Analysis of outcome after thermotherapy using different classifications of bladder outlet obstruction.

The urodynamic profiles of 97 patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia undergoing low-energy transurethral microwave thermotherapy (TUMT) for lower urinary tract symptoms were analysed using the Abrams/Griffiths nomogram, the urethral resistance algorithm, the linPURR, Schäfer nomogram, and the CHESS classification. A significant clinical response was seen for the whole group, as shown by changes in symptom score, free flow rate, and residual urine. The best symptomatic response was identified in patients in whom obstruction was present, whatever the classification used. Only the two-dimensional CHESS classification was found to predict a group of patients with a better response in both symptoms and objective variables. Obviously, a better response from TUMT can only be predicted by a classification system that identifies the independent variables of footpoint and slope of the PURR. The CHESS classification was the only one of those studied that satisfactorily identified these two parameters and could be used as a system of case selection for this minimally invasive treatment.

Three-year followup of patients treated with lower energy microwave thermotherapy.

PURPOSE: A retrospective study was done to investigate the long-term outcome of patients treated with lower energy transurethral microwave thermotherapy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 305 patients with lower urinary tract symptoms and benign prostatic hypertrophy underwent transurethral microwave thermotherapy according to a similar protocol at 2 centers. RESULTS: After 3 years of followup 133 patients who had undergone transurethral microwave thermotherapy alone were available for study. During this observation period significant symptomatic improvement from baseline and an improved maximum flow rate of 2.6 ml. per second were noted. Of the patients 125 underwent invasive or medical treatment. CONCLUSIONS: After 3 years of followup lower energy transurethral microwave thermotherapy showed significant and durable improvements in baseline parameters in 52% of the patients.

Pressure-flow study analyses in patients treated with high energy thermotherapy.

PURPOSE: We evaluated the urodynamic changes after high energy microwave thermotherapy in patients with lower urinary tract symptoms and benign prostatic enlargement. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 120 patients was available for analysis with urodynamic investigation and pressure-flow studies before and 6 months after treatment. Several obstruction parameters were used to evaluate treatment outcome. RESULTS: A significant decrease (p < 0.001) in all obstruction parameters was noted. Mean detrusor pressure at maximum flow decreased from 64.7 to 39.1 cm. water, urethral resistance factor from 41.8 to 23.5 cm. water and linear passive urethral resistance relation from 3.0 to 1.4. Analysis of subgroups showed better results in patients with greater degrees of obstruction. CONCLUSIONS: High energy thermotherapy results in a significant and substantial decrease in bladder outlet obstruction.

High energy thermotherapy in the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia: results of the European Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia Study Group.

PURPOSE: We documented the results of high energy transurethral microwave thermotherapy in the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We evaluated 116 patients following transurethral microwave thermotherapy according to symptom scores, transrectal ultrasound, free voiding and pressure-flow study parameters. RESULTS: Significant improvement was noted in all objective and subjective parameters. Moreover, cavities in the prostatic urethra were observed in almost 40% of the patients. CONCLUSIONS: High energy transurethral microwave thermotherapy is an effective therapy for benign prostatic hyperplasia. Patients with larger prostates and moderate to severe bladder outlet obstruction seem to be the best candidates for this higher energy thermotherapy protocol, although morbidity is increased.

A 12-month study of the placebo effect in transurethral microwave thermotherapy.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the placebo effect of transurethral microwave thermotherapy (TUMT) in the treatment of benign prostatic enlargement (BPE). PATIENTS AND METHODS: A prospective, randomized sham-controlled study in 93 patients (mean age 65, range 50-88) was conducted at two centres comparing TUMT or a sham treatment. Patients randomized to receive sham treatment underwent the same initial procedure as for TUMT, but the complete procedure was simulated on the visual display with no application of microwave energy. If the patient's condition had not improved after 3 months, a second genuine TUMT treatment was given at the patient's request. RESULTS: After 3 months there were significant clinical and statistical differences in efficacy between the groups; 62% and 18% of patients had a > 50% improvement in symptom score in the treated and sham groups, respectively (P = 0.001). The corresponding changes in flow rate were 36% and 11% (P = 0.002), respectively. After 1 year, 63 patients were divided into those that had TUMT initially, those that had sham initially but subsequently had TUMT and those whose sham procedure had led to sufficient clinical improvement to require no further treatment. The two treated groups had a significant improvement over the sham group. CONCLUSION: The benefit from TUMT cannot be due to a placebo effect alone.

