Microwave thermotherapy in patients with chronic urinary retention

To evaluate the efficacy of high-energy transurethral microwave thermotherapy (TUMT) in the treatment of chronic urinary retention (CUR) due to benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).

In this prospective cohort study, 29 patients with CUR due to BPH underwent high-energy TUMT. Prior to treatment and during a 12-week follow-up, the following parameters were determined: quality of life (QOL) score, peak flow rate (Qmax) by uroflowmetry, and postvoid residual urine (PVR). In those with treatment failure (PVR > 150 mL or urinary retention), pressure-flow studies were performed and compared to pre-TUMT urodynamics.

Of the 29 patients, 21 (72%) regained the ability to void spontaneously at 5 weeks. The actuarial median time for spontaneous voiding to be restored was 3.5 weeks (95% confidence interval [CI] 2.9-4.8 weeks). Mean QOL score at 12 weeks post-TUMT (2.2; 95% CI 1.5-2.7) was lower than that at 1 week (4.6; 95% CI 3.9-5.8) by 51% (p < 0.0005). Further, a 55% increase in mean Qmax (p < .0005) determined by uroflowmetry was observed by 12 weeks vs. 1 week after high-energy TUMT. TUMT failed in 8 patients due to a hypocontractile detrusor.

We concluded that high-energy TUMT is a potentially useful option for patient with CUR who are not candidates for prostatectomy.