[Benign prostatic hypertrophy. Treatment using local hyperthermia].

The authors have used local hyperthermia in the treatment of benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH). The "Promeditech" device consists of a computer-controlled microwave hyperthermia system which warms up the prostate through a probe inserted into the rectum. Forty-three patients aged from 57 to 81 years were treated. All presented with severe voiding symptoms and were considered for surgery. Treatment was applied once a weeks for 5 weeks without anaesthesia and on an out-patient basis. At each session, hyperthermia was maintained at 42.5 to 43.5 degrees C for 60 minutes. Objective and subjective criteria for treatment were: post-voiding residual volume, voided volume, maximum flow rate and frequency, urgency, dysuria and nocturia respectively. These parameters were determined for all patients before and after treatment. Results were evaluated at 3 months and 6 months. Objective improvement was observed in 45 p. 100 of the patients, and subjective improvement in 58 p. 100. In 4 out of 5 patients fitted with an in-dwelling catheter for more than 3 months, it was possible to remove the catheter. This procedure must be more widely tested, but it seems to be particularly appropriate for two kinds of patients: those who do not accept retrograde ejaculation and those who are considered poor surgical risks.