Responders and nonresponders to transurethral microwave thermotherapy: a multicenter retrospective analysis.

PURPOSE: We attempted to identify any parameter that could possibly lead to a successful treatment outcome after transurethral microwave thermotherapy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Clinical parameters and treatment profiles of 292 patients were analyzed in a retrospective multicenter manner. Responder and nonresponder groups were identified according to a given definition. RESULTS: No statistically significant differences in baseline characteristics were found. Responders showed a 76% symptomatic improvement rate compared to 27% in nonresponders, and an 82% improvement rate in peak flow compared to a 5% decrease in nonresponders. Responders also showed a significantly greater increase in posttreatment PSA level and a significantly greater amount of energy released during treatment. CONCLUSIONS: No baseline clinical parameter is capable of predicting treatment outcome.

Changes in pressure-flow parameters in patients treated with transurethral microwave thermotherapy.

PURPOSE: We document changes in pressure-flow study parameters in patients treated by transurethral microwave thermotherapy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Pressure-flow study tracings before and after therapy from 75 patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia were analyzed. Patients were stratified according to the predominant type of obstruction at screening (constrictive or obstructive). RESULTS: An improvement in Madsen score and flow rates was noted at 6 months in both groups. In contrast to compressive obstruction patients, however, those with constrictive obstruction also showed significant changes in pressure-flow study parameters, including detrusor pressure at maximum flow, maximum flow rate and urethral resistance factor. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with predominantly constrictive obstruction are the best candidates for microwave thermotherapy.

The prediction of clinical outcome from transurethral microwave thermotherapy by pressure-flow analysis: a European multicenter study.

A total of 100 patients treated with a single session of microwave thermotherapy at 4 European centers was stratified according to 2 different types of obstruction (constrictive and compressive) and compared to clinical outcome at 6 months. Patients had a Madsen-Iversen score of 8 or more, maximum flow rate of 15 ml. per second or less and residual urine volume of 300 ml. or less at entry. The change in Madsen-Iversen score was the same in the 2 groups. Maximum flow rate increased from 8.71 +/- 2.62 to 14.73 +/- 4.04 ml. per second in the constrictive group, and from 8.54 +/- 2.26 to 10.41 +/- 4.52 in the compressive group (p < or = 0.0001). Residual urine decreased from 96.00 +/- 72.85 to 40.34 +/- 56.33 ml. in the constrictive group and from 109.86 +/- 67.09 to 84.65 +/- 81.45 ml. in the compressive group (p < or = 0.0001). Success, as defined by an increase of 50% or more in maximum flow rate and Madsen-Iversen score, was noted in 68% of the constrictive but only 15% of the compressive groups (p < or = 0.0001 chi-square test for trend). Selection by pressure-flow criteria for patients being considered for thermotherapy should improve the overall clinical results.

Sham versus transurethral microwave thermotherapy in patients with symptoms of benign prostatic bladder outflow obstruction.

Transurethral microwave thermotherapy (TUMT) is a single-session, minimally invasive outpatient treatment for patients with symptoms of benign prostatic bladder outflow obstruction. We designed a prospective randomised trial to identify any placebo response. Patients with a Madsen symptom score over 8 for at least 6 months were eligible for study. Two measurements of urinary flow less than 15 mL/s and a residual urine of under 350 mL were also required for entry. Patients with renal dysfunction, upper urinary tract disease, co-existing bladder disease, and malignant prostatic change were excluded. 43 patients were studied: 21 were randomised to receive a sham treatment and 22 to thermotherapy. Sham treatments were done with the urethral applicator in situ. 40 patients were available for evaluation at 3 months. 2 patients had delayed follow-up and 1 patient randomised to TUMT has undergone transurethral resection. The thermotherapy group showed a 70% decrease (from 14.5 to 4.3) in the mean Madsen score, a 53% increase in flow-rate (8.5 to 13.0 mL/s), and 92% decrease in residual urine volume (147 to 12 mL). No significant change was seen in these mean indices in the sham group. There was no difference in the main complication of transient haematuria between the two groups. However, there was a 22% frequency of acute retention in the TUMT group. The results show little significant placebo component to the subjective and objective improvement that occurs in patients who have received TUMT.