Transurethral microwave thermotherapy (TUMT) for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)--our first 100 cases

One hundred consecutive cases treated by Transurethral Microwave Thermotherapy (TUMT) since October 1991 were analysed to assess its efficacy and safety. Out of these, 28 were in urinary retention. Patients were selected based on Madsen Symptom Score (MSS), Uroflowmetry, Transrectal Ultrasound Scanning (TRUS) plus biopsy and flexible cystoscopy. In the non-retention group, symptomatic improvement was 81%; mean MSS dropped from 13.6 to 2.6 at one year. Objective improvement was less marked: mean peak urine flowrate (PFR) (+45%), mean residual volume (-63%) and mean prostatic volume (-15%). 8.3% had failed TUMT requiring TURP. In the retention group, 79% was able to void freely after TUMT. Fourteen percent underwent TURP. Based on given criteria, the overall response rate for MSS and PFR averaged 71% at 3 months, 72% at 6 months and 84% at 1 year. Sixty-seven percent of patients who responded to a phone interview were satisfied with TUMT treatment. Minimal morbidity was encountered: temporary retention for non-retention group (24%), UTI (9%), haematuria (7%), impotence (2%) and fistula (1%). There was no treatment-related death. The results showed that TUMT is a viable alternative and safe treatment of BPH.