gregory,
How did everything go with your device removal? can you give us an update on how are you feeling? Also wanted to ask you about your overall experience with Dr. Kella, he is the closest doctor that performs this procedure to where I live. Thank you so much and I hope you are feeling better now.
Camster gregory17255
Edited
Greg, Please let us know how it is going after iTind. There is very little out there in patient reviews. I have been contact with The Urology Place. I haven't excluded them. Also looking at a doctor in North Carolina which is closer for me. I assume that they gave you general anesthesia in Foundation Surgical Center.I would prefer not going under general. It is a time consuming ordeal with more risk.Keep us posted. Cam
gregory17255 Gerry01
Posted
Hey James, sorry about the slow response. I don't visit this website often. A little background info on me. I am 57 and I started having BPH symptoms a few years ago. They progressively got worse and my urologist eventually put me on alfuzosin. I didn't care for taking the medication so I started to research non invasive BPH procedures. I stumbled on iTind, did some research, and decided I wanted to have it done. I had the iTind procedure on October 14, 2021 at the Foundation Surgical Hospital in San Antonio, TX. The hospital and staff were fantastic and they took good care of me. Dr. Kella was great. He took the time to chit chat, answer my questions and concerns and reviewed with me what to expect afterwards. I was put under general anesthesia for the procedure. After a couple hours, I went back to my hotel to wait for the 5 days. While it was in, I had a lot difficulty voiding my bladder. My stream was extremely weak, and when I did go it felt like red hot lava coming out of me. Pain level 1-10 was a 8. I called Dr. Kella, and he prescribed some pain medication that helped a little. The five days were not fun. I had it removed October 19, 2022. The removal procedure was very uncomfortable. After removal, my stream was noticeably stronger. I had no erection problems and my ejaculations were normal. I was very pleased. For two weeks I had a strong stream. At that point I discontinued my alfuzosin. Within the day, I started having issues voiding my bladder. After a couple days, I sent Dr. Kella a message telling him my problem. He suggested that I continue taking the alfuzosin for another month which I did. During that month, my stream was strong and steady. After the month, I discontinued the Alfuzosin and immediately started having problems voiding my bladder. I was very disappointed. After a couple of days, I reached out to Dr. Kella and told him my situation. Dr. Kella said:
"That is not optimal nor typical! Usually iTind will give results quickly after the device is removed. Also, most patients have an improvement. I would have your urologist do a cystoscopy to see how much the prostate opened up from the iTind. Luckily, it does not sound like a stricture or scar tissue problem. It sounds like the iTind unfortunately did not do enough to help your symptoms. That is not typical for your type of prostate. The good news is that you probably have all options still open. Continue the alfuzosin for now and let me know what the urologist determines..."
I am now 11 weeks post-removal. I restarted taking my alfuzosin again and my bladder voiding improved greatly. So the question is: Was getting the iTind procedure worth it?? I think the iTind procedure was a partial success. My expectations were very high and maybe unrealistic. I imagined that after the procedure I would be peeing like a race horse without my BPH medication. That didn't happen. I had to keep taking my meds, but at least now my stream is strong and steady....with the meds. Also, I can go 2-3+ hours without looking for a bathroom. That"s HUGE!!!! This is definitely a better situation than I had before the procedure. With that said, if 3+ years down the road, my BPH symptoms returned, would I do the procedure again? Yes I would! Hopefully, if any of you guys decide to have the procedure, you will have good results. Dr. Kella is a fantastic Dr.
gregory17255 Camster
Posted
Hey Camster, sorry about the slow response. I don't visit this website often. A little background info on me. I am 57 and I started having BPH symptoms a few years ago. They progressively got worse and my urologist eventually put me on alfuzosin. I didn't care for taking the medication so I started to research non invasive BPH procedures. I stumbled on iTind, did some research, and decided I wanted to have it done. I had the iTind procedure on October 14, 2021 at the Foundation Surgical Hospital in San Antonio, TX. The hospital and staff were fantastic and they took good care of me. Dr. Kella was great. He took the time to chit chat, answer my questions and concerns and reviewed with me what to expect afterwards. I was put under general anesthesia for the procedure. After a couple hours, I went back to my hotel to wait for the 5 days. While it was in, I had a lot difficulty voiding my bladder. My stream was extremely weak, and when I did go it felt like red hot lava coming out of me. Pain level 1-10 was a 8. I called Dr. Kella, and he prescribed some pain medication that helped a little. The five days were not fun. I had it removed October 19, 2022. The removal procedure was very uncomfortable. After removal, my stream was noticeably stronger. I had no erection problems and my ejaculations were normal. I was very pleased. For two weeks I had a strong stream. At that point I discontinued my alfuzosin. Within the day, I started having issues voiding my bladder. After a couple days, I sent Dr. Kella a message telling him my problem. He suggested that I continue taking the alfuzosin for another month which I did. During that month, my stream was strong and steady. After the month, I discontinued the Alfuzosin and immediately started having problems voiding my bladder. I was very disappointed. After a couple of days, I reached out to Dr. Kella and told him my situation. Dr. Kella said:
"That is not optimal nor typical! Usually iTind will give results quickly after the device is removed. Also, most patients have an improvement. I would have your urologist do a cystoscopy to see how much the prostate opened up from the iTind. Luckily, it does not sound like a stricture or scar tissue problem. It sounds like the iTind unfortunately did not do enough to help your symptoms. That is not typical for your type of prostate. The good news is that you probably have all options still open. Continue the alfuzosin for now and let me know what the urologist determines..."
