Transurethral Radiofrequency Needle Ablation Of The Prostate

Transurethral radiofrequency needle ablation of the prostate (also known as TUNA or RFNA) of the prostate has been proposed as an alternative to transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) for treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Other alternatives include transurethral incision of the prostate, intraurethral stents, balloon dilation, heat therapy (e.g., microwave hyperthermia), high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU), roller ball transurethral vaporization of the prostate, and laser prostatectomy. The mechanism of TUNA is thermal coagulation necrosis. The TUNA procedure is performed under direct vision. The intraurethral components are contained in a sheath, including 2 flexible needles that are deployed into the lateral lobes of the prostate adenoma to a depth determined by transrectal ultrasound measurement. Each lobe is treated 2 to 4 times, and the procedure averages 30 minutes in length. <a id="