Transurethral microwave thermotherapy v transurethral resection of prostate

Transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) has been the gold standard f or the treatment of symptomatic benign prostatic hyperplasia for three deca des but is now being challenged by other approaches such as transurethral m icrowave thermotherapy (TUMT), Comparison of these techniques must consider the functional, financial, and social aspects of each procedure. Because o f differences in equipment, it is difficult to draw valid conclusions from the comparisons of the functional results of TURF nu TUMT, but the two appe ar equivalent in relieving symptoms, although TUMT appears slightly less ef fective in improving flow. Preliminary data suggest that TUMT is less expen sive than TURF, but more data are needed. Although high-energy TUMT is not yet on a par with TURF, it is a valid alternative for many patients.