Transurethral prostatic thermotherapy with microwaves (prostatron system) in bladder obstruction secondary to benign prostatic hypertrophy

Since April, 1992, 178 patients with symptomatic benign prostatic hyperplasia were treated by TUMT (363 treatments). Before entering the study, all patients had a Madsen symptom score of > 8, peak flow rate of < 15 ml/s, or average flow rate of < 10 ml/s, and post voiding residual urine of < 300 ml/s. The prostatic length was classified into group I < 50 mm (101 patients) and group II < 50 mm (77 patients). TUMT with the Prostatron device (Technomed) was performed in one, two or three session(s) of one or two hour(s) with analgosedation and on an outpatient basis. After treatment all patients were catheterized for 1-3 weeks; the morbidity rate was very low. Three and six months after treatment, the Madsen symptom score, peak flow rate, average flow rate and postvoiding residual urine improved to a high statistical significance in both groups. TUMT for benign prostatic outflow obstruction proved to be an effective treatment throughout the study period, with minimum morbidity. It must be emphasized that the degree of prostatic enlargement or the severity of the symptoms does not indicate clinical success or failure. However, the degree of bladder outflow obstruction and the quality of treatment achieved are very important: a) In patients with severe obstruction, TURP or open surgery continues to be the treatment that affords rapid relief of their symptoms. b) The clinical response to TUMT is dose-dependent; i.e., higher thermal dose, longer session (2 h) and the use of different catheters enhance the therapeutic efficacy.     

Transurethral thermotherapy in the management of benign prostatic hyperplasia

To elucidate the intradialytic urea concentration gradients, we examined 26 hemodialysis patients wearing a double-lumen central venous catheter during their first or second fistula-punctured dialysis session. In 17 patients (group A), after 60 and 240 minutes of treatment with a mean blood flow of 196.4 +/- 9.9 mL/min, blood urea nitrogen (BUN) was measured in blood samples taken simultaneously from the central venous catheter, a vein in the arm opposite the access site, and the arterial and venous lines of the dialyzer. In 16 patients (group B), after 60 minutes of treatment with a mean blood flow rate of 197.5 +/- 12.3 mL/min, BUN was measured in blood samples taken from the dialyzer arterial line and then, after decreasing the blood flow to 50 to 60 mL/min for 1 minute, in samples taken from a vein in the arm opposite the access site, the central venous catheter, and the dialyzer arterial line. In group A, the mean BUN values in the dialyzer arterial line at 60 and 240 minutes were found to be 3.7% +/- 3.7% and 3.5% +/- 3.4% higher than the corresponding values in the central veins, respectively (P = NS between 60 and 240 minutes). In group B, after 1 minute of low blood flow, this difference was 1.5% +/- 2.4% (P = 0.06 compared with group A). The peripheral veins in group A patients at 60 and 240 minutes had 9.7% +/- 5.2% and 10.9% +/- 5.3% higher BUN values, respectively, compared with the central veins. This difference in group B patients after 1 minute of low blood flow was 6.8% +/- 4.2%. Urea access recirculation rate in group A, calculated by the classical three-samples method, was found to be 7.6% +/- 5.0% at 60 minutes and 9.9% +/- 5.8% at 240 minutes (P = NS). In group B, BUN values in the dialyzer arterial line after 1 minute of low blood flow increased significantly by 3.4% +/- 4.5% (P < 0.01). Our study shows that during conventional hemodialysis with a blood flow rate of 200 mL/min, urea concentration in the central veins is lower than in the dialyzer arterial line. This gradient after 1 minute of low-flow dialysis had a tendency to decrease. At the same time, however, the urea concentration gradient between the peripheral and central veins remained high, indicating that during conventional hemodialysis, intercompartmental disequilibrium plays a significant role in the arteriovenous gradient.     

Medical-economic models of benign prostatic hypertrophy

This article is designed to explain the importance of medico-economic models for evaluation of the impact of treatments of benign prostatic hyperplasia. The authors illustrate this approach by comparing two hypotheses: transurethral resection of the prostate versus watchful waiting using a Markov type of model. This model is able to simulate the probability of development of events such as transurethral resection of the prostate, acute urinary retention over a 40-year period by 3-month cycles. The model is also able to simulate the mean cost of management of a patient over this period. This type of model may appear slightly artificial and complicated, but it is the only model which could allow long-term simulations of the respective value of the various therapeutic strategies for BPH. This type of model is also evolutive, its performance is gradually improved as new data become available in the literature, allowing refinement of a number of hypotheses.     

