Bipolar radiofrequency thermotherapy treatment of the prostate in urinary catheter-dependent men

Objectives In this study, for the first time in the literature, we evaluated patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) who had undergone permanent urinary catheterization for urinary retention and who were treated with radiofrequency (RF) thermotherapy as an alternative method due to their inoperability based on the high risk associated with anesthesia. We aimed to investigate these patients' posttreatment parameters concerning the catheter-free rates, quality of life (QoL) changes, and retrospective treatment efficacy. Methods RF thermotherapy was applied to 62 permanent patients catheterized within the last 3 months due to urinary retention. The follow-up data of the patients were retrospectively analyzed. The patients who were free of catheters and those who required permanent catheterization were determined. The changes in the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), QoL, postvoiding residue (PVR), and maximal flow rate (Q(max)) values were analyzed. Results A total of 52 patients were evaluated in terms of treatment success in relation to the elimination of the need for a urinary catheter, which was calculated as 73.07%. The Q(max), IPSS, QoL, and PVR values of 38 patients who no longer required a catheter were monitored for 24 months, and statistically significant changes were observed in all parameters. Conclusion Bipolar RF thermotherapy was found to be beneficial for men dependent on catheters due to BPH. It can be recommended as a safe, minimally invasive treatment method for elderly patients with a high anesthesia risk.