Clinical efficacy of a new 30-min algorithm for transurethral microwave thermotherapy: initial results.
OBJECTIVE
To assess the efficacy of a new 30-min 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.


METHODS
A total of 108 men (mean age 66 years) with bothersome LUTS were treated with the new TUMT protocol. All patients were evaluated using a standard assessment at baseline, 6, 12, 26 and 52 weeks after TUMT. The evaluation included the assessment of objective and subjective outcome measures, with a urodynamic evaluation using pressure-flow analysis, and the occurrence of adverse events.


RESULTS
The treatment was well tolerated. In general, the International Prostate Symptom Score improved from a mean of 20.0 at baseline to a mean of 9.3 at 6 months after treatment. The maximum urinary flow improved from 9.4 mL/s to 14.6 mL/s at 6 months. The mean duration of catheterization was 17.9 days. The urodynamic evaluation showed a change from the obstructed to the equivocal zone on the Abrams-Griffith nomogram. There were no serious complications. Urgency and frequency were the most frequent side-effects after treatment; these all resolved within 3 months.


CONCLUSIONS
High-energy TUMT using the new high-dose Prostasoft 3.5 protocol appears to be a safe and effective treatment. The faster procedure improves the tolerance of the treatment. The subjective and objective improvements were significant and the treatment-related morbidity low. A longer follow-up is needed to assess the durability of this new treatment protocol.
de la Rosette
J J
JJ
Department of Urology, Nijmegen University Hospital, Nijmegen, The Netherlands. j.delarosette@uro.azn.nl
Francisca
E A
EA
Kortmann
B B
BB
Floratos
D L
DL
Debruyne
F M
FM
Kiemeney
L A
LA
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000465:Algorithms; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D006979:Hyperthermia, Induced / Q000379:methods*; D008297:Male; D008872:Microwaves / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008875:Middle Aged; D011470:Prostatic Hyperplasia / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy*; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014554:Urination / Q000502:physiology; D014555:Urination Disorders / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy; D014563:Urodynamics