The frequency of surgery of benign prostatic hypertrophy

OBJECTIVES: To calculate the incidence of surgical treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) in two French departments, Indre-et-Loire and C her, in order to deduce the incidence in France. METHODS: All patients operated for BPH by transurethral resection or transvesical prostatectomy were counted prospectively over a 6-month period by all surgeons of the Indre-et-Loire and Cher departments. Collection of case files was complete and based on BPH resection specimens sent to pathology. 506 patients were included in this survey. RESULTS: The mean age of the patients was 71.8 years. 78% of patients were operated by a private urologist, and 93% by a specialist urologist. The mean postoperative stay was 7.1 days and varied according to the patient's age, the weight of the prostate and the site of the operation (university hospital, private establishment and general hospital). This study allowed calculation of the annual incidence of surgery for BPH in these 2 departments: 822/100,000 men over the age of 50 years. The maximal incidence was observed during the 7th decade of life: 1,742/100,000. In our study, private urologists operated 76 patients for BPH per year. CONCLUSION: Extrapolation of these results to the French population indicates an annual incidence of surgery for benign prostatic hyperplasia in France of 776/100,000 men over the age of 50 years. On the basis of this incidence, an estimated 55,000 to 65,000 men are operated for BPH per year in France.     

Comparison of prostatic electro-vaporization and transurethral resection in the treatment of benign prostatic hypertrophy

The objectives of this study was to compare electrovaporization (EVAP) of the prostate to transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP). A prospective evaluation of 60 patients treated for benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH) was carried out between November 1994 and November 1996. Twenty five patients were treated with TURP and 35 patients with EVAP. All patients had a minimum 12 month follow-up. The results obtained were comparable in terms of surgical procedure time with a bloodless surgical field using EVAP. EVAP was advantageous in reducing the time with indwelling urinary catheter postoperatively and reducing hospital stay. At 12 month follow-up results of flow rates and symptom scores were similar for both TURP and EVAP. Reoperation rate for residual BPH in the EVAP group was higher than for TURP, suggesting that EVAP should probably be limited to smaller sized glands. This study suggests that EVAP is a viable alternative to TURP in selected patients. It requires no specialized equipment and may allow a reduction in catheterization and hospital stay.     

Transurethral thermotherapy of the prostate--a very promising treatment method for benign prostatic hyperplasia

Transurethral resection of the prostate remains the most common method for the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Due to unsatisfactory results in about 18% of the patients new methods to treat BPH have been developed. We evaluated 45 patients 6 and 12 months after transurethral microwave thermotherapy using the Prostatron device with Prostasoft 2.5 software. There was a significant improvement of the urinary symptoms and of the quality of life index from 18 to 9.5 and from 3.2 to 1.6 points, respectively. Urinary flow rate improved from 8.8 to 12.1 ml/sec and residual urine was reduced from 101 to 52 ml. The treatment was well tolerated and side effects were minimal. High-energy transurethral microwave thermotherapy is an effective and safe minimal invasive alternative to treat BPH in selected patients. As no anesthesia is required transurethral microwave thermotherapy can also be offered to high risk and elderly patients.     

Sexual function before and after transurethral microwave thermotherapy for benign prostatic hyperplasia

The authors describe a case of acute diverticulitis of the appendix presenting as an inflammatory mass in the right lower quadrant of the abdomen. The histologic and clinical findings are discussed. This uncommon condition may mimic acute appendicitis, but in most instances it departs from typical appendicitis for later age of appearance, more indolent clinical course and increased tendency to perforation. In these cases the disease may progress with subacute interstitial inflammation, with or without abscess formation, and present as a tumor-like mass of the cecum.     

