Transurethral needle ablation of the prostate: An alternative minimally invasive therapeutic concept in the treatment of benign prostate hyperplasia

Alternative minimally invasive methods treating benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH) have become more and more important. Transurethral needle ablation ( TUNA(TM)) has been demonstrated to be effective in both canine and the huma n prostate, The goal of our study was to prove the safety, feasibility and tolerance of this new procedure. In this prospective nonrandomized study, 3 3 patients underwent TUNA(TM)-treatment, One, 3 and 6 months postoperativel y. follow-up examinations were carried out assessing urodynamic parameters such as urinary flow rates, residual urine levels, and IPSS-scores. During the last visit additional cystomanometry and urethrocystoscopy were done, S ix months postoperatively IPSS-score and residual urine volumes were decrea sed by 50% (range: 1-72 %) and 75 % (range: 12-97%). Improvement in maximum flow rate was 63% (range, 5-125%). No serious postoperative complications occurred, After a short 'learning period' most of the treatments where perf ormed as an out-patient-procedure so the patients could leave the hospital without the need for indwelling catheters, The TUNA(TM) appears to be a min imally invasive and safe out-patient procedure for the treatment of selecte d cases of BPH.