[Trans-urethral micro-wave thermotherapy of prostatic benign hypertrophy]

Transurethral microwave thermotherapy is designed to destroy non-malignant tissue by exposure to a cytotoxic temperature ranging from 45 degrees C to more than 70 degrees C. The combination of microwave-induced heat administered transurethrally and protection of the urethra by a cooling circuit allows delivery of sufficient power to induce coagulation of the periurethral prostatic tissues without any form of anaesthesia part from instillation of anaesthetic jelly into the urethra. Treatment takes only 30 minutes. Strict security limits (urethral temperature and rectal temperature) ensure a low complication rate. The therapeutic efficacy of thermotherapy is situated between that of drugs and endoscopic surgery. The effect is lasting. The development of a tailor-made treatment for each patient should increase the response rate of this technique.