Intraprostatic temperature monitoring during transurethral microwave thermotherapy for the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia

PURPOSE: We evaluated whether the results of transurethral microwave thermotherapy improve using high intraprostatic temperatures of 55C or greater. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We accrued 30 men 58 to 85 years old (mean age 69) from the waiting list for transurethral prostatic resection in whom maximum urinary flow was less than 13 ml. per second and Madsen score was greater than 8. According to the Abrams-Griffith nomogram all but 1 patient had obstruction. Before treatment 3 thin temperature probes, each containing 5 sensors in a row, were introduced into the prostate from the perineum and positioned using transurethral ultrasound guidance. The microwave power of the transurethral microwave thermotherapy equipment was set based on the actual temperature in the prostatic tissue. A temperature of at least 55C and often more than 60C was reached at the hottest spot. Treatment duration was 1 hour. Postoperatively an indwelling catheter remained in place for 2 weeks. Patients were followed for 6 months with the first followup after 3 months. RESULTS: At the 3-month followup mean maximum urinary flow had increased from 7.4 to 12.5 ml. per second and the mean Madsen score had decreased from 12.6 to 2.9. At the 6-month followup mean maximum urinary flow was 12.2 ml. per second and the mean Madsen score was 3.4. Using pressure-flow data we divided the patients into responders and nonresponders. In the 18 responders maximum urinary flow had increased from 7.2 to 14.6 ml. per second (103%), the Madsen score had decreased from 12.5 to 1.4 (89%) and detrusor pressure had decreased from 9.2 to 6 kPa. (35%). CONCLUSIONS: High energy transurethral microwave thermotherapy relieved bladder outlet obstruction in 60% of the patients and had a good effect on symptoms. Compared with a previous multicenter study with 40% responders, using the same criteria there were 60% responders in our series. Our results indicate that better control of intraprostatic temperature provides better results, approaching those after transurethral prostatic resection.     

Transurethral microwave thermotherapy for benign prostatic hyperplasia. Subjective response and urodynamic changes

Results of transurethral microwave thermotherapy for benign prostatic hyperplasia were good after 1 year in 68% of 66 cases. Despite good correlation between subjective assessment of results and improvement in urodynamic parameters, no predictive factors for probably successful outcome could be identified. Diminution in frequency of micturition (diurnal from 8.8 to 6.8 times, nocturnal from 3.0 to 1.6 times), increased flow rates (Q max from 8.8 to 14.2 ml/s) and reduction of detrusor pressures during voiding (Pdet max from 86.9 to 75.0 cm H2O) were significant, but the change in residual volume (from 52 to 37 ml) was of lesser degree (all mean values). Transurethral microwave thermotherapy can be tried for relief of moderate obstruction when transurethral prostatic resection involves risk, or the patient himself requests noninvasive treatment.     

The predictive value of baseline variables in the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia using high-energy transurethral microwave thermotherapy

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the combination of patient age, prostate size, grade of outlet obstruction and total amount of energy, all independent predictive variables of treatment outcome in patients with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) and benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) treated with high-energy transurethral microwave thermotherapy (HE-TUMT), and thus provide nomograms for predicting treatment outcome after HE-TUMT. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between October 1993 and July 1996, 247 patients with LUTS and BPH were treated with HE-TUMT using the Prostatron device, software version 2.5 (EDAP Technomed, Lyon, France). The World Health Organisation Response Evaluation Criteria were used to evaluate the outcome. Patient age, prostate volume, total amount of energy and grade of outlet obstruction were categorized using the Akaike information criterion (AIC). The probabilities of a good/intermediate vs a poor response at 26 weeks according to the AIC were calculated. RESULTS: Nomograms are presented providing the estimated probability (95% confidence interval) for a good/intermediate response of the evaluation of the International Prostate Symptom Score at 26 weeks by categories of prostate volume, total amount of TUMT energy and age, and of maximum urinary flow rate by categories of bladder outlet obstruction (linear passive urethral resistance ratio, linPURR) and total amount of energy, and of linPURR by categories of prostate volume and total amount of energy. The total amount of energy appeared to have the most impact in the prediction of good/intermediate and poor response in all three response evaluation criteria. CONCLUSIONS: These nomograms may assist urologists in making clinical recommendations for the treatment of men with LUTS and BPH using HE-TUMT.     

