TRANSURETHRAL NEEDLE ABLATION (TUNA(TM)) OF THE PROSTATE - AN ALTERNATIVE MINIMALLY INVASIVE THERAPEUTIC CONCEPT IN THE TREATMENT OF BPH

Transurethral needle ablation of the prostate (TUNA(TM)) is an alterna tive minimally invasive therapeutic concept in the treatment of benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH). Interstitial heat applications are employ ed for induction of tissue necroses, which ultimately result in reduct ion of prostate volume. Between October 1994 and August 1995, 33 patie nts were treated using the TUNA(TM)-method. Exclusion criteria were pr ostate cancer, middle lobe adenoma and neurogenic disturbances of the bladder. The six-month postoperative follow-up showed a reduction of I PSS (-50%), and an improvement of maximum flowrate (+ 63%) and residua l urine (-75%), No serious complications occurred postoperatively. In conclusion, TUNA(TM) is a promising alternative method for the treatme nt of BPH.