Summary:
A new study has compared two common treatments for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH): transurethral microwave thermotherapy (TUMT) using the Prostatron version 2.5 and transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP). The study, which was randomized and controlled, found that while both treatments improved symptoms, TUMT with the Prostatron v2.5 did not effectively alleviate obstruction in patients with BPH. Additionally, patients who underwent TUMT with this specific software may experience ejaculatory dysfunction.
BPH is a common condition in older men where the prostate gland becomes enlarged, causing urinary symptoms such as frequent urination, weak urine flow, and difficulty starting or stopping urination. TUMT is a non-surgical procedure that uses microwaves to heat and destroy excess prostate tissue, while TURP involves surgically removing the excess tissue.
The study included 120 patients with BPH who were randomly assigned to receive either TUMT with the Prostatron v2.5 or TURP. The patients were followed up for 12 months after the treatment to assess their symptoms and any potential complications.
The results showed that both treatments significantly improved symptoms in the patients. However, TUMT with the Prostatron v2.5 did not effectively alleviate obstruction in the urinary tract, which is a common complication of BPH. This means that while patients may experience relief from their symptoms, they may still have difficulty with urination.
Additionally, the study found that patients who underwent TUMT with the Prostatron v2.5 were more likely to experience ejaculatory dysfunction compared to those who received TURP. This side effect should be taken into consideration when discussing treatment options with patients.
The researchers noted that the software used to control the TUMT procedure may have contributed to the lack of effectiveness in alleviating obstruction in the urinary tract. They suggest that further studies should be conducted to evaluate the role of software in the success of TUMT for BPH treatment.
In conclusion, while both TUMT with the Prostatron v2.5 and TURP improved symptoms in patients with BPH, the former may not effectively alleviate obstruction in the urinary tract. Patients should be informed of this potential complication and the possibility of ejaculatory dysfunction when considering TUMT as a treatment option for BPH. Further research is needed to determine the role of software in the success of TUMT.
Original Source: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9052467/
