Interstitial radiofrequency therapy of the prostate: results of a pilot study.

Abstract

We assessed the feasibility of using interstitial radiofrequency therapy for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) in 50 patients. Therapy was given using a standard diathermy unit as the radiofrequency generator and a disposable needle electrode. The main outcome measure was improvement in symptoms assessed by symptom scores. Patients with bothersome symptoms or acute retention showed clinically significant improvements in symptom score, while those with chronic retention did not. There were no serious complications. Interstitial radiofrequency therapy may be effective for symptomatic BPH. Further studies with long-term objective data are under way to assess its role in the management of BPH.