WAVE improves urinary symptoms while sparing erectile function

This study examined the the effects of WAVE (water vapor energy ablation) – a new procedure to relieve urinary symptoms due to benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH). Researchers reported fast and lasting improvements in urinary symptoms with a low rate of side effects. 

BPH can lead to bothersome urinary symptoms that impact quality of life. Surgery is often required to remove the enlarged prostate tissue. However, many first-line surgical procedures are associated with side effects, often related to erectile and sexual function.   

Water vapor energy ablation (WAVE) has been recently developed as a less invasive alternative to treat BPH symptoms. WAVE uses water vapor delivered by a small needle to destroy prostate cells. This decreases blockages and improves the flow of urine. Early results are promising, but larger trials are needed to determine the safety and effectiveness of WAVE. 

This study included 197 men with moderate to severe BPH-related urinary symptoms. Men were randomly assigned to undergo either the WAVE procedure or a control procedure (bladder screening involving no active treatment). About half of the men included in each group had a history of erectile dysfunction. Treatment outcomes were followed for 12 months.

Urinary symptoms decreased by 51% at 3 months after treatment with WAVE compared to 19% for the control procedure. Urine flow rate and overall urinary symptom bother improved significantly with WAVE at 12 months compared to the control procedure.

Overall, no differences in erectile or ejaculatory function were noted between the two procedures at 3 months. Erectile or ejaculatory function 12 months after WAVE were also not significantly different compared to before treatment. No new cases of erectile dysfunction were observed after treatment with WAVE.

32% of men with a history of erectile dysfunction achieved an improvement in erectile function within the first 3 months of the WAVE procedure. 27% reported improved erectile function at 12 months. The remaining men indicated no change in erectile function.

Side effects were reported in 43.4% of men after the WAVE procedure and in 23% after the control procedure. Painful urination, blood in urine or sperm, urinary urgency and frequency, and urinary tract infections were the most commonly reported. Most side effects were considered mild and resolved within 3 weeks. No complications occurred during the WAVE procedure.

Researchers concluded that WAVE provides fast and lasting improvements in urinary symptoms without negative effects on erectile and ejaculatory function. 

This study was sponsored by NxThera, the medical device company providing WAVE technology.