RESUMEN
The effect of transurethral microwave thermotherapy [TUMT] in benign prostatic hyperplasia [BPH] was studied. Histopathological and elecrton microscopic studies included the prostate of 36 patients with BPH, submitted to TUMT [using prostatron-technomed]. In addition, a group of 10 patients with BPH and treated by transurethral prostatectomy [TURP] served as control. Microscopic examination showed a well preserved urethra, epithelial necrosis and marked congestion. Vasculitis and oedema of the prostatic tissue are common findings. Damage and disappearance of nerve fibers was observed using special nerve fibers stain. Electron microscopic study showed degeneration of smooth muscle fibers, coagulated necrosis of the prostatic acinar cells, collapse and disappearance of myelin sheath around the detected nerve axon. We concluded that application of TUMT produces nerve fiber and smooth muscle degeneration. A significant improvement in the symptoms in BPH patients after TUMT due mainly to nerve damage and impairment of smooth muscle tone