Transurethral Microwave Thermotherapy (TUMT) in the Treatment of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia: A Preliminary Report

Abstract

Background One treatment option for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is transurethral microwave thermotherapy (TUMT). Unfortunately, TUMT has been increasingly marginalized recently. The aim of this study was to evaluate erectile function and urinary symptoms in patients after TUMT for BPH and compare the results with those of patients on pharmacological treatment for BPH. Material/Methods The study group consisted of 840 patients with BPH treated with TUMT and a control group consisting of 1040 patients who underwent pharmacotherapy. Erectile dysfunction was evaluated using the International Index of Erectile Function-5 questionnaire and the Individual Postoperative Erectile Assessment (IPEA) questionnaire, which was created by the authors for this study. Urinary symptoms were evaluated using the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) questionnaire. Results More than 50% of all patients experienced an improvement in urinary symptoms after TUMT, compared with only approximately 30% in the control group. Differences in each of the IPSS symptom scales between the TUMT and control groups were statistically significant ( P <0.031, P <0.041, and P <0.025 for mild, moderate, and severe symptoms, respectively). Improvement in erectile dysfunction after TUMT was also statistically significant ( P <0.0001, P <0.0001, P <0.05 for mild, moderate, and severe erectile dysfunction, respectively). Based on the IPEA questionnaire, approximately 24% of the TUMT group reported significant improvement in erectile function, while a decrease in erectile function was reported in the control group. Conclusions TUMT may still be a valuable option in the treatment of BPH. TUMT may be especially suitable for patients who expect to improve urinary symptoms without decreasing erectile function.

Recent Updates in Surgical Treatment of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia: A Review Article

“…34 Similarly, in a study done for treatment of BPH by Zietek RJ et al, they inferred TUMT to be a significant choice, particularly fitting for patients who assume better urinary symptoms not including waning erectile function. 36 Water Vapor Thermal Therapy (WVTT): Convective radiofrequency water vapor thermal therapy is a new technology that uses targeted, manipulated water vapor energy (steam) to produce necrotic tissue in the prostate. 37 Considered a safe procedure for clinically substantial BPH, this minimally invasive surgical treatment has a significant record as effective, and efficient.…”