Minimally invasive treatment for benign prostatic hyperplasia: interstitial laser, TUNA, thermotherapy

Endoscopic resection is the "gold standard" to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia refractory to medical treatments, because it is effective and only relatively aggressive. In young patients or debilitated elderly patients, there is a place for so-called minimally invasive surgical treatments, consisting of three possibilities: interstitial laser, TUNA (transurethral needle ablation), and thermotherapy. The results of these last two techniques are very similar o those obtained by endoscopic resection, with virtually no complications. These treatments are performed on an outpatient basis and have no consequences for sexuality. Thermotherapy has also been approved by the FDA in the USA. In France, these treatments can only be used in the context of a clinical trial.