title: Durability of results obtained with transurethral microwave thermotherapy in the treatment of men with symptomatic benign prostatic hyperplasia.
abstract: To assess the durability of the results of transurethral microwave thermotherapy (TUMT) for symptomatic benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), we have reviewed publications describing trials with at least 3 years of follow-up. For men treated only by TUMT, improvement in symptoms and quality of life appears to be maintained for at least 4 to 5 years. Improvement in peak flow rates is modest but is generally maintained, particularly after higher-energy therapies. These results represent responders, and a crucial question is the need for additional treatments. With lower-energy treatment, this is common: between 50% and 60% within 3 to 5 years. With higher-energy TUMT, the retreatment rate appears to be less, approximating 20% within 3 to 4 years. When comparing these results with those of transurethral resection, it should be noted that there is a significant failure rate with surgery, and even if failure is more common with TUMT, men may be prepared to accept this risk rather than the greater morbidity of prostatectomy.
authors.affiliation: Section of Urology, Health Sciences Centre, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. eramsey@home.com
authors.forename: E W
authors.initials: EW
authors.lastname: Ramsey
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Dahlstrand
mesh_terms: D006801:Humans; D006979:Hyperthermia, Induced / Q000379:methods* / Q000592:standards*; D008297:Male; D008872:Microwaves / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D011470:Prostatic Hyperplasia / Q000628:therapy*; D013997:Time Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome