Long-term results of three different minimally invasive therapies for lower urinary tract symptoms due to benign prostatic hyperplasia: Comparison at a single institute

Objective:  We analyzed the efficacy and durability of three different minimally invasive therapies (MIT) for lower urinary symptoms performed at a single institution based on a 5-year prospective cohort study.

Methods:  The pre- and postoperative evaluation was made in 103 patients with the following three MIT options: (i) transurethral microwave thermotherapy (TUMT, n = 34); (ii) transurethral needle ablation (TUNA, n = 29); and (iii) transrectal high intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU, n = 40).

Results:  All three treatments significantly improved the symptom scores up to 2 years after treatment. However, no statistical difference was observed in the efficacy between MIT. The percentage of men requiring the secondary treatment also showed no statistical differences. Cox's proportional hazards multivariate regression model revealed the baseline peak flow rate (Qmax) and total International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) but the types of MIT are independent significant factors for determining the long-term clinical results of MIT.

Conclusion:  Our data showed no statistical differences in either the efficacy or in the durability between the three MIT. The baseline Qmax and total IPSS are the significant factors for determining the long-term results of MIT.