Search Our Scientific Publications & Authors

World J Urol 2022 May 2;40(5):1185-1193. Epub 2022 Feb 2.

Department of Population Health Sciences, Weill Cornell Medical College/New York Presbyterian, New York, NY, USA.

Objectives: To assess the differences in surgical outcomes between the prostatic urethral lift (PUL) and previous thermal energy procedures for the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).

Methods: We present an observational population-based study of 2694 men with BPH in New York State and California who received PUL, transurethral needle ablation (TUNA), or transurethral microwave therapy (TUMT) in outpatient and ambulatory surgery settings from 2005 to 2018. For these surgical procedures, short-term outcomes were reported and compared using a Chi-square test and mixed-effect logistic regressions. Read More

BJU Int 2021 Nov 25. Epub 2021 Nov 25.

Urology Section, Minneapolis VA Health Care System, Minneapolis, MN, USA.

Objective: To assess the comparative effectiveness and ranking of minimally invasive treatments (MITs) for lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) in men with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).

Materials And Methods: We searched multiple databases up to 24 February 2021. We included randomized controlled trials assessing the following treatments: convective radiofrequency water vapour thermal therapy (WVTT; or Rezūm); prostatic arterial embolization (PAE); prostatic urethral lift (PUL; or Urolift); temporary implantable nitinol device (TIND); and transurethral microwave thermotherapy (TUMT) compared to transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) or sham surgery. Read More

Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2021 07 15;7:CD013656. Epub 2021 Jul 15.

Department of Urology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA.

Background: A variety of minimally invasive treatments are available as an alternative to transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) for management of lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) in men with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). However, it is unclear which treatments provide better results.

Objectives: Our primary objective was to assess the comparative effectiveness of minimally invasive treatments for lower urinary tract symptoms in men with BPH through a network meta-analysis. Read More

World J Mens Health 2022 Jan 4;40(1):127-138. Epub 2021 Aug 4.

Urology Section, Minneapolis VA Health Care System, Minneapolis, MN, USA.

Purpose: To assess the effects of transurethral microwave thermotherapy (TUMT) for the treatment of lower urinary tract symptoms in men with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).

Materials And Methods: We performed a comprehensive search using multiple databases up to May 2021, with no language or publication status restrictions. We included parallel-group randomized controlled trials of participants with BPH who underwent TUMT. Read More

J Endourol 2022 01 1;36(1):117-123. Epub 2021 Nov 1.

Hackensack Meridian Health Bayshore Medical Center, Holmdel, New Jersey, USA.

Prolieve transurethral thermodilatation (TUTD) is the only third-generation transurethral microwave thermotherapy (TUMT) device that incorporates balloon dilation/compression of the prostatic urethra with cooled TUMT, at ≤50 W power. We evaluated its 5-year efficacy in the treatment of symptomatic benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) in an open-label prospective multicenter trial. Eligible patients with American Urological Association symptom index score (AUASS) ≥9, peak urine flow rate (Qmax) <12 mL/s, and prostate size 20-80 g without obstructing median lobe were enrolled. Read More

Med Sci Monit 2021 Jul 8;27:e931597. Epub 2021 Jul 8.

Department of Urology, Hospital of the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Administration, Szczecin, Poland.

BACKGROUND One treatment option for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is transurethral microwave thermotherapy (TUMT). Unfortunately, TUMT has been increasingly marginalized recently. The aim of this study was to evaluate erectile function and urinary symptoms in patients after TUMT for BPH and compare the results with those of patients on pharmacological treatment for BPH. Read More

World J Urol 2022 Apr 2;40(4):889-905. Epub 2021 Jul 2.

Department of Urology, University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine, Miami, USA.

Purpose: To evaluate and provide a comprehensive literature review of Prostate specific antigen (PSA) dynamics after various surgical procedures for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).

Methods: A thorough PubMed database search was performed over last 30 years including terms "PSA" and various surgical procedures for BPH. PSA nadir after various procedure was evaluated. Read More

Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2021 06 28;6:CD004135. Epub 2021 Jun 28.

