A randomized study comparing high-energy TUMT to TURP: quality-of-life results

To evaluate the impact of high-energy transurethral microwave thermotherapy (TUMT) and transurethral prostatic resection (TURP) on quality of life (QoL) in patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).

A total of 147 patients with BPH were randomized to receive either high-energy TUMT treatment (Prostasoft 2.5) or a TURP and were followed for 1 year. All patients completed a QoL questionnaire to assess perception of urinary difficulties, sexual function, daily activities, psychological well-being, social activities and improvement in QoL.

For almost all scales the standardized Cronbach's alpha was adequate. Between the various QoL scales there is a statistically significant correlation except for social well-being and sexual functions. There is also a significant correlation between the QoL scales and age, IPSS and Madsen. For the sexual functions there is only a correlation with age. A significant difference in improvement in favor of the TURP group was observed in general perception of urinary difficulties and activities of daily living. However, no difference between the groups was observed for the QoL scale measuring experienced improvement. The sexual function is not influenced by both treatment modalities. Both groups have a significant improvement in clinical outcome at all points of measurement. TURP has a better clinical outcome.

Both TUMT and TURP have a significant positive effect on various aspects of QoL. In particular, perception of urinary difficulties and activities of daily living are positively influenced by both treatments. TURP, however, has a greater impact than high-energy TUMT.