The role of an advanced thermotherapy device in prostatic voiding dysfunction.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the efficacy of an advanced transurethral thermotherapy (TUMT) device (T3, Urologix) using urodynamic analysis in addition to the standard evaluation protocol in patients with symptomatic benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).


METHODS
Fifty men with symptomatic BPH were assessed using the AUA symptom score, uroflowmetry and ultrasonography (to determine prostatic volume and residual urinary volume) before and 6 weeks, 3, 6 and 12 months after thermotherapy. TUMT was delivered using a focused microwave energy system for 1 h in each patient, treated on an out-patient basis. Video pressure flow studies with advanced urodynamic analysis were also performed before and 3 months after treatment.


RESULTS
The mean AUA symptom score decreased by 63%, the mean peak flow rate increased by 64% and the post-void residual volume decreased by 30% 3 months after treatment; this improvement was maintained at one year after treatment. Advanced urodynamic analysis showed that 52% of the patients had a decreased severity of obstruction. Furthermore, the efficiency of detrusor contraction improved in 86% of the patients. The improvement in the symptom score, flow rate and residual urine was significantly better in patients with marginal obstruction than in patients with unequivocal obstruction.


CONCLUSIONS
Urodynamic analysis can predict the treatment outcome of TUMT and the results of thermotherapy are significantly better in patients with marginal prostatic bladder outflow obstruction.
Javlé
P
P
Department of Urology, Royal Liverpool University Hospital.
Blair
M
M
Palmer
M
M
Jenkins
S A
SA
Parsons
K F
KF
D000368:Aged; D000553:Ambulatory Care; D006801:Humans; D006979:Hyperthermia, Induced / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000592:standards; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009119:Muscle Contraction; D011446:Prospective Studies; D017430:Prostate-Specific Antigen / Q000032:analysis; D011470:Prostatic Hyperplasia / Q000150:complications / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy*; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D016055:Urinary Retention / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy*; D014554:Urination / Q000502:physiology; D014563:Urodynamics
D017430:Prostate-Specific Antigen