Transurethral microwave thermotherapy for uncomplicated benign prostatic hyperplasia. A prospective study with emphasis on symptomatic improvement and complications.

A single session of transurethral microwave thermotherapy (TUMT) was used in 115 patients with symptomatic uncomplicated benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Subjective symptoms and urodynamic parameters were assessed before treatment, at 6 weeks, 3, 6 and 12 months after treatment and complications recorded. There was significant improvement in obstructive, irritative and total symptom scores at all time intervals. The maximum and corrected flow rate improved significantly at all time intervals as well as the decrease in residual urine. Complications occurred in 45.2% patients with no mortality. The most frequent complications were urinary tract infection (32.1%) and urinary retention (28.6%). Two patients experienced retrograde ejaculation. No patient was hospitalized due to complication. Four (3.5%) patients required transurethral resection of the prostate during the follow-up period due to persistent symptoms; 96.5% have remained satisfied. In conclusion, TUMT is a promising treatment option in selected patients with BPH, is well tolerated and complications are easy to treat. Its main advantage is the fact that it can be administered on an outpatient basis, thus reducing patient inconvenience and costs.