Microwave Hyperthermia for Chronic Prostatitis and Prostatodynia

Abstract

Prostatitis syndromes are relatively frequent problems seen by practising urologists. Acute and chronic bacterial prostatitis are caused mainly by gram-negative bacteria and require an appropriate, extended antimicrobial therapy. About 90% of men with prostatitis have nonbacterial prostatitis (NBP) or prostatodynia (PD), clinically characterized by a syndrome of chronic pelvic, perineal, ejaculatory pain associated with irritating or obstructive symptoms and psychological disturbances. In contrast to men with NBP, patients with PD have normally appearing expressed prostatic secretions (EPS) with no sign of an inflammatory process (Drach et al. 1978). As many as 25% of patients with PD, however, occasionally show excessive leukocytes in their EPS (Meares 1986). This suggests that NBP and PD are syndromes with numerous similarities, as demonstrated in common unclear etiologies and therapy resistance of both conditions. There are multiple hypotheses to explain their etiology, varying from infectious or inflammatory processes to neuromuscular and psychological dysfunctions; however, none of these is generally accepted (Orland et al. 1985). Numerous therapeutic approaches have been utilized, such as antibiotics, anti-inflammatory agents and α-blockers. Treatment results, however, have frequently been disappointing.