Transurethral microwave thermotherapy: first experiences in Poland.

Abstract

To present early experiences in Poland with high-energy transurethral microwave thermotherapy (HeTUMT), considered as a serious alternative to surgery in managing benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH). Sixty-one patients were treated in two centres using a commercial TUMT system. The patients were assessed at 5-6 weeks, 3 and 6 months after treatment, evaluating subjective complaints, the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), urinary flow rate and postvoid residual volume. A complete follow-up was available in 44 patients; most had symptomatic improvement 3 months after HeTUMT but it was slightly less pronounced after 6 months. The improvement in objective variables increased up to 6 months after HeTUMT. There was > or = 50% improvement in subjective complaints in 43% of the patients, in urinary flow rate in 25% and in residual urine in half. Two patients required re-treatment for a urethral stricture and ineffective HeTUMT. HeTUMT may be a useful treatment for BPH but the outcome for an individual patient seems to be unpredictable. The indications for TUMT should be reviewed individually for each patient.