Transurethral needle ablation (TUNA (TM)) - A critical review of radiofrequency thermal therapy in the management of benign prostatic hyperplasia

Radiofrequency thermal therapy of the prostate is a new minimally invasive treatment for symptomatic benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). The procedure is called transurethral needle ablation (TUNA(TM)). With TU NAI the inner region of the prostate is selectively ablated with temperatures approaching 90-100 degrees C while the prostatic urothelium is preserved. The objectiv e of this article is to discuss the basics of radiofrequency energy, instru mentation, surgical techniques, and to present an update of the clinical re sults as it applies to the treatment of BPH.