THE ROLE OF AN ADVANCED THERMOTHERAPY DEVICE IN PROSTATIC VOIDING DYSFUNCTION

Objectives To investigate the efficacy of an advanced transurethral th ermotherapy (TUMT) device (T3, Urologix) using urodynamic analysis in addition to the standard evaluation protocol in patients with symptoma tic benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Patients and methods Fifty men with symptomatic BPH were assessed using the AUA symptom score, urofl owmetry and ultrasonography (to determine prostatic volume and residua l urinary volume) before and 6 weeks, 3, 6 and 12 months after thermot herapy. TUMT was delivered using a focused microwave energy system for 1 h in each patient, treated on an out-patient basis, Video pressure Bow studies with advanced urodynamic analysis were also performed befo re and 3 months after treatment. Results The mean AUA symptom score de creased by 63%, the mean peak Bow rate increased by 64% and the post-v oid residual volume decreased by 30% 3 months after treatment; this im provement was maintained at one year after treatment. Advanced urodyna mic analysis showed that 52% of the patients had a decreased severity of obstruction. Furthermore, the efficiency of detrusor contraction im proved in 86% of the patients. The improvement in the symptom score, n ow rate and residual urine was significantly better in patients with m arginal obstruction than in patients with unequivocal obstruction. Con clusion Urodynamic analysis can predict the treatment outcome of TUMT and the results of thermotherapy are significantly better in patients with marginal prostatic bladder outflow obstruction.