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Published on: March 6, 2018
Transurethral needle ablation for treatment of lower urinary tract symptoms associated with benign prostatic
Lars Daehlin1, Arve Gustavsen, Aud Hunsbedt Nilsen
1Department of Surgery, University of Bergen, Norway. lars.daehlin@haukeland.no
Purpose:
The aims of the study were to evaluate short-term effects on lower urinary tract symptoms and uroflowmetry and assess side effects of transurethral needle ablation of the prostate (TUNA).
Patients And Methods:
Twenty-six men with a median age 68 years (range 53-77 years) were evaluated with symptom scores and voiding parameters before and at 3 and 12 months after TUNA. All treatments were performed in the outpatient department using topical anesthesia supplemented with sedoanalgesia.
Results:
The International Prostate Symptom Score had decreased from 21.2 to 10.5 at 12 months postoperatively. Peak urinary flow was 10.9 mL/sec at baseline and was elevated to 13.7 mL/sec after 12 months. Residual urine volumes were unchanged. Postoperative urinary retention developed in 71% of the patients and had a mean duration of 6.3 (range 1-34) days. Postoperative perineal pain was noted by about half of the patients for the first 1 to 2 weeks. Painkillers were frequently used to reduce postoperative pain.
Conclusions:
Transurethral needle ablation is a safe procedure suitable for the outpatient clinic. After short-term follow-up, statistically and clinically significant effects were observed on symptoms and uroflow. Long-term follow-up is mandatory to define the future role of this therapy.
