A SINGLE SESSION OF TRANSURETHRAL MICROWAVE THEROMOTHERAPY FOR BENIGN PROSTATIC HYPERPLASIA

A single session of transurethral microwave thermotherapy using Prostatron (Technomed International, France) was performed in 20 patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia, and the clinical efficacy of this modality was evaluated by analysing the subjective and objective responses following the treatment. 1,296 MHz microwaves are delivered to the prostate by an antenna placed in a 20 Fr urethral balloon catheter equipped with a cooling system for preservation of the urethral mucosa. The treatment was performed in a single session for an hour on an outpatient basis. The clinical efficacy was evaluated by a total score of subjective symptoms and objective findings including residual urine and average flow rate, 8 weeks after the treatment. Reduction of subjective symptom score was observed in 26 cases (86.7%), and that of objective findings in 21 (70%). When 25% or more decrease of the total score was defined as good, the overall good result including subjective and objective responses was seen in 24 cases (80%). During the treatment and follow-up period, no severe adverse effect was detected. In conclusion, a single session of thermotherapy by Prostatron is a safe and useful modality as a non-surgical treatment performed on an outpatient basis for benign prostatic hyperplasia.