Alternative minimally invasive methods treating benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH) have become more and more important. Transurethral needle ablation (TUNA^TM) has been demonstrated to be effective in both canine and the human prostate. The goal of our study was to prove the safety, feasibility and tolerance of this new procedure. In this prospective nonrandomized study, 33 patients underwent TUNA^TM-treatment. One, 3 and 6 months postoperatively, follow-up examinations were carried out assessing urodynamic parameters such as urinary flow rates, residual urine levels, and IPSS-scores. During the last visit additional cystomanometry and urethrocystoscopy were done. Six months postoperatively IPSS-score and residual urine volumes were decreased by 50% (range: 1–72%) and 75% (range: 12–97%). Improvement in maximum flow rate was 63% (range: 5–125%). No serious postoperative complications occurred. After a short ‘learning period’ most of the treatments where performed as an out-patient-procedure so the patients could leave the hospital without the need for indwelling catheters. The TUNA^TM appears to be a minimally invasive and safe out-patient procedure for the treatment of selected cases of BPH.

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