title: Interstitial radiofrequency therapy of the prostate: results of a pilot study.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  We assessed the feasibility of using interstitial radiofrequency therapy for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) in 50 patients.
  
  
  METHODS
  Therapy was given using a standard diathermy unit as the radiofrequency generator and a disposable needle electrode. The main outcome measure was improvement in symptoms assessed by symptom scores.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Patients with bothersome symptoms or acute retention showed clinically significant improvements in symptom score, while those with chronic retention did not. There were no serious complications.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Interstitial radiofrequency therapy may be effective for symptomatic BPH. Further studies with long-term objective data are under way to assess its role in the management of BPH.
authors.affiliation: Department of Urology, Brighton General Hospital, United Kingdom.
authors.forename: A H
authors.initials: AH
authors.lastname: Mostafid
authors.forename: N W
authors.initials: NW
authors.lastname: Harrison
authors.forename: G P
authors.initials: GP
authors.lastname: Dawkins
authors.forename: M S
authors.initials: MS
authors.lastname: Fletcher
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D004564:Electrocoagulation / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D004566:Electrodes; D004867:Equipment Design; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011467:Prostate / Q000601:surgery; D011470:Prostatic Hyperplasia / Q000150:complications / Q000601:surgery*; D000078702:Radiofrequency Therapy; D016055:Urinary Retention / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control