Urology Section, Minneapolis VA Health Care System, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA.

Background: Transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) has been the gold-standard treatment for alleviating urinary symptoms and improving urinary flow in men with symptomatic benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). However, the morbidity of TURP approaches 20%, and less invasive techniques have been developed for treating BPH. Transurethral microwave thermotherapy (TUMT) is an alternative, minimally-invasive treatment that delivers microwave energy to produce coagulation necrosis in prostatic tissue. Read More

Curr Drug Targets 2021 ;22(1):4-13

Department of Urology, Martha-Maria Hospital Nuremberg, Nuremberg, Germany.

Our aim was to provide a narrative review regarding the prevalence, the associated pathophysiologic pathways and the potential management methods of sexual dysfunction related to ablative surgical techniques for Benign Prostatic Enlargement (BPE). Men suffering from BPE are at high risk of sexual dysfunction due to the disease itself, comorbidities, and pharmacological/surgical treatments. Transurethral resection of the prostate, as the gold standard treatment option for BPE, has historically been associated with relatively high rates of postoperative sexual dysfunction problems, mainly retrograde ejaculation but also erectile dysfunction. Read More

J Urol 2020 10 23;204(4):799-804. Epub 2020 Jul 23.

UCSD School of Medicine, La Jolla, California.

Purpose: The AUA Guideline panel provides evidence-based recommendations for the surgical management of male lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) secondary to benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).

Materials And Methods: The Panel amended the Guideline in 2020 to reflect additional literature published through September 2019. When sufficient evidence existed, the Panel assigned the body of evidence a strength rating of A (high), B (moderate), or C (low) for support of Strong, Moderate, or Conditional Recommendations. Read More

Cent European J Urol 2019 26;72(2):149-155. Epub 2019 Apr 26.

Consultant Urological Surgeon (Endourology Lead), University Hospital Southampton, NHS Trust Southampton, United Kingdom.

Introduction: Research for management of benign prostate obstruction (BPO) for adult males remains a cornerstone of urology research. This landscape has witnessed the rise and fall of multiple therapies, both surgical and medical. Our aim was to formally evaluate the publication trends for these interventions over the past 20 years. Read More

Urology 2017 Aug 12;106:160-166. Epub 2017 May 12.

Department of Urology, Kaiser-Franz-Josef Hospital, Vienna, Austria.

Objective: To assess the mid- to long-term placebo effect of the medical and instrumental management of male lower urinary tract symptoms. This is generally a long-term treatment strategy. Therefore, knowledge on the mid- to long-term placebo effect is of considerable interest. Read More

BMJ Clin Evid 2015 Aug 27;2015. Epub 2015 Aug 27.

Department of Urology, Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, US.

Introduction: Chronic prostatitis can cause pain and urinary symptoms, and can occur either with an active infection (chronic bacterial prostatitis [CBP]) or with only pain and no evidence of bacterial causation (chronic pelvic pain syndrome [CPPS]). Bacterial prostatitis is characterised by recurrent urinary tract infections or infection in the prostate with the same bacterial strain, which often results from urinary tract instrumentation. However, the cause and natural history of CPPS are unknown and not associated with active infection. Read More

Surg Technol Int 2015 May;26:182-9

School of Public Health and Technomics Research, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN.

Objectives: Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) can cause lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS). Medications are first line treatment for mild-moderate BPH. Office-based minimally invasive therapies (MITs) are also acceptable early treatment options but comparisons of MIT to medications are limited. Read More

Scand J Urol 2014 Aug 12;48(4):374-8. Epub 2014 Feb 12.

Department of Urology, Institute of Clinical Sciences, The Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg , Göteborg , Sweden.

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate cell kill accuracy and responder rate when using injections of intraprostatic mepivacaine and adrenaline (MA) before high-energy microwave thermotherapy (HE-TUMT).

