MICROWAVE THERMOTHERAPY - A LONG-TERM FOLLOW-UP OF 67 PATIENTS FROM ASINGLE-CENTER

Objective To determine the long-term therapeutic value of transurethra l microwave thermotherapy (TUMT) in the treatment of bladder outflow o bstruction secondary to benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Patients a nd methods A total of 67 patients with BPH, assessed using symptom sco res and measurements of urinary now rate, underwent TUMT using the Leo Microthermer system (Laser Electro Optics Ltd, London, UK) between Oc tober 1990 and June 1992. Follow-up information was obtained on 60 pat ients (90%). If they had undergone no further treatment for their BPH, they were re-assessed with symptom scores and measurements of flow ra te. Results The mean follow-up was 52.4 months; eight of the 67 patien ts had died and seven were lost to followup. Sixteen of the remaining 52 (31%) had undergone another treatment for BPH; one patient develope d prostatitis and one developed localized carcinoma of the prostate. T hirty-four patients had had no further treatment, 29 of whom attended for assessment, In these patients, a statistically significant improve ment in both the symptom score and now rate was maintained at 4 years, No patients developed retrograde ejaculation. Conclusion This is the first study to report a follow-up of at least 4 years after TUMT with any device, Treatment with the Leo Microthermer provided at least a 50 % symptomatic improvement in 16 of 50 patients treated at 4 years, How ever, 30% of the patients needed further treatment for their BPH, TUMT is safe and effective in patients not wanting anaesthesia and in youn g patients concerned about retrograde ejaculation.