A randomized study comparing high-energy TUMT to TURP: Quality-of-life results

Purpose: To evaluate the impact of high-energy transurethral microwave ther motherapy (TUMT) and transurethral prostatic resection (TU RP) on quality o f life (QoL) in patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Materials and Methods: A total of 147 patients with BPH were randomized to receive either high-energy TUMT treatment (Prostasoft 2.5) or a TURF and we re followed for 1 year. All patients completed a QoL questionnaire to asses s perception of urinary difficulties, sexual function, daily activities, ps ychological well-being, social activities and improvement in QoL. Results: For almost all scales the standardized Cronbach's alpha was adequa te. Between the various QoL scales there is a statistically significant cor relation except for social well-being and sexual functions. There is a Iso a significant correlation between the QoL sea les and age, IPSS a nd Madsen . For the sexual functions there is only a correlation with age. A signific ant difference in improvement in favor of the TURF group was observed in ge neral perception of urinary difficulties and activities of daily living. Ho wever, no difference between the groups was observed for the QoL scale meas uring experienced improvement. The sexual function is not influenced by bot h treatment modalities. Both groups have a significant improvement in clini cal outcome at all points of measurement. TURF has a better clinical outcom e. Conclusion: Both TUMT and TURF have a significant positive effect on variou s aspects of QoL. In particular, perception of urinary difficulties and act ivities of daily living are positively influenced by both treatments. TURF, however, has a greater impact than high-energy TUMT. Copyright (C) 2000 S. Karger AG, Basel.