Prostatic urethra: experimental dilation in dogs

Randomized clinical trial comparing balloon dilatation to transurethral resection of prostate for benign prostatic hyperplasia

To evaluate the effectiveness and clinical outcome of patients treated by balloon dilatation of the prostate (BDP) compared with transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) we performed a prospective, randomized clinical trial. Fifty-one men were randomized to either BDP or TURP. Both groups demonstrated a significant decrease in symptom score from preoperative levels (TURP 13.6 to 6.0 [p < 0.05]; BDP 14.1 to 8.1 [p < 0.01] at 1 year). The TURP group improved peak urinary flows; while, after initial improvement, the balloon group returned to pre-procedure levels. At twelve months 14 of 19 BDP patients (74%) and 14 of 18 TURP patients (78%) considered themselves improved. BDP results in symptomatic improvement; however, the effect may not persist. Objective improvement after BDP does not always occur. The morbidity of BDP is low and compares favourably to that of TURP. Thus BDP does not appear to be as effective as TURP and may offer only temporary relief of symptoms.

Transurethral balloon divulsion of prostate

Benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH) is the most common cause of urinary outflow obstruction. Transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) is the preferred treatment for symptomatic BPH and is considered the gold standard of treatment. Balloon dilatation of the prostate (TUBD), besides some criticism, represents a nonoperative treatment alternative for treatment of symptomatic BPH which is simple and safe. We describe the technique of TUBD, balloon technology, as well as advantages and disadvantages of balloon dilatation.

Nonsurgical, nonpharmacologic treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia

New treatment modalities are becoming available for benign prostatic hyperplasia. Permanent or temporary stenting of the prostatic urethra, balloon dilatation of the prostate, and hyperthermia and thermotherapy are in the forefront. None of the methods has found a definite place in the spectrum of indications. Prospective trials are needed to ascertain the safety, efficacy, and durability of results.

Interventional radiology of the lower urinary tract and its relationship to surgical treatment

Interventional radiological techniques of the lower genitourinary (GU) tract are large and varied and continue to expand because of technological advances and also because budgetary restraints are being placed on our medical society. This has stimulated continuous search for alternative ways of treating disease in a more cost-effective fashion. As a result, there has been an overall decrease in morbidity and mortality, as well as postprocedural incapacity. We review the most important and newest modalities and provide some background of the processes affecting the lower GU tract.

Balloon dilatation of the prostate: technique and early results

Fourteen men with outflow obstruction were treated by balloon dilatation of the prostatic urethra using 25 and 30 mm balloon catheters. Significant improvement in objective measurement of outflow obstruction was noted in only 2 patients.

Balloon dilatation for prostatic obstruction. Long-term follow-up

Balloon dilatation of the prostatic urethra may improve the uroflow in patients with benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH). In this study, patients were assigned blindly for balloon dilatation (5 men) or observation (3 men). A 36F balloon was inflated in the prostatic urethra with local anesthesia and fluoroscopic guidance for thirty minutes. The effects of the procedure were monitored during a two-year follow-up period. Two of the treated patients had improvement in uroflow and experienced stabilization of clinical symptoms. Two had no significant change in uroflow and required prostatectomy within the observation period. One required prostatectomy soon after dilatation. One of the 3 patients in the control group required prostatectomy in the two-year follow-up period and the other 2 continue to have obstructive symptoms. Although dilatation of the prostatic urethra by balloon may relieve some patients of urinary outflow obstruction due to BPH, it appears that a 36F balloon dilator does not produce dramatic or consistent results, and the effects of larger balloons should be evaluated.