Transurethral needle ablation of the prostate: Outcome at 1 year

Background: Urologists continue to search for alternatives to transurethral prostatectomy that carry a lower potential for complications. Patients and Methods: Twenty-five patients on the public waiting list for t ransurethral resection of the prostate, all spontaneously voiding, underwen t transurethral needle ablation of the prostate (TUNA), Eight patients had a simultaneous bladder neck incision (BNI). Follow-up with International Pr ostate Symptom Scores and flow rate measurement was performed at 6 weeks, 7 months, and 1 year. Results: A statistically significant increase in flow rate and fall in symp tom scores occurred out to 1 year after TUNA, Despite this result, six pati ents (24%) were not satisfied with their outcome and underwent a second end oscopic operation. Conclusion: In our hands, TUNA produced an unsatisfactory clinical result.