Interstitial radiofrequency therapy of the prostate in the management of acute urinary retention

To evaluate in a prospective study the efficacy of interstitial radiofrequency therapy (IRFT) of the prostate in relieving acute urinary retention in patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia.

Twenty-seven patients presenting in acute urinary retention who failed at least one trial of voiding one week after presentation were treated with IRFT of the prostate. During the 6-month follow-up, the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), urinary flow rate, post-void residual volume (PVR) and serum creatinine were determined and changes in erectile and ejaculatory functions recorded. The treatment was considered successful if the patient resumed normal voiding, without compromising renal function and without troublesome lower urinary tract symptoms necessitating further treatment.

Of the 26 evaluable patients, 77% resumed normal voiding. At 6 months after treatment, the mean (SD) IPSS had decreased from 15.0 (8.3) to 8 (5.4), the PVR from 950 (203) to 88 (60) mL and the maximum flow rate was 10.5 (4.36) mL/s.

IRFT of the prostate is a safe and effective treatment, at least in the short-term, for relieving acute urinary retention in patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia. The longer term follow-up is continuing.