Transurethral microwave thermotherapy versus transurethral resection for symptomatic benign prostatic obstruction: a prospective randomized study with a 2‐year follow‐up

OBJECTIVE: To compare the outcome of transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) and transurethral microwave thermotherapy (TUMT) on symptomatic benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). PATIENTS AND METHODS: Patients with symptomatic BPH were treated by either TURP (32 patients; mean age 70 +/- 6 years) or TUMT (37 patients; mean age 67 +/- 9 years) and assessed using the Madsen-Iversen symptom score, measurements of urinary free flow rate and post-void residual urine volume, digital rectal examination, transrectal ultrasonography, cystometry and pressure-flow measurement, ultrasonography or intravenous pyelography (IVP) of the upper urinary tract, urine analysis and routine blood chemistry including serum prostate-specific antigen (PSA) level. Examinations were repeated at fixed intervals for up to 24 months after treatment. RESULTS: After both TURP and TUMT there was an improvement in symptom score, residual urine volume, free flow rate and infravesical obstruction. The improvements of free flow rate and obstruction were more pronounced after TURP. Serious complications, such as bleeding requiring a re-operation, occurred only in patients who underwent TURP. CONCLUSION: Satisfactory results were obtained after both treatments and the improvements with either treatment lasted for at least 24 months.