Transurethral needle ablation of the prostate: outcome at 1 year

BACKGROUND: Urologists continue to search for alternatives to transurethral prostatectomy that carry a lower potential for complications. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Twenty-five patients on the public waiting list for transurethral resection of the prostate, all spontaneously voiding, underwent transurethral needle ablation of the prostate (TUNA). Eight patients had a simultaneous bladder neck incision (BNI). Follow-up with International Prostate Symptom Scores and flow rate measurement was performed at 6 weeks, 7 months, and 1 year. RESULTS: A statistically significant increase in flow rate and fall in symptom scores occurred out to 1 year after TUNA. Despite this result, six patients (24%) were not satisfied with their outcome and underwent a second endoscopic operation. CONCLUSION: In our hands, TUNA produced an unsatisfactory clinical result.