Evaluation of the Functional Outcomes After Bilateral, 3D Ultrasound-guided Focal Thermal Ablation of the Prostate Transition Zone, in Patients with Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia-related Obstruction

Transurethral resection of the prostate, laser vaporization or enucleation, and simple open prostatectomy represent the current gold standard surgical interventions for BPH-related obstruction. However, these treatments are burdened by their invasiveness, intra and post-operative morbidity, and long-term complications, including ejaculatory dysfunction (70%), urethral strictures (7%), urinary incontinence (2%), and bleeding. Laser-based surgical strategies have only partially overcome these drawbacks.

To provide a personalized therapy for the treatment of BPH related-symptoms, several minimally invasive surgical therapies (MISTs) were developed with the aim of achieving outcomes comparable to the gold standard invasive procedures while minimizing SD and other complications. Urolift implants and Rezum system have demonstrated less complication rate and hospitalization time than standard surgeries.

Recently, 3D ultrasound-guided transperineal focal microwave ablation (TMA) was developed as a focal treatment for localized prostate cancer. Ultrasound-MRI image fusion was performed with organ-based tracking-registration using KOELIS Trinity™ (Koelis, Meylan, France). Microwave thermal ablation was provided by the TATO generator (Biomedical Srl, Firenze, Italy) using a single 17G needle inserted transperineally. This treatment was reported to be safe, precise, and feasible in an outpatient setting.

Inclusion criteria

• Man over 40 years old
• Indication of surgical management for BPH
• Prostate volume ≥30 cc and ≤100 cc as evaluated by ultrasonography
• IPSS score ≥15
• Qmax ≤12 ml/s
• Affiliated to the French national social security system
• Patient suitable for IV sedation or general anesthesia and focal microwave ablation
• Wish and able to comply with planned visits
• Able to express his consent
• Signed informed consent form

Exclusion criteria

• Unwillingness to accept the treatment
• Neurological pathology responsible for micturition disorders
• History of prostatic surgery
• History of prostatic arterial embolization
• Prostate protrusion Index of grade 2 (>5 mm) or more as evaluated by ultrasonography.
• Stenosis of the urethra
• History of prostate cancer
• History of radiotherapy or pelvic surgery
• Life expectancy <2 years
• Inability to understand the informed consent document, to give consent voluntarily or to complete the study tasks.
• Participation in another clinical study involving an investigational product within 1 month before study entry.