Immunohistochemical analysis of beta-tubulin isotypes in human prostate carcinoma and benign prostatic hypertrophy

This paper is devoted to the practical aspects of pediatric nuclear medicine, particularly the controversy about drug sedation. The authors conclude that drug sedation should be exceptionally used. There is an alternative way, consisting in an adequate approach of the patient: good information to the parents and the child; taking care of the child's environment, starting from the first contacts in the waiting room; specific education of technologists: this includes injections and blood sampling, but also proper handling of the child during the procedure and adequate psychological attitudes toward child and parents. Taking these factors into account, it is exceptional that a test has to be postponed because of the lack of collaboration of the patient; good quality images, using the recommended paediatric amounts of radioactivity can be achieved even for procedures of prolonged duration.     

Transurethral microwave thermotherapy: what role should it play versus medical management in the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia?

Both transurethral microwave thermotherapy (TUMT) and medical management by alpha-blockade or 5-alpha-reductase inhibition are increasingly being considered as alternatives to surgery for treatment of patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). We review current evidence supporting the effectiveness and safety of TUMT and medical management. Factors for consideration in appropriately selecting patients for TUMT versus medical management are suggested. Available data indicate that TUMT confers greater long-term benefits than medical management as judged by symptom score and peak urinary flow rate improvements. TUMT-associated morbidity is comparatively low. Alpha-blockade affords more rapid relief than TUMT for patients with BPH; however, other strategies such as the use of temporary intraurethral endoprostheses during the acute post-TUMT recovery period may diminish or abolish the differences in time-course of symptom and flow rate improvement between TUMT and alpha-blockade. 5-Alpha-reductase inhibition with finasteride offers a favorable side-effect profile, although the magnitude of symptom and flow rate improvements is modest, and maximal effects of finasteride do not become manifest until after several months of treatment. As TUMT continues to evolve, increasing attention is being accorded the delivery of high thermal doses and precise targeting of the thermal energy delivered. The development of alpha-blockers with a more favorable side-effect profile continues to be a major focus of investigation. The potential clinical utility of combination therapy with TUMT and alpha-blockade is currently under investigation.     

A cost-effectiveness analysis of transurethral resection of the prostate and transurethral microwave thermotherapy for treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia: two-year follow-up

The clinical course and prognosis of ulcerative colitis was studied in a group of 413 Greek patients. The study lasted for 16 years and follow-up was achieved in 95% of the patients. Both sexes were almost equally affected, mainly between the ages of 40-49. Most of the patients lived in cities and had high educational levels. Familial clustering for inflammatory bowel disease was found in 2.7% of the patients. In most of them the disease was confined to the rectosigmoid area or left bowel and was of mild to moderate severity. The disease course included exacerbations--mainly of mild to moderate severity--and remissions. Mortality was absent during first attack, and it was generally low at the completion of the study. Excluding deaths caused by colorectal cancer, most of the deaths were unrelated to the ulcerative colitis itself. Unusual combinations of ulcerative colitis with other diseases, including diseases of autoimmune origin, were noted. There were no differences between men and women in the various clinicoepidemiologic parameters or in the course of the disease. Surgery was performed in 16.7% of patients, whereas surgery at first attack was required in 0.5%. In comparison with the nonoperated group, patients who were operated on were significantly younger at the time of onset of symptoms and had significantly more extensive disease. Factors prognostic of severe attacks and colectomy were extensive disease, young age at onset, and severe recurrences. Evolution to cancer was observed in 1.45%, whereas extraintestinal cancers also appeared in 1.5%. At the completion of the follow-up period, 5.8% of the patients were dead, 16% had only one attack, 2.7% experienced continuous symptoms, whereas in 58.8% of them, the disease course included exacerbations and remissions. On the basis of the outcome of severe attacks and the more favorable short-term prognosis, it could be argued that ulcerative colitis in Greece runs a milder course compared with that of other developed countries in Western Europe and North America.     

Errors in the diagnosis of benign prostatic hyperplasia

Monitor blood glucose level before, during and for up to 24 hours after exercise. Ensure refined carbohydrate snack is taken prior to exercise. Reduce insulin dosage if possible. Inject insulin away from any exercising muscle. Remember that glycogen stores are replenished in two phases: immediately after the exercise and two to three hours later. These are the key risk times for hypoglycaemia. If blood glucose control is poor (14 mmol/litre or higher) prior to exercise, the 'stress' effect of the exercise may cause further increases in the blood sugar level unless control is achieved.