Efficacy and safety of the new high-energy 30-minute transurethral microwave thermotherapy: results of 1-year follow-up in a multicenter study.

Abstract

Purpose: To assess the efficacy and durability of a new 30-minute algorithm for high-energy transurethral microwave thermotherapy (TUMT, Prostasoft 3.5) in the treatment of men with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) caused by benign prostatic hyperplasia.

Materials and methods: A total of 167 men (mean age 67 years) with bothersome LUTS were treated with the new TUMT protocol. Evaluation included assessment of the short- and long-term objective and subjective outcome measures of this treatment.

Results: The treatment is well tolerated. The International Prostate Symptom Score improved from a mean of 19.2 at baseline to 7.9 at 12 months after treatment. Maximum urinary flow improved from 8.9 to 16.4 mL/s at 12 months. Mean duration of catheterization was 16.1 days. Urodynamic evaluation showed a change from the obstructed to the nonminimally obstructed zone. There were no serious complications.

Conclusion: High-energy TUMT using the new high-dose Prostasoft 3.5 protocol appears to be a safe, effective, and durable treatment. The faster procedure improves tolerance of the treatment. Subjective and objective improvements were significant and the treatment-related morbidity low.