I am now 11 weeks post-removal. I restarted taking my alfuzosin again and my bladder voiding improved greatly. So the question is: Was getting the iTind procedure worth it?? I think the iTind procedure was a partial success. My expectations were very high and maybe unrealistic. I imagined that after the procedure I would be peeing like a race horse without my BPH medication. That didn't happen. I had to keep taking my meds, but at least now my stream is strong and steady....with the meds. Also, I can go 2-3+ hours without looking for a bathroom. That"s HUGE!!!! This is definitely a better situation than I had before the procedure. With that said, if 3+ years down the road, my BPH symptoms returned, would I do the procedure again? Yes I would! Hopefully, if any of you guys decide to have the procedure, you will have good results. Dr. Kella is a fantastic Dr.
hank1953 gregory17255
Edited
Thanks for sharing. Hank
gregory17255 james87669
Edited
Hey James, sorry about the slow response. I don't visit this website often. A little background info on me. I am 57 and I started having BPH symptoms a few years ago. They progressively got worse and my urologist eventually put me on alfuzosin. I didn't care for taking the medication so I started to research non invasive BPH procedures. I stumbled on iTind, did some research, and decided I wanted to have it done. I had the iTind procedure on October 14, 2021 at the Foundation Surgical Hospital in San Antonio, TX. The hospital and staff were fantastic and they took good care of me. Dr. Kella was great. He took the time to chit chat, answer my questions and concerns and reviewed with me what to expect afterwards. I was put under general anesthesia for the procedure. After a couple hours, I went back to my hotel to wait for the 5 days. While it was in, I had a lot difficulty voiding my bladder. My stream was extremely weak, and when I did go it felt like red hot lava coming out of me. Pain level 1-10 was a 8. I called Dr. Kella, and he prescribed some pain medication that helped a little. The five days were not fun. I had it removed October 19, 2022. The removal procedure was very uncomfortable. After removal, my stream was noticeably stronger. I had no erection problems and my ejaculations were normal. I was very pleased. For two weeks I had a strong stream. At that point I discontinued my alfuzosin. Within the day, I started having issues voiding my bladder. After a couple days, I sent Dr. Kella a message telling him my problem. He suggested that I continue taking the alfuzosin for another month which I did. During that month, my stream was strong and steady. After the month, I discontinued the Alfuzosin and immediately started having problems voiding my bladder. I was very disappointed. After a couple of days, I reached out to Dr. Kella and told him my situation. Dr. Kella said:
"That is not optimal nor typical! Usually iTind will give results quickly after the device is removed. Also, most patients have an improvement. I would have your urologist do a cystoscopy to see how much the prostate opened up from the iTind. Luckily, it does not sound like a stricture or scar tissue problem. It sounds like the iTind unfortunately did not do enough to help your symptoms. That is not typical for your type of prostate. The good news is that you probably have all options still open. Continue the alfuzosin for now and let me know what the urologist determines..."
I am now 11 weeks post-removal. I restarted taking my alfuzosin again and my bladder voiding improved greatly. So the question is: Was getting the iTind procedure worth it?? I think the iTind procedure was a partial success. My expectations were very high and maybe unrealistic. I imagined that after the procedure I would be peeing like a race horse without my BPH medication. That didn't happen. I had to keep taking my meds, but at least now my stream is strong and steady....with the meds. Also, I can go 2-3+ hours without looking for a bathroom. That"s HUGE!!!! This is definitely a better situation than I had before the procedure. With that said, if 3+ years down the road, my BPH symptoms returned, would I do the procedure again? Yes I would! Hopefully, if any of you guys decide to have the procedure, you will have good results. Dr. Kella is a fantastic Dr.
up2u james87669
Edited
i had the iTind procedure two months ago and have been very pleased with the results so far. I found a urologist who does it in my state by filling out a form on the website of the medical device company (Olympus America).
daryl54162 up2u
Posted
Up2u,
I'm scheduled for iTind in 2 weeks (end of September 2022).
I'm trying to prepare, hoping you can give me some advice.
-- Should I get some male diapers, or incontinence pads? I understand that this can be a problem during the 5 day period.
--I've seen the pain level during treatment described from 2 to 8 by different patients ("uncomfortable" to "hot lava during urination"). What was your experience? I have some left-over opioids that I'll keep on hand just in case.
daryl54162
Edited
I had this done and can now answer my own questions:
-- Yes, get incontinence pads. There will be blood, and orange dye if you take pyridium. I used Depends that stuck inside my briefs with an adhesive strip.
-- My pain level was generally quite low. Stinging during urination the first couple of days was maybe a 3, but quickly dropped down. Sensation in the perineum was minimal; at first I just thought I was constipated before I realized that the prostate is in that region. The last 2-3 days (of 7) and urination was totally sensation free, but right as I finished each time there was some sharp cramping in the prostate area that lasted about 20 - 30 seconds. Maybe 3-5 on the pain scale.
I did take some of my left-over opioids at night to help me sleep and hopefully calm down my bladder. After getting up every 20 - 30 minutes the first night, I was able to sleep for longer times each night.
I kept a diary of the experience in another post. Search under my name.