[Transurethral thermotherapy with microwaves in patients with benign prostatic hypertrophy and urinary retention: comparative study between high energy (25) and standard energy (2.0)].
OBJECTIVES: During a 36-month period, 63 patients with benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH) who presented urinary retention, were treated on an outpatient basis by transurethral microwave thermotherapy (TUMT) with the Prostatron device using analgosedation. METHODS: Treatment consisted of a single one hour session with Prostasoft 2.0 for the first group of 11 patients. The second group of 19 patients received 2 hours Prostasoft 2.0. The third group comprised of 33 patients were treated with higher energy TUMT (Prostasoft 2.5/1 h 30 min). The number of sessions (144) depended on prostate length: L < 45 mm: one session (Prostanec catheter); L < 55 mm: two sessions (additional black catheter session); L < 65 mm: three sessions (additional white catheter session). RESULTS: In the first group of patients, 54% were catheter-free after one year (5 TURP); 84% (3 TURP) in the second group; 96% (1 TURP) in the third group. The morbidity was similar for all groups. CONCLUSIONS: Only high energy TUMT (Prostasoft 2.5/1 h 30 min) appears to be a minimally reasonable alternative to surgery in elderly patients with urinary retention secondary to prostatism and concomitant diseases. Longer followup is warranted to determine if the beneficial effects will persist.