Responders and non-responders to treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia with transurethral microwave thermotherapy.

One hundred and seventy two patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) were treated with transurethral microwave thermotherapy (TUMT) using Prostcare (Bruker Spectrospin). The treatment was performed with an effect of 52 W and a frequency of 915 MHz, which was generally well tolerated and no serious side effects were observed. In the majority of the patients there was an improvement of subjective symptoms with a significant decrease in Madsen and bothering scores after treatment. In the total patient group, Qmax and voided urine volume were increased slightly, but not statistically significantly. The patients were divided in responders and non-responders, based on Madsen symptom score after 3 months or if complementary treatments were necessary during the follow up period of one year. No significant differences between the groups were observed regarding pretreatment variables except that patients in the responder group experienced the treatment more painful than non-responders. Qmax in the responder group was significantly improved at 6 and 12 months follow up. PSA levels increased significantly after the treatment. Routine evaluation using flow rate, estimation of prostatic size, measurement of residual urine volume and cystoscopy does not give sufficient information for predicting treatment outcome.