Transurethral microwave thermotherapy. A comparison between clinical outcome and morphologic effects assessed by urethrography.
OBJECTIVE
To detect possible morphologic changes in the urethra in an attempt to clarify the effects of thermotherapy (TUMT).


METHODS
Eighteen patients with symptomatic disturbance in micturition and a prostatic volume of 14-133 cm3 underwent voiding cystourethrogram and retrograde urethrogram before and 6 and 12 months after treatment. TUMT treatment was carried out with a Prostatron unit.


RESULTS
No correlation was found between subjective improvement in symptoms and morphologic changes of the urethra. There were more responders among patients who received a high microwave effect.


CONCLUSIONS
We conclude that there is no evidence to support the view that TUMT leads to significant necrosis in the prostrate with loss of tissue and retraction. Our results support the view that TUMT causes denervation of the prostate.
Nordenstam
G
G
Department of Radiology, Huddinge University Hospital, Sweden.
Aspelin
P
P
Edsborg
N
N
Hallin
A
A
Berlin
T
T
D006801:Humans; D006979:Hyperthermia, Induced; D008297:Male; D008872:Microwaves / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D011467:Prostate / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D011470:Prostatic Hyperplasia / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000628:therapy*; D011859:Radiography; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014521:Urethra / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*