Abstract
For many years, transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) has been the definitive treatment for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). However, TURP is considered rather invasive because about 20% of the patients develop significant complications within 10 years. With the development of microwave technology, minimally invasive procedures have been introduced in an attempt to decrease the morbidity experienced with TURP. Various studies reviewed in this article indicate that the outcome of microwave heat therapy for BPH and prostatic cancer is encouraging although further research is required to evaluate the long-term effectiveness and safety of this therapy. The authors conclude that, as microwave technologies improve in the near future, increased clinical utilization of this exciting method is expected.
