[Transurethral thermotherapy by radiofrequency at various temperatures in benign prostatic hypertrophy. Clinical experience with Thermex II Direx].

Over 2 years, 191 patients with symptomatic benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH) have been treated by transurethral radiofrequency heating of the prostate at various temperatures (44.5 and 47-48 degrees C) in one session. At 44.5 degrees C, 60% of the patients were subjectively improved and 71% at 47-48 degrees C. 58% of the patients in retention were catheter free after treatment. The mean increase in the peak flow was not significant no matter the temperature used. A subjective improvement is obviously demonstrated by the significant decrease in the overall symptom score and essentially by the reduction in the irritative symptoms such as nocturia and urgency. This new alternative approach may play a meaningful role in the symptomatic management of selected patients with BPH.