Material And Methods: This retrospective evaluation encompassed 283 treatments in men with lower urinary tract symptoms or urinary retention due to benign prostatic hyperplasia. They were treated consecutively during 2003-2008 using HE-TUMT with a feedback technique. Read More

Acta Chir Iugosl 2014 ;61(1):75-80

Background: Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and chronic prostatitis (CP) are disorders with high prevalence and have a great impact on overall morbidity in men. The patients that do not respond to medical therapy for lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) related to BPH are candidates for surgery. However, the number of men with BPH/LUTS seeking for non-surgical, or for less invasive treatment is growing. Read More

Scand J Urol 2014 Jun 9;48(3):290-4. Epub 2013 Oct 9.

Department of Urology, Frederiksberg Hospital , Frederiksberg , Denmark.

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate transurethral microwave thermotherapy (TUMT) in the treatment of chronic urinary retention due to benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) in patients unsuitable for surgery.

Material And Methods: The study enrolled 124 patients with chronic urinary retention due to BPH. The median age was 80 years (61-92 years). Read More

Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2012 Sep 12(9):CD004135. Epub 2012 Sep 12.

General InternalMedicine 111GIM, New Mexico VA Health Care System, Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA.

Background: Transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) has been the gold-standard treatment for alleviating urinary symptoms and improving urinary flow in men with symptomatic benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). However, the morbidity of TURP approaches 20%, and less invasive techniques have been developed for treating BPH. Preliminary data suggest that microwave thermotherapy, which delivers microwave energy to produce coagulation necrosis in prostatic tissue, is a safe, effective treatment for BPH. Read More

Curr Opin Urol 2012 Jan;22(1):16-21

New York University School of Medicine, NYU, New York, New York, USA.

Purpose Of Review: Transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) has long been held as the gold standard for treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH); however, there has been significant innovation in other less invasive alternative treatments for BPH in recent years. BPH treatment guidelines now recommend minimally invasive therapy be considered as a treatment option alongside TURP and medical management. Our purpose is to review the current evidence supporting the safety, effectiveness, and durability of transurethral microwave thermotherapy (TUMT) as a minimal invasive technique. Read More

Urologia 2011 Jul-Sep;78(3):171-5

Unità Operativa di Urologia, Az.Usl Parma, Italy.

Microwaves are electromagnetic radiations with wavelengths ranging from 300 MHz (0.3 GHz) and 300 GHz. Microwaves treatment reduces prostate tissue using the heat produced by microwaves. Read More

Arch Ital Urol Androl 2011 Jun;83(2):83-7

Department of Emergency and Organ Transplantation, Urology, Andrology and Kidney Transplantation Unit, University of Bari, Italy.

Objectives: High-energy transurethral microwave thermotherapy (HE-TUMT) has become one of the most preferred minimally invasive procedure for the treatment of benign prostatic enlargement (BPE). In this study we report the long term results in a subset of patients treated with the 30-minute high energy protocol.

Patients And Methods: A total of 135 patients were treated with TUMT Prostasoft 3. Read More

Med Devices (Auckl) 2011 9;4:27-33. Epub 2011 Feb 9.

Department of Urology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem NC, USA.

The Spanner™ stent was first used in patients to relieve bladder outlet obstruction (BOO), and has recently been used in patients following transurethral microwave thermotherapy and men unfit for surgical intervention. We review the current literature on the role of the Spanner stent in treating prostatic obstruction compared to previously reported cases involving the use of temporary stents. The Spanner stent has been found to be successful in treating patients with bladder outlet obstruction from benign prostatic hyperplasia and following high-energy transurethral microwave thermotherapy (TUMT). Read More

Prog Urol 2010 Sep 29;20(8):566-71. Epub 2010 Jun 29.

Service d'urologie, hôpital Cochin Port-Royal, 27, rue du Faubourg-Saint-Jacques, 75014 Paris, France.

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a common disease affecting a large proportion of men older than 50 years. There are multiple treatment options for BPH including medications, minimally invasive options such as transurethral needle ablation (Tuna) and transurethral microwave therapy (TUMT), and more invasive options such as transurethral laser vaporization and transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP). The minimally invasive options induce thermal injury to the BPH adenoma with a lower risk of permanent side effects than TURP. Read More

Can J Urol 2010 Aug;17(4):5249-54

Department of Urology, New York University Hospital, New York, New York 10016, USA.

Background: Transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) has been the gold standard of the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). In recent years there has been a significant shift in the treatment of BPH and guidelines emphasize minimally invasive surgery as a new treatment option. Minimal invasive technologies (MITs), such as transurethral microwave thermotherapy (TUMT), laser ablations, transurethral needle ablation (TUNA) have emerged as an alternative to the TURP. Read More

Asian J Androl 2010 Jul 17;12(4):500-8. Epub 2010 May 17.

Division of Urology, University of Texas Medical School at Houston, Houston, TX 77030, USA.

A systematic review of randomized controlled trials and cohort studies was conducted to evaluate data for the effects of minimally invasive procedures for treatment of symptomatic benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) on male sexual function. The studies searched were trials that enrolled men with symptomatic BPH who were treated with laser surgeries, transurethral microwave therapy (TUMT), transurethral needle ablation of the prostate (TUNA), transurethral ethanol ablation of the prostate (TEAP) and high-intensity frequency ultrasound (HIFU), in comparison with traditional transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) or sham operations. A total of 72 studies were identified, of which 33 met the inclusion criteria. Read More

BJU Int 2010 Apr;105(8):1141-6

Department of Urology, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.

Objectives: To determine the role of treatment-associated improvement in nocturia in health-related quality of life (HRQL) in patients with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) suggestive of benign prostatic hyperplasia, and secondarily to confirm the role of nocturia in HRQL at baseline and to compare the effects of watchful waiting, transurethral microwave treatment (TUMT) and transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) to those of α1-adrenoceptor antagonists (α-blockers) on nocturia.

Patients And Methods: We retrospectively analysed using multiple regression a large single-centre database of patients receiving routine care for treatment-associated alterations of symptoms and HRQL (assessed at baseline, 2611 men) and 6-12 months after initiation of treatment (1258 men).

Results: Among the symptoms assessed using the International Prostate Symptom Score, nocturia (together with urgency and weak stream) had the strongest correlation with HRQL at baseline and after treatment. Read More

Urologe A 2010 Jan;49(1):113-26

Urologische Klinik und Poliklinik, Klinikum Grosshadern, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, 81377, München, Deutschland.

The surgical treatment options available today for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) can take various forms and often follow a course of pharmacological therapy. In addition to conventional transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) and its modifications (bipolar resection), which has represented the standard therapeutic option for decades, the focus of research and clinical application has shifted to alternative so-called "minimally invasive" instrumental techniques, such as transurethral microwave therapy (TUMT) and, particularly more recently, to the different laser-assisted techniques. By reviewing the current literature, preferably from randomized controlled trials, critical appraisals of the individual procedures are made. Read More

Minerva Urol Nefrol 2009 Sep;61(3):269-89

Division of Urology, University of Texas Medical School at Houston, Houston, TX 77030, USA.

Unlabelled: Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a chronic and often progressive condition, affecting the majority of men by the seventh decade of life. The historical gold standard has been transurethral resection of prostate (TURP), an effective procedure still associated with risk of bleeding, TUR syndrome, and need for general anesthetic and hospitalization. Minimally Invasive Surgical Techniques aim to address these limitations by offering lower morbidity, reducing hospitalization, and increasing convenience. Read More

Minerva Urol Nefrol 2009 Sep;61(3):257-68

Department of Urology, Canisius Wilhemina Hospital, Nijmegen, The Netherlands.

Last decade several new treatment modalities for minimal invasive therapy of benign prostatic hyperplasia have been developed, both ablative and non-ablative. In this review the authors describe the different techniques and clinical studies of bipolar transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP), transurethral resection in saline (TURis), the different laser therapies for the prostate, transurethral microwave thermotherapy (TUMT), high intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU), transurethral needle ablation (TUNA), hot water induced thermotherapy (WIT), prostatic stents, intraprostatic ethanol injections and botulinum toxin A injections. The different bipolar systems and photoselective vaporisation might replace the ''gold standard'', monopolar TURP, in the near future. Read More