Preliminary Experience of Transurethral Microwave Thermotherapy

Park, Yong Hyeon; Choi, Hong Yong

Abstract

Between November 1992 and August 1993, 46 patients with symptomatic benign prostatic hyperplasia were treated with transurethral microwave thermotherapy with PRIMUS U+R. We excluded the patients with absolute indications for transurethral resection of the prostate and median lobe enlargement. Of the inpatients who had acute retention, 13 patients were entered into this study, because they were at greater risk from cardiac disease and they rejected surgery. Of the 33 patients who were able to void at presentation, 11 patients were treated with two sessions because of unsatisfactory improvement of symptom scores or peak flow rate. For analysis we divided the patients into 3 groups based on treatment session and retention, such as group 1 (single session, n=22), group 2 (two sessions, n=11) and group 3 (acute retention, single session, n= 13). Uroflow rates, FDA symptom score and post-void residual volume were measured at 4 weeks, 3 and 6 months. Of 33 patients who had no retention at presentation. 22 patients(67%) had a satisfactory results after one treatment session. The obstructive score, irritative score and peak flow rates improved 60%, 43% and 57%. respectively (all p <0.0001). Of 33 men 11(33%) reported improvement after 2 sessions in symptom scores and post-void residual volume, but there was no statistically significant improvement in peak flow rate. In group 3, 7 patients (54% ) were able to void after treatment. This study demonstrated safety and effectiveness of transurethral microwave thermotherapy.