TRANSURETHRAL MICROWAVE THERMOTHERAPY OF BENIGN PROSTATIC HYPERPLASIA- DO ANY PRETREATMENT CONDITIONS PREDICT THE RESULT

Objectives: To investigate the long-term effect of transurethral micro wave thermotherapy (TUMT) treatment and find possible predictors of a favourable outcome. Methods: Men with symptomatic benign prostatic hyp erplasia (BPH) (n = 339) were examined before undergoing TUMT. The pre treatment evaluation included two or more of the following: cystoscopy , ultrasonic examination of the prostate, urine flow rate, residual ur ine volume and Madsen symptom score. The urodynamic measurements and M adsen score were repeated after 3, 6 and 12 months. Six different grou ps, based on pretreatment examinations or energy given during TUMT, we re analysed. Results: The Madsen score was significantly reduced and t he score reduction was similar in all groups. Residual urine did not c hange significantly and flow rate increased only marginally. At 12 mon ths, 56% of the men were satisfied with the treatment result, 29% had received additional treatment because of insufficient relief of sympto ms, while the remaining 15% were not satisfied but decided not to unde rgo further treatment at present. Conclusion: The reduction in the Mad sen score remained stable during the 1-year follow-up. None of the inv estigated pretreatment findings were predictive of a favourable treatm ent result. Since TUMT did not increase peak urinary flow significantl y, men with BPH symptoms and unobstructed micturition appear to be the most suitable group for treatment. This group of men showed the same symptomatic improvement as the other investigated groups.