How do I treat and follow my TUNA patients

Transurethral needle ablation (TUNA) of the prostate is an alternative treatment for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) generating temperatures around 100 degrees C leading to necrotic lesions inside the prostate. TUNA is a minimally invasive, low morbidity associated, approach that uses radiofrequency energy. The needles are covered by teflon shields that protect the urethra from thermal injury. Since the introduction of TUNA, there has been a constant upgrading of the device to improve treatment quality. The main advantage of this therapy is the possibility of an outpatient care due to its anaesthesia-free option with a prostatic block. Catheterisation after the procedure is required in 10-40% of cases. Long-term data (5 years) on TUNA demonstrate a sustained improvement of both IPSS score and urinary flow. About a quarter of patients require further intervention at 5 years' follow-up. The safety profile, along with the significant improvement in both objective and subjective parameters observed after TUNA, makes it an attractive approach for symptomatic BPH.