Interstitial Radiofrequency Therapy of the Prostate: Results of a Pilot Study

AbstractPurpose: We assessed the feasibility of using interstitial radiofrequency therapy for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) in 50 patients.Materials and Methods: Therapy was given using a standard diathermy unit as the radiofrequency generator and a disposable needle electrode. The main outcome measure was improvement in symptoms assessed by symptom scores.Results: Patients with bothersome symptoms or acute retention showed clinically significant improvements in symptom score, while those with chronic retention did not. There were no serious complications.Conclusions: Interstitial radiofrequency therapy may be effective for symptomatic BPH. Further studies with long-term objective data are under way to assess its role in the management of BPH.