Local Urologist Invited to China to Train Physicians
Robert Pugach, MD will instruct urologists in thermotherapy for BPH;
BPH is one of the most common health problems in men.

Dr. Pugach explains thermotherapy using the new CoolWave system to Chinese urologists.

Los Alamitos, CA--Dr. Robert Pugach, Medical Director of Pacific Coast Urology Medical Center, has been invited to train urologists in Beijing and Shanghai. Dr. Pugach and Gladys Rentie, RN, the Center’s Nursing Coordinator, will spend one week with Chinese physicians and nurses providing instruction and hands-on training in thermotherapy using the new CoolWave system. Thermotherapy is used to treat men with Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) or an enlarged prostate. Dr. Pugach focuses his practice on minimally invasive urological procedures and is one of the most experienced physicians in thermotherapy in the world.

BPH is a non-cancerous condition in which the prostate cells increase in number. Starting at age 35, the prostate starts to enlarge and puts pressure on the urethra which prevents the bladder from emptying completely, making urination difficult and painful. Left untreated, BPH can result in urological problems including frequent urination, a weak stream and sudden urges to use a bathroom. More serious problems include bladder infections, bleeding, incontinence and kidney failure.

Prior to 1993, surgery or medications with short-term benefits were the only recommended treatment available for men with prostate enlargement. “While surgery can provide a good outcome, it comes with significant risks and associated costs related to hospitalization and recovery time. Some of the risks include erectile dysfunction (ED), incontinence, retrograde ejaculation, and a need for blood transfusion,” explains Dr. Pugach.

 Pugach uses Cooled ThermoTherapy™, a non-surgical minimally invasive office-based treatment to treat BPH in a single, 30-minute session. “Cooled ThermoTherapy™ uses precisely targeted microwave energy to heat and shrink enlarged prostate tissues while a cooling mechanism protects healthy, surrounding tissue,” says Dr. Pugach. He introduced the CoolWave system to Southern California last year. Ms. Rentie states, “The majority of men notice rapid improvements in their symptoms and overall quality of life.”

	Dr. Pugach visits the Great Wall of China.

Dr. Pugach’s visit is being coordinated by Urologix and CunLling Gao, Beijing Lifecare Technology Company. Contacts are Dr. Zhou, Department Chairman of Urology, Peking University First Hospital, Dr. Lin Jian, Institute of Urology, and Dr. Li Xin, Associate Professor of Urology, MD & PhD at Peking University.

PRESS RELEASE - UROLOGIX - MAY 16, 2008

Dr. Robert Pugach is quoted in a recent Urologix news release on the launch of their new CTC advance catheter at the 2008 American Urological Association Annual Meeting. To read press release, click here.

"The CTC Advance catheter is another improvement in cooled microwave thermotherapy. It is easier to insert and the additional cooling helps further preserve healthy urethral tissue. It demonstrates Urologix' commitment to quality patient care and is another reason why I use their microwave technology exclusively," said Dr. Robert Pugach, Medical Director at Pacific Coast Urology.