Transurethral needle ablation (TUNA) is a recently approved technique which can be done with a local anesthetic on an outpatient basis, and uses radio frequency energy delivered through needles to kill excess prostate tissue. A catheter that deploys the needles toward the obstructing prostate tissue is inserted into the urethra before the procedure begins. Some clinical studies have reported that TUNA improves the urine flow with minimal side effects when compared with other procedures.

Note: this article contains text derived from the public domain document at http://www.pueblo.gsa.gov/cic_text/health/prost-change/benign.htm

Urology | Surgical procedures