Initial and superior experience with 30 minute TUMT

Transurethral microwave thermotherapy (TUMT) is an evolving technique with different machines, protocols, intraprostatic temperatures, marketing claims, and clinical outcomes that can be confusing to the clinician. We report our initial and superior results with 30 Minute TUMT over previous treatment protocols in 16 patients. Patient discomfort and acceptance are greatly improved, with reduced analgesic requirements (11 vs. 24 mL of remifentanil), visual analogue pain scores of 0-2, and no power interruption required in any patients. All four patients in urinary retention are catheter-free 1 week after therapy. Post-treatment catheterization was required in only one patient who was voiding spontaneously before the procedure. Urinary flow rates and postvoid residuals improved in all patients. Prostatic cavities were found in all patients having prostate ultrasound 3 months after TUMT. 30 Minute TUMT is not simply a shortened 30-minute TUMT treatment. Rather it is a very different TUMT with an initial power of 80 W and initial urethral cooling water of 48 degrees F/8 degrees C. Mean maximum intraprostatic temperatures achieved are 154 degrees F/68 degrees C or 43 degrees F/24 degrees C greater than previous versions of microwave thermotherapy. 30 Minute TUMT s increased cooling and shorter times result in minimal discomfort and elimination of routine catheterization, but the initial 80-W energy and avoidance of power interruption provide higher intraprostatic temperatures and prostatic cavities in almost all patients in this office-based treatment.