Jjmch. De La Rosette et al., Clinical efficacy of a new 30-min algorithm for transurethral microwave thermotherapy: initial results, BJU INT, 86(1), 2000, pp. 47-51
Objective To assess the efficacy of a new 30-min algorithm for high-energy
transurethral microwave thermotherapy (TUMT, Prostasoft 3.5) in the treatme
nt of men with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) caused by benign prostat
ic hyperplasia.
Patients and methods A total of 108 men (mean age 66 years) with bothersome
LUTS were treated with the new TUMT protocol. All patients were evaluated
using a standard assessment at baseline, 6, 12, 26 and 52 weeks after TUMT.
The evaluation included the assessment of objective and subjective outcome
measures, with a urodynamic evaluation using pressure-flow analysis, and t
he occurrence of adverse events.
Results The treatment was well tolerated. In general, the International Pro
state Symptom Score improved from a mean of 20.0 at baseline to a mean of 9
.3 at 6 months after treatment. The maximum urinary flow improved from 9.4
mL/s to 14.6 mL/s at 6 months. The mean duration of catheterization was 17.
9 days. The urodynamic evaluation showed a change from the obstructed to th
e equivocal zone on the Abrams-Griffith nomogram. There were no serious com
plications. Urgency and frequency were the most frequent side-effects after
treatment: these all resolved within 3 months.
Conclusion High-energy TUMT using the new high-dose Prostasoft 3.5 protocol
appears to be a safe and effective treatment. The faster procedure improve
s the tolerance of the treatment. The subjective and objective improvements
were significant and the treatment-related morbidity low. A longer follow-
up is needed to assess the durability of this new treatment protocol.