Does transurethral thermotherapy induce a long-term alpha blockade? An immunohistochemical study.

10 patients underwent transurethral thermotherapy and after few days were submitted to open prostatectomy. The surgical specimens were compared to those of 2 other patients used as controls. Pathological specimens were evaluated using histological and immunohistochemical stains. Microscopic examination showed a well-preserved urethra and microabscesses, epithelial necrosis and vasculitis in the prostatic tissue at a depth of 0.5-2 cm from the urethral lumen. Immunohistochemical stains showed the damage and disappearance of